Palmeiras lack attacking ideas, deserved runners-up spot | OneFootball

By André Costa

On a rather uninspired afternoon, Palmeiras was defeated by Flamengo 1-0 this Saturday, in Lima, and had to settle for second place in the Libertadores. The team stumbled due to a lack of offensive repertoire and at no point did they deserve the title.

Zero shots on target

Abel Ferreira's defensive strategy was well executed for most of the match. However, Verdão left much to be desired in attack. The team created few opportunities and finished the match without a single shot on target against Rossi's goal.

Struggling to reach the attack, Palmeiras relied heavily on long balls and found no success. The team only managed to seriously threaten Flamengo after conceding the goal, when they went all out and wasted an incredible chance with Vitor Roque.

(Photo: Ernesto Benavides/AFP)

Abel's mistakes

In a press conference, coach Abel Ferreira agreed with Palmeiras' lack of attacking power and said the team lacked “boldness”. However, it must be said that the Portuguese coach also contributed to the defeat by making wrong decisions.

The choices of Brunos Fuchs and Raphael Veiga did not prove to be correct. The substitutions also had no effect. To make matters worse, the coach took out the only player who was producing good plays in attack: the young Allan.

Controversial moment

It is almost impossible to talk about the Libertadores final without mentioning an asterisk: Pulgar should have been sent off in the first half. The referee's controversial decision, however, does not excuse Palmeiras' disappointing performance. As a result, the club is set to endure, for the first time in the Abel era, a season without titles.

Dream postponed

With the defeat in the final, Palmeiras saw their dream of a fourth title postponed and were overtaken by Flamengo among the biggest Libertadores champions. Rubro-Negro is now the only Brazilian club with four continental trophies. In addition, Alviverde was avenged for the 2021 title, in Uruguay.

Moving forward

Verdão now picks up the pieces and tries to get back into the race for the Brazilian Championship title. Abel Ferreira's team is in second place in the standings with 70 points, five behind leaders Flamengo, with two rounds remaining in the competition.

Palmeiras' next match

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