Three centre-backs, two headed goals: why Palmeiras suffered v LDU? | OneFootball

Palmeiras reached the 45th minute of the second half against LDU leading 2-1 and holding a two-goal advantage on aggregate. Three minutes later, they had conceded two headers and needed penalties to stay alive in the Libertadores.

The sequence stands out because Abel Ferreira set up a formation initially designed to protect the defense. Palmeiras started the match with Murilo, Bruno Fuchs, and Alexander Barboza as center-backs, along with Giay and Piquerez on the flanks.

In midfield, Marlon Freitas, Lucas Evangelista, and Andreas Pereira formed another crowded line. The idea was to reduce space, control LDU’s pressure, and manage the advantage built in the first leg.

Having more defenders, however, does not necessarily mean defending better. Palmeiras dropped back, allowed the opposition to keep possession, and failed to stop the source of the crosses. Inside the box, they also struggled with assigning marks and contesting the first contact with the ball.

Gustavo Gómez’s absence made a difference

The captain was suspended and replaced by Bruno Fuchs. The change was not just a simple swap of one center-back for another.

Gustavo Gómez is Palmeiras’ main reference point in organizing the box, especially on aerial balls. Beyond his individual ability, the Paraguayan directs the line’s positioning and usually takes responsibility for marking the most dangerous opponents in the air.

Without the No. 15, Murilo, Fuchs, and Barboza had to reorganize those responsibilities. LDU took advantage of the situation with a constant presence in the box and crosses aimed at Michel Estrada.

The first Ecuadorian goal had already exposed an individual mistake by Barboza, which Segovia capitalized on. In stoppage time, however, the problem became collective.

Palmeiras protected the box but did not block the crosses

The three-center-back setup increased the number of players close to Carlos Miguel’s goal, but Palmeiras struggled to pressure whoever was carrying the ball out wide.

With the team sitting very deep, LDU’s players had time to lift their heads and pick out their crosses. Palmeiras’ defenders ended up reacting to the ball’s flight instead of proactively controlling the spaces.

Estrada took advantage of two such situations. The striker scored in the 45th and 48th minutes of the second half, both with headers, turning a comfortable lead into a penalty shootout.

The problem, therefore, was not simply the number of center-backs. Palmeiras failed in three stages:

When a team only protects the box and stops controlling the origin of the play, the defensive block becomes vulnerable to a sequence of crosses, rebounds, and second balls.

Altitude and fatigue reduced their ability to respond

The physical context also played a role. The match was played in Quito, at around 2,850 meters above sea level, and Palmeiras spent long stretches without controlling possession.

Defending close to your own box requires constant concentration and repeated short, intense movements. In the final minutes, fatigue reduced the team’s ability to push the line higher and quickly reorganize their references inside the box.

Even so, altitude alone does not explain the two goals. Palmeiras suffered from predictable plays, knowing that LDU would increase their attacking presence and rely on lofted balls into the area.

Qualification does not erase the warning signs

The sequence brought the tie level at 3-3 on aggregate. Carlos Miguel saved two spot-kicks and secured Palmeiras’ qualification.

The goalkeeper’s performance changed the outcome of the night, but it does not erase the defensive issue. Palmeiras ran into trouble in precisely the scenario their lineup had been prepared for: protecting an away lead.

The challenge before the semifinal against Fluminense will be to restore organization with Gustavo Gómez and improve protection on the flanks. Packing the box with players will not be enough if the opponent continues to have freedom to cross and attack the ball.

In the first leg of the semifinal, Verdão will also be without their coach on the touchline. Abel Ferreira was sent off against LDU and will serve an automatic suspension.

Frequently asked questions

Who scored LDU’s goals against Palmeiras?

Segovia scored the first, while Michel Estrada added two headed goals in second-half stoppage time.

Why didn’t Gustavo Gómez play against LDU?

The center-back was suspended after picking up his third yellow card and was replaced by Bruno Fuchs in the starting lineup.

Who will Palmeiras face in the Libertadores semifinal?

Palmeiras will face Fluminense, with the first match at the Maracanã and the second leg at Nubank Parque.

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