Palmeiras win Copinha debut, refereeing error sparks controversy | OneFootball

Palmeiras started the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior with a victory this Monday (5th). The team defeated Monte Roraima 4-2 in Barueri, in the first round of Group 27. The goals for Verdão were scored by Luis Saboia in the first half, and by Fábio, Victor Gabriel, and Arthur in the second half. Thiago and Germano scored for the opponent, both resulting from mistakes by goalkeeper Aranha.

The match, however, was marked by a refereeing error in Palmeiras' fourth goal. Arthur shot from distance, the ball hit the crossbar and bounced outside the goal, but the referee awarded the goal. In addition to this incident, Monte Roraima also complained about Palmeiras' second goal, alleging a possible handball. (See the full report below).

First half off script

The game started off lively. Palmeiras opened the scoring with Luis Sabóia after a one-two at the edge of the box. The young right-back replaced Gilberto, who was loaned to Athletico-PR and is not competing in the tournament.

It seemed Verdão would dominate the match, but in the ninth minute, Monte Roraima surprised on their first attack and equalized with a header by Thiago after a free-kick and a mistake by Aranha, who was poorly positioned.

Palmeiras felt the impact of the goal and became anxious, but created two good chances with Fabio and Felipe Teresa. Monte Roraima had the best chance of the game when Juan dribbled past Aranha but shot wide.

Physical strength prevailed, but with controversial moments

In the second half, Monte Roraima tried but couldn't keep up. In the first ten minutes, a barrage of attacks from Palmeiras showed the team came back stronger, with consecutive chances from Sorriso and Victor Gabriel—who dribbled the goalkeeper and shot wide with the goal open.

In the 11th minute, relief finally came. Midfielder Fábio appeared in the six-yard box and took advantage of a chance after Sorriso's individual play—the opponents complained that number 8 controlled the ball with his hand. In the 18th minute, Victor Gabriel extended Palmeiras' lead with a header from Arthur's cross.

Verdão racked up chances. Felipe Teresa and Coutinho had opportunities, but it was Monte Roraima who scored. In the 29th minute, from a free-kick, Germano shot directly and Aranha let it in—the goalkeeper's second mistake of the match.

In the next play, Arthur shot from distance, the ball hit the crossbar and bounced outside the goal, but the referee awarded the goal. 4-2.

Goal-scoring play validated by the referee in the match between Palmeiras and Monte Roraima-RR (Photo: Reproduction / Cazé TV)

Palmeiras had chances to turn the game into a rout but failed to capitalize. Eduardo Conceição, Felipe Teresa, and Sorriso all missed opportunities. 4-2 final score.

Palmeiras U-20 Lineup: Aranha; Luis Saboia, Robson (Pimenta), Luccas Ramon, and Arthur; Coutinho (João Paulo) and Fabio; Antônio Marcos (Eduardo), Heittor (Felipe Teresa (Kauã Lira)), Victor Gabriel (Juliano), and Sorriso. Coach: Lucas Andrade.

What now?

With this result, Palmeiras takes the lead in Group 27 with three points, alongside Remo, who also has three after beating Batalhão-TO 2-0, but leads on goals scored.

Now, Verdão returns to the field next Thursday (8th) against Batalhão-TO, at 7:30 pm (Brasília time) at Arena Barueri for the second round of the first phase of the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior.

The Academy Kids are in pursuit of their third Copinha title. In 2022, Verdão won the tournament for the first time by thrashing Santos 4-0 in the final at Allianz Parque, with goals from Endrick, Giovani, and Gabriel Silva (twice). The following year, they claimed their second championship with a 2-1 victory over América-MG in the final at Canindé, with goals from Ruan Ribeiro and Patrick.

See Palmeiras' upcoming matches in the Copinha:

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