Palmeiras repeat 2025 mistakes in Libertadores final | OneFootball

No shots on goal. Palmeiras was defeated by Flamengo 1-0 on Saturday night (29th) and finished as runners-up in the Libertadores, in a single match played in Lima, Peru. Far from playing good football, the team had in Lima a replay of what the season had been: poor football with high investments and an apathetic attitude.

Verdão finished the 90 minutes without a single shot on goal against goalkeeper Rossi and ended the match with defenders Bruno Fuchs and Gustavo Gómez playing as forwards. In defense, they conceded yet another goal from a set piece, with individual marking errors that left defender Danilo free to score Flamengo’s lone goal in the final stage.

Very little for a team that invested R$ 700 million in 2025.

The match was a repeat of 2025

Palmeiras’ performance, with the adjectives already mentioned, was a big rerun of much of what was seen from Abel Ferreira’s team in decisive matches this season.

The first half at the Monumental U was marked much more by both teams studying each other than by quality with the ball. Even so, there were countless mistakes—mainly from Palmeiras, who completed only 66% of their passes—a show of yellow cards, interruptions, and few constructed plays.

Flamengo found space mainly on the left side and controlled the action in the first 20 minutes. The Rio team had the upper hand in most midfield battles, both due to their own intensity and the opponent’s struggles. Palmeiras’ central sector did not work; Raphael Veiga had a lackluster performance and contributed little defensively.

Verdão only managed to improve when they pushed their marking higher, although they still struggled to create offensive plays. Vitor Roque posed a threat with a header and, despite often playing isolated, fought, dribbled, pressured the defense, and won some fouls.

The scenario remained pretty much the same until about 20 minutes into the second half. Lots of fouls, excessive complaints, and little football. Technically, the final was disappointing, especially on the Palmeiras side.

Also unable to create on the ground, Flamengo’s goal came from the air, due to a marking error from Palmeiras—just one of many mistakes from the Alviverde team on this night in Lima. From an Arrascaeta corner, Danilo rose unmarked and headed firmly into Carlos Miguel’s right corner.

With the score at 1-0, Palmeiras was forced to attack, which only exposed the team’s poor technical form even more at this crucial stage of the season. Abel Ferreira put more attackers on the field, but nothing changed. There was a lack of organization and someone capable of controlling the ball; there were only aimless long balls and crosses.

The inefficient strategy, especially for a squad that cost more than R$ 700 million in signings, managed to trouble Flamengo in the final minutes with a shot from Vitor Roque that was providentially deflected by Danilo, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat—and far too little for what is expected from Palmeiras.

What now?

Palmeiras returns to the field for the Brazilian Championship, the only competition left this season, next Wednesday (3rd) against Atlético-MG, away from home, in a match originally from the 34th round, but played in week 37 of the competition.

Verdão has 70 points and is in second place in the Brasileirão, behind Flamengo, who have 75. A win for the Rio team on Wednesday or a slip by Palmeiras will guarantee the title for their rival.

Upcoming Palmeiras matches

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