🎥 Palmeiras march into last 16 as called-up Flaco López shines | OneFootball

Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras are through to the Libertadores round of 16.

And they relied on the brilliance of two players who will play in the World Cup to achieve that goal. 

Flaco López — whose call-up for the World Cup was revealed at the start of the match — took responsibility at Allianz, delivering three assists.

And Arias, who was already confirmed in the Colombia squad, had a scoring night in the 4-1 win over Junior this Thursday (28).

The night was not entirely perfect, though, as Verdão finished with the second spot in Group F. And they could face TOUGH matchups as early as the round of 16. 

It was their tenth straight qualification for the first knockout round. 

Check out the highlights soon. 

Fast-paced opening spell and Flaco on 🔥

Junior had to win, no matter what, to have a chance of dropping into the Sudamericana. And they nearly took the lead in the first minute through Rivas.

Palmeiras struck first with efficiency when Arias finished off Flaco’s move (5').

The visitors did not feel the "blow." And they found the equalizer at high speed by exploiting the left side of Palmeiras’ defense.

Carlos Miguel tried, but ended up being beaten by Muriel’s finish. 

But Flaco really was inspired. He went for a spectacular goal, but the ball fell to Allan, who put it away.

He was the star of the night. And he provided another assist for Arias to celebrate once again before halftime.

And the rout came

The second half began with a possible penalty for Junior — which was overturned after a VAR review. 

Flaco hit the woodwork for the second time. He really tried, but it was a night for assists.

Verdão finally put the game at ease in the 51st minute, when Andreas made it count.

Junior’s approach — as finalists of Colombia’s Apertura — was not to give up despite the situation.

Which kept Palmeiras alert on the pitch the whole time.

Another penalty — this one for Palestra — was also overturned by VAR.

Flaco and Arias were given a standing ovation when they were substituted.

Verdão showed defensive flaws against a quick opponent.

But they were lethal in attack and are through to the round of 16. 

📊 Standings and schedule 📅

Flaco & Co.’s Palmeiras reached 11 points.

They saw Cerro Porteño climb to 13 and, as a result, will face a group winner in the Libertadores round of 16.

That could be Cerro themselves, Flamengo or Corinthians, for example.

The draw will be held this Friday (29), starting at 12 p.m. (Brasília time).

The matchups will only be played in August, between the 11th and the 20th.

The last game before the World Cup break will be on Sunday (31), when Verdão host Chapecoense in the 18th round of the Brasileirão.

Alviverde lead the competition with 38 points — seven more than Flamengo, who have a game in hand. 

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