Analysis: Palmeiras respond after Fifa break, show strength as leaders | OneFootball

Palmeiras showed they made the most of the 11-day break to prepare for the clash against Grêmio. The green-and-white side beat the team from Rio Grande do Sul 2-1, with two goals from Marlon Freitas, on Thursday night in the ninth round of the Brazilian Championship, delivering a positive response after the FIFA international break.

During the preparation period, Abel Ferreira’s coaching staff had to deal with major absences. In all, eight players were away on international duty: Gustavo Gómez, Mauricio, Ramón Sosa, Jhon Arias, Emiliano Martínez, Piquerez, Flaco López, and Giay.

With the exception of Piquerez, who suffered an ankle injury, underwent surgery, and was ruled out, all the others were available for the match. Without the Uruguayan full-back, Jefté was chosen to start, while Arthur got minutes after coming on for the number 6 during the game.

Giay, Mauricio, Jhon Arias, and Flaco López started the match. Sosa came on in the second half, but Gustavo Gómez and Emiliano Martínez were not used by the coaching staff.

Palmeiras show their strength to stay top

From the opening minutes, Palmeiras played with intensity and moved the ball well from foot to foot. Despite controlling the game, the team struggled with the final pass and creating clearer chances. Even so, they stayed patient and broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute of the first half, when Marlon Freitas scored with a header to send Verdão into the break ahead.

Marlon Freitas shines on an inspired night

With the attack not at its sharpest, it was up to the midfielder to take on the leading role. Scoring both goals in the match, Marlon Freitas enjoyed a prolific night and proved decisive in the result.

In the second half, Grêmio came back pressing for an equalizer, which arrived in the eighth minute. Carlos Vinícius got on the end of a ball played between the defenders and found the net past Carlos Miguel. Palmeiras still had a few scares, but managed to regain control of the game.

In the 27th minute, after a good move down the right, Felipe Anderson crossed into the box, the Grêmio defense failed to clear properly, and Marlon Freitas hit a powerful first-time shot from the edge of the area to score the winner and secure all three points.

Palmeiras standings

With the result, Palmeiras maintained their three-point lead at the top of the Brazilian Championship and moved to 22 points, three more than Fluminense. The win over Grêmio also marked Palmeiras’ fourth consecutive victory in the competition.

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Palmeiras’ next match

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