Palmeiras defender eyes U20 Libertadores: "We’ll go in strong" | OneFootball

Benedetti started the 2026 season with the professional squad of Palmeiras, but was called up by the under-20 team to compete in youth tournaments. Integrated into the group playing in the Campeonato Paulista, the defender earned minutes with the main team during the State Championship. Now, he is preparing for the Under-20 Copa Libertadores.

The defender valued the time he spent with the professionals and highlighted the learning experience and the day-to-day life with the squad led by coach Abel Ferreira. Benedetti was on the field in the matches against Portuguesa, Mirassol, Novorizontino, and Botafogo-SP.

“It was a very important start to the season for me. I was able to experience the daily routine of the professional team, get minutes on the pitch, and learn a lot from more experienced players. This definitely adds a lot to my development,” he emphasized.

Benedetti was last included in the professional squad in the 1-1 draw with Guarani, at the end of the first phase of the Paulistão. After that, the defender joined the under-20 team, where he started in all three matches of the Brazilian Championship for the category.

Focus on the Under-20 Libertadores

After his stint with the professional team, Benedetti is now focusing on the Under-20 Libertadores, one of the main competitions in the category this season. Palmeiras enters as one of the title contenders and is in Group B, alongside Universidad Católica-EQU, Olimpia-PAR, and Sporting Cristal-PER.

The defender emphasized the importance of the tournament for the group and for his journey at the club.

“The Libertadores is a great competition that everyone wants to play in. We know the responsibility of representing Palmeiras and we will go in strong to fight for the title. I am very motivated and prepared to help the team in the best way possible,” he added.

Palmeiras’ debut in the Under-20 Libertadores

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