Palmeiras face Paulo Autuori, who signed Abel Ferreira at Penafiel | OneFootball

Palmeiras begin their Copa do Brasil round of 16 campaign this Sunday (2) at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) at Nubank Parque against Fortaleza. Beyond the importance of the matchup, the game will mark the reunion between Abel Ferreira and Paulo Autuori, professionals who built a relationship of friendship and respect in Portuguese football.

Long before becoming one of the most successful coaches in Palmeiras history, Abel received important support in his career from Autuori. At the time, while serving as an executive at Penafiel, the experienced coach was one of those responsible for bringing the then right-back to the Portuguese club, where Abel continued his playing career.

The two maintained their relationship over the years, and their professional respect remained even after both followed different paths in football. Now, they will face each other again, this time in a domestic knockout tie.

The reunion could have happened months earlier, during the Copa Libertadores group stage. Paulo Autuori was in charge of Sporting Cristal, Palmeiras’ opponent in the continental competition, but ended up leaving the Peruvian club before facing Abel Ferreira’s team.

Now in charge of Fortaleza, Autuori will have his first major mission leading the team precisely against the coach whose career he has followed since his first steps in Portugal.

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