Abel Ferreira nicks gritty Palmeiras win; ex Sporting man stays top | OneFootball

Abel Ferreira’s Palmeiras - who received a severe punishment - had to struggle to get past Peru’s Sporting Cristal in São Paulo, in a second-round group stage match of the Copa Libertadores, but ended up winning 2-1 thanks to a penalty right at the end and moved clear at the top of Group F.

Abel Ferreira, but things ended up getting complicated. The São Paulo side started in control, with good ball circulation and two good chances, before opening the scoring in the 25th minute, when Allan crossed for Murillo to finish with ease.

However, in the only chance they created, Sporting Cristal managed to equalize in the 41st minute, with a surprise strike from Juan González that gave Carlos Miguel no chance. It was a frustrating scoreline for the home side at the break, but the second half would be far more difficult.

The Peruvians dropped deep in defense and did everything they could to waste time, driving the Brazilians to despair. Abel Ferreira’s team, pushing for the win, grew nervous, misplaced many passes and even had a few scares, as their opponents threatened a comeback through quick transitions.

The match became tense, but with ten minutes left, Arthur, who had just come off the bench, was brought down in the box by Cuenca and, from the penalty spot, Flaco López made it count. Despite the relief, Palmeiras still had to suffer to secure their first win in the competition, with Sporting Cristal opting for a more direct style of play. Carlos Miguel still had to make a great save in a closing spell that left Abel Ferreira extremely irritated.

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