Filipe Luís v Abel Ferreira: generations and styles clash in Brasileirão | OneFootball

The clash between Flamengo and Palmeiras at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) this Sunday, for the 29th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, promises more than just a battle for three points. At Maracanã, what is shaping up is a kind of “early final” between the two strongest squads in the country.

Moreover, the Rio stadium will be the stage for a clash of ideas between two coaches who represent extremes of the same line of evolution: the established Abel Ferreira, a symbol of stability and method, and the promising Filipe Luís, who is beginning to carve out his path on the sidelines with the same tactical intelligence that made him famous as a player.

Abel Ferreira’s Style

The Portuguese coach’s hallmark goes beyond technical and tactical aspects and lies in emotional control and the ability to reinvent the team without losing intensity. But anyone who thinks the European lacks the repertoire to make his team work is very much mistaken—quite the opposite.

In 2025, Abel Ferreira faced moments of instability and had to deal with fan pressure on several occasions. The team depended heavily on Estêvão, a key player in the first half of the year, who stood out in the runner-up finish in the Paulista Championship and in the campaign up to the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup.

The team’s lack of versatility led, in addition to the defeat to Corinthians in the State Championship final, to an early elimination in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil against their biggest rival. However, still alive in the Brasileirão and Libertadores, Palmeiras was reinforced in the transfer window, and Abel managed to restructure the team, making them play well again.

This semester, Abel found a new balance for Palmeiras, set up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Andreas Pereira as the midfield maestro, playing centrally to connect sectors, speed up transitions, and create decisive plays. Since his debut in September, Andreas has become a key piece, participating in important goals and taking on the role of cerebral playmaker, different from the team’s previous midfielders.

In attack, the duo Flaco López and Vitor Roque has become established, combining complementary characteristics: the Argentine stands out for his presence in the box and finishing, while the Brazilian relies on speed and creativity. The partnership has resulted in crucial goals and assists, increasing Palmeiras’ attacking power and confirming the success of the two-striker system.

Filipe Luís’s Style

On the other side, Filipe Luís represents the new school of Brazilian coaches—studious and with a European mentality. Since hanging up his boots, the former full-back has brought to the bench the same tactical vision that set him apart on the field. In less than a year as a coach, he has already won titles and built a solid Flamengo, faithful to control.

Filipe Luís demonstrates great tactical flexibility, alternating mainly between the 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 systems, depending on the opponent. He makes dynamic adjustments during matches, such as transforming the four-man defense into three center-backs to overcome high opposition pressure. This adaptation allows Flamengo to have numerical superiority in transition and quickly connect the midfielders with the attackers.

The former left-back instills an offensive style down the flanks in his team. Under his command, the full-backs become key pieces in creation. The wingers, like Luiz Araújo and Samuel Lino, make inside runs that free up the full-backs and disorganize the opposing defense.

Flamengo’s midfield is the engine of the team. Arrascaeta stands out in playmaking, creating passing lanes and facilitating runs into the box, while Pedro acts as the central reference, dropping back to receive the ball and set up teammates in depth. The quick and precise ball circulation allows for efficient transitions and creates goal-scoring opportunities in favorable situations.

In defense, Filipe Luís prioritizes a compact structure, coordinated high pressing, and collective coverage. The team keeps its lines close and maintains tactical discipline, making it difficult for opponents to find space and controlling crosses and set pieces.

Clash of Generations

Abel Ferreira began his coaching career in Portugal, leading Sporting’s under-19 and B teams, winning the National Junior Championship and the AF Lisbon Honor Cup. He then coached Braga B and the main team, breaking historic records for points, goals, and wins in the 2017–18 season.

He went on to PAOK in Greece, achieving unbeaten runs and reaching semifinals in national and European competitions. In October 2020, he took over Palmeiras, becoming the club’s most successful coach of the 21st century, with achievements including two consecutive Libertadores, two Brazilian Championships, two Copa do Brasil titles, among others. With records for longevity, matches, and victories, Abel has established himself as a reference for consistency and tactical innovation in Brazilian football.

On the other side, Filipe Luís began his coaching journey while still a player, attending the CBF Academy in 2022 and obtaining the B License in 2023, allowing him to coach youth teams. In 2024, he took over Flamengo’s under-17s, winning the Copa Rio U-17, and soon after the under-20s, winning the Intercontinental Cup.

In October of the same year, he was promoted to Flamengo’s professional team, initially as an interim, but with a permanent contract soon after. In his first year, he won the 2024 Copa do Brasil, the 2025 Supercopa do Brasil, and the Campeonato Carioca, totaling four titles in just 166 days.

Table Situation

On one side, Palmeiras has 61 points and leads the table, with a three-point advantage over Rubro-Negro, who are right behind in second place with 58. Abel Ferreira’s team takes the field with the lead guaranteed. With two more wins than Flamengo, Verdão cannot lose the top spot even if they are defeated.

The teams could still face each other again this year. Both are still alive in the Libertadores and could meet in a possible final. As semifinalists, Flamengo is fighting for a spot against Racing, from Argentina, while Palmeiras faces LDU, from Ecuador.

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