Vitor Roque backs Palmeiras for Libertadores comeback: "Do or die" | OneFootball

Palmeiras faces a tough mission ahead. Verdão is seeking a historic result in an attempt to advance to the Copa Libertadores final and will face LDU-EQU in the second leg of the semifinal. Despite the challenge, forward Vitor Roque reinforced the squad’s confidence in making a comeback.

“It’s going to be life or death. We’re going in to fight for the win at all times, from the first to the last minute, and we’re going for it. We’re confident. We’re counting on the support of the fans as well, and God willing, everything will work out,” said Vitor Roque to the club’s official channel.

The Palmeiras delegation had only a few days to prepare for the match. Palmeiras drew with Cruzeiro on Sunday and, as early as Monday, began preparations for the decisive game. In total, there were three days of training for the much-anticipated match.

“We worked with a lot of humility and focus. We are absolutely certain that we’re going to play a brilliant game and, God willing, come out with the win and the qualification,” projected the number 9.

Vitor Roque, in fact, is one of Palmeiras’ hopes for Thursday’s match. The center forward has scored five goals in the last five matches and has formed a successful partnership with Flaco López, Verdão’s top scorer in the current Libertadores campaign.

Support from staff and fans

Before leaving the Football Academy, the Palmeiras squad received support from the club’s staff. During and after training, the Verdão fans celebrated at the gates of Allianz Parque, with flares and flagpoles as the team bus departed.

Vitor Roque thanked the gesture from the club’s staff and also valued the action of the fans, who filled Rua Palestra Itália on Wednesday afternoon.

“I’m very happy, it’s definitely very important for us to have the support of all the club staff who are there behind the scenes, making it possible for us to play. I want to thank each one, every fan, and we hope to play an excellent match and come away with the win,” concluded the player.

The Palmeiras scenario

Palmeiras struggled with the altitude in the first leg and ended up being dominated by LDU, losing 3-0. Verdão, therefore, needs a win by four or more goals if they want to advance to the Libertadores final in regular time.

If they win by three goals and the aggregate score is tied, the spot will be decided by a penalty shootout.

Upcoming Palmeiras matches

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