Defender eyes first Palmeiras final, unfazed by title pressure | OneFootball

The women's team of Palmeiras takes the field this Thursday to decide the final of the Copa do Brasil in their category, against Ferroviária. Defender Giovanna Campiolo, who will have the chance to play her first final wearing the Palmeiras jersey, dismissed the pressure to win an unprecedented title and sees the team well-prepared for the match.

“I don't believe there's pressure, but rather a great opportunity to bring this unprecedented title to Palmeiras, as we've done a great job so far and now we just have to continue to aim for a good crowning and fulfill one of our season's objectives. We are confident and well-prepared for this final stretch,” she said.

Palmeiras and Ferroviária face off starting at 3:30 PM (Brasília time), at Arena Fonte Luminosa, in Araraquara (SP). The home field was determined by a draw by the CBF.

Campiolo had a long period away from the field

Gi Campiolo joined Palmeiras in 2024, but did not play in the final of that year's Paulista Championship, when the Palestrinas won the title over Corinthians. In September of last year, the 29-year-old athlete underwent knee surgery on her left knee after partially tearing her ACL.

“The expectations are good and I am very happy to be able to play this championship final with Palmeiras, to be available after this long recovery. I always want to help in some way. I believe that being away is much more difficult, so now I just want to enjoy this moment,” she declared.

Giovanna Campiolo became available again only in August. Since then, she has played only four games. In the last one, in the 5-0 victory over Taubaté, she played the full 90 minutes for the first time since returning from injury.

Palmeiras had two classics before the decision

Having secured a spot in the semifinals of the Paulista Championship in advance, Palmeiras had two classics before the Copa do Brasil final: against Corinthians and Santos. Both ended in draws. Campiolo shared how the team prepared during this period.

“These are always very contested games, but the decision was to think game by game, to do our best in each match. We have a competitive team that managed to represent well even with the changes and the mentality to win every game we faced. Even with the two draws against Corinthians and Santos, it was important to keep a clean sheet during these games and continue to build our confidence,” she reported.

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