Inconsistent Palmeiras make costly errors before 'game of the year' | OneFootball

By Victória Romanelli

Palmeiras faced Grêmio on Tuesday night with a reserve team. Abel Ferreira decided to rest his starters for the big Libertadores final happening this Saturday. However, the reserves were unable to break the losing streak and lost the 36th round match of the Brasileirão 3-2, after a comeback.

The inconsistency of the Palmeiras team was noticeable, as they played two very different halves. In the first half, they practically dominated Grêmio and deservedly took the lead with a goal from Facundo Torres in the 23rd minute. But due to a defensive lapse, they saw Amuzu equalize for the opponent, leaving a bitter taste at halftime.

In the second half, crucial mistakes proved costly for Palmeiras. Grêmio, more alert in the game, began to pose more challenges to Palmeiras. Aníbal Moreno, in a double coverage with Benedetti on Carlos Vinícius, kicked the forward's leg from behind, and after a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, converted by the number 95 himself.

Palmeiras was not out of the game and, despite some difficulties, created a chance to equalize, but Facundo Torres shot over after a pass from Jefté. Grêmio, on the other hand, capitalized on another major mistake by Verdão. Giay fouled Arthur inside the area, and the referee awarded a penalty on the field. With the infraction confirmed, the VAR was used only to change the card from yellow to red for the defender.

Palmeiras' situation worsened with the score deficit and one player down. Abel Ferreira tried to inject some energy into the team by bringing on Allan and Andreas Pereira, who started on the bench. The duo is expected to start in the Libertadores final. It was after a cross from the Academy's creation that Benedetti reduced the deficit for Palmeiras in the second half's stoppage time.

Verdão applied final pressure to try to equalize, which wouldn't have been enough for Palmeiras to continue fighting for the title. With the defeat and Flamengo's draw, the São Paulo team saw the gap to the top increase to five points.

Brazilian title distant and focus on Libertadores

The combination, however, prevented the national champion from being decided before the Libertadores final, which will be contested between Palmeiras and Flamengo this Saturday. The match kicks off at 6 PM (Brasília time) at the Estadio Monumental U in Lima (PER).

From this negative streak, Palmeiras must learn lessons and not repeat mistakes against the Rubro-Negro in the grand final. Distant from the Brazilian title, the continental tournament becomes Abel Ferreira's team's last chance to win a title this season.

Next Palmeiras match

Palmeiras vs. Flamengo Competition: Libertadores (Final) Date and time: November 29, 2025 (Saturday), at 6 PM (Brasília time) Location: Estadio Monumental U, in Lima (PER)

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