Numbers show slump as Palmeiras seek lift for Libertadores decider | OneFootball

Palmeiras have stalled since the World Cup, but travel to Asunción with some encouragement for Wednesday's Libertadores decider against Cerro Porteño.

According to Globo.com, their dominant first half of the year has given way to inconsistency. Since the restart they have played eight games, with three wins, two draws and three defeats, a 45% return compared with 75% before the break.

Before the pause they played 38 matches, returning 26 wins, eight draws and four defeats. Goals against rose from 0.73 per match to 1.2 after the World Cup, while the attack now averages two per game.

Abel Ferreira has said the switch to three centre-backs has yet to take hold, citing fit and absences. For the decider he should have all five centre-backs available for the first time since facing Coritiba, the first match after the World Cup.

As Marlon Freitas underlined in the Maracanã mixed zone, a poor spell also offers a chance to respond. Progress would ease talk of crisis and allow focus to return to the league, where the lead has been cut to three points.

Away form could help. Their league unbeaten run ended with a 3-2 loss to Fluminense at the Maracanã, but in the Libertadores they remain unbeaten away with two draws and one win, including a draw at Wednesday's venue.

Kick-off is 19:00 at Nueva Olla in Asunción. With the first leg drawn at Nubank Parque, whoever wins goes through.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”