Abel Ferreira: LDU far better, but 90 mins at Allianz is a long time

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Nosso Palestra

·24 octobre 2025

Abel Ferreira: LDU far better, but 90 mins at Allianz is a long time

Palmeiras was defeated by LDU (EQU) 3-0 on Thursday night (23rd) in Quito, Ecuador, and started at a disadvantage in the Libertadores semifinal. Villamil, twice, and Alzugaray, all in the first half, sealed the rout.

With this result, Verdão needs to win by four goals in the return match at Allianz Parque to qualify for the final. A victory by three goals would take the decision to penalties.

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Press Conference

After the match, Abel Ferreira gave a press conference, commented on the match, and looked ahead to the return game at Allianz Parque.

SECOND CONSECUTIVE GAME CONCEDING THREE GOALS

— I think it was hard for us to get into the game. I don’t know if it was because of the adaptation, the intensity of our opponent… I have many doubts about the penalty incident. I think the ball hit the shoulder, in my opinion, it wasn’t a penalty. They were better. Palmeiras was not at its average, and our opponent was much better. — he said.

TURNAROUND IN BRAZIL

I live off work and good energy, and I believe in what I do. I know how to recognize when the opponent is better. Ninety minutes at Allianz Parque is a long time. I believe it’s possible, at our home. I don’t have a pact with anyone — I have a pact with my work and what I believe in. Unfortunately, this was our first defeat in this competition. A tough loss, a heavy loss. If there’s a team that can turn this around, it’s us. A pact is for the lazy — I believe in my work.

CHANGES IN THE TEAM

— We didn’t compete at all. Aníbal is injured — he’s on the bench, but he’s injured. I couldn’t use him today. Veiga’s mission was to block number 33. Emiliano’s mission was to follow the player who scored two goals, and Murilo’s, since it was a more physical game, was to use that ability. Our opponent had three players in midfield and we wanted to press in the midfield line. In my opinion, there’s something I warned them about — they compete a lot and are very strong at home. In the first half, we weren’t aggressive or intense.

— We had a chance with Roque in front of the goalkeeper, one with Veiga in the box, one with Flaco, one with Ramón, and the last one also with Flaco. If you want to be ahead, you have to score. We were way below our level. — he commented.

It’s a very strong team at home, with great dynamics, a well-organized 5-3-2, and a lot of mobility. Very aggressive in duels. I warned my team: LDU finished first in Flamengo’s group, eliminated São Paulo and Botafogo. But, as I said, 90 minutes at Allianz Parque is a long time.

What now?

With this result, Verdão needs to win by four goals in the return match at Allianz Parque to qualify for the final. A victory by three goals would take the decision to penalties. The second leg takes place next Thursday (30th) at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) at Allianz Parque.

Before that, Verdão will take the field on Sunday (26th) at 8:30 pm (Brasília time) to face Cruzeiro in the Brazilian Championship. The Palestra team is the leader of the national competition.

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