Giay eyes starting spot at Palmeiras, challenges Khellven at full-back | OneFootball

The right-back Agustín Giay is expected to remain among the starters for Palmeiras this Wednesday to face River Plate in the second leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals. If his place in the starting eleven is confirmed, the Argentine will have a streak of starting games again after just over a month.

The number 4 is competing for the position with Khellven, who joined Palmeiras in August. The player, who was at CSKA, quickly earned the coach’s trust and displaced the Argentine. Giay’s last run as a starter was between August 6 and 14.

Giay returned to the starting lineup last Saturday against Fortaleza. He came in to replace Khellven, who suffered a foot injury in the 2-1 win over River Plate in Argentina in the first leg. The number 12 trained with the squad and is expected to be available on the bench.

Giay’s numbers at Palmeiras

Agustín Giay arrived at Palmeiras in mid-2024, but only established himself in the team this season. At the start of his journey with the club, he competed for the position with Mayke and Marcos Rocha, who are now at Santos and Grêmio, respectively.

This season, he has played 35 matches, starting in 28 of them. Since Khellven’s arrival, he has played in six out of nine possible matches. And before playing against Fortaleza, he had gone three games without being used. Against River, he will face a big test to give Abel Ferreira a selection headache.

Palmeiras vs River Plate: match situation

Abel Ferreira’s team takes the field with the advantage gained in the first leg. In Argentina, the Brazilian side beat the hosts 2-1, with goals from Gustavo Gómez and Vitor Roque. Thus, Palmeiras only needs a draw to advance. If they lose by one goal, the match goes to penalties. A River win by two goals eliminates Alviverde.

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