Allan makes impact off the Palmeiras bench, eyes starting spot against LDU | OneFootball

On the eve of the decisive clash against LDU, for the return leg of the Libertadores semifinal, Abel Ferreira still faces a dilemma in choosing the midfield lineup for Palmeiras. A strong candidate for a starting position is Allan, who has been standing out as a sort of 12th player for the team.

The 21-year-old midfielder is experiencing one of his best moments with the green and white jersey in 2025. He has played in 11 consecutive matches, with two assists and consistent performances, despite having been a starter in only one of those occasions. His versatility, playing as an attacking midfielder, left winger, or second defensive midfielder, is an asset.

Abel has doubts about the team lineup

The uncertainty in the midfield intensified with the injury of Aníbal Moreno, who is recovering from a left calf edema. Although he was on the bench in the first leg, the midfielder was not fit to play. On that occasion, Emiliano Martínez was chosen to start but had a lackluster performance in the 3-0 defeat in Quito. Aníbal has returned to training with the squad, participating in only part of the session and is still doubtful.

In the following match against Cruzeiro, Bruno Fuchs was chosen to play as the first defensive midfielder. Since Lucas Evangelista's surgery, Palmeiras has been seeking alternatives to maintain balance in the midfield. Raphael Veiga and Mauricio were tested but did not consistently impress.

Finally, in this scenario, Allan emerges as a viable solution for Thursday's duel. This year, the Academy product has accumulated 47 games, two goals, and two assists.

Match situation

LDU only needs a draw at Palmeiras' home. In the first leg, the Ecuadorian team secured a significant advantage with a 3-0 victory. Verdão needs at least a three-goal win to take the decision to penalties or a four-goal or more victory to advance in regular time.

Next Palmeiras match

Palmeiras vs. LDU-EQU Competition: Libertadores (Return leg of the semifinal) Date and time: October 30, 2025 (Thursday), at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) Location: Allianz Parque, São Paulo (SP)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.