Palmeiras assistant celebrates progress, says: ‘Penalty curse is over’

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Nosso Palestra

·17 September 2026

Palmeiras assistant celebrates progress, says: ‘Penalty curse is over’

After Palmeiras qualified for the CONMEBOL Libertadores semifinal, with Verdão advancing on penalties against LDU, Victor Castanheira, who led the team from the touchline after Abel Ferreira was sent off, gave a press conference and analyzed the match.

The assistant highlighted how difficult the clash was, the strategy adopted by the coaching staff, and the need for a mental reset after conceding a comeback in just two minutes.

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Castanheira speaks!

On Palmeiras’ performance and the difference between the two halves, Castanheira acknowledged that the team improved in the second half, but regretted the quick turnaround they suffered:

It’s true, it’s still alive. Very difficult. We had to come here with an almost perfect strategy. The first 20 minutes are tough, we proved that last year. We gave away little, conceded three goals, but we gave away little. Another semifinal. In seven years, six semifinals. It’s not easy.

The assistant also explained the game plan drawn up by the coaching staff and emphasized the characteristics of the opposing team playing at home. For him, the fatigue and the sudden change in the course of the match demanded a strong mental recovery from the squad:

It’s true, the strategy was clear: we knew from the start that they are strong at home and we couldn’t give them space. They force a lot of crosses, ball trajectories we’re not always used to. Not relaxation, no—the fans had lost faith, the game was under control. And in two minutes it turned around. Circumstances of the game. Sometimes it happens and, fortunately, the penalty curse is over. Unfortunately, today we were the lucky ones (laughs).

Next, Castanheira commented on the team’s first reaction after qualifying and highlighted the importance of Carlos Miguel, who played a decisive role in the penalty shootout. The assistant made a point of valuing not only the goalkeeper’s performance on the field, but also the journey the player has been through:

We didn’t need to suffer that much, but in football, in two minutes, things change. And they did. What I can say to Carlos is that he deserves this moment. We know that a man, not just the athlete, goes through ups and downs. But the path is work, focus. And today he was rewarded for everything he has been doing.

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