Analysis: Palmeiras win, but labour against Sporting Cristal | OneFootball

Palmeiras did control the 2-1 win over Sporting Cristal-PER this Thursday (16) and piled up shots on the opposition goal, but they were not very effective and ended up suffering more than necessary by the end of the match.

The performance exposed a recurring problem: despite dominating territory and possession, the team created few clear chances over the 90 minutes. They shot a lot, but threatened little, in a scenario that kept the opponent alive in the game until the end.

The first half was one of almost absolute control. Palmeiras had around 67% possession and racked up shots, pressing from the opening minutes. The team moved the ball well and managed to score through Murilo, with a header, after an attacking sequence.

But the volume did not translate into efficiency. Most of the attempts came under unfavorable conditions, without forcing major saves from the opposing goalkeeper. In addition, even while dominant, the team gave away spaces and ended up being punished on Sporting Cristal’s only dangerous attack, which resulted in an equalizer with a precise strike from Juan González.

In the second half, the picture became even clearer. Against an opponent sitting deep and wasting time, Palmeiras lost fluidity and looked anxious. The team struggled to repeat the build-up play from the first half and was barely able to break into the Peruvian defense.

Sosa’s performance dropped off, Arias began forcing plays through the middle, and Flaco López remained largely uninvolved. That left the team relying on wide plays and crosses, which became the main — and predictable — alternative.

It was through that route that the center forward managed to score, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review, increasing the frustration at Allianz Parque.

The win only came late on, when youngster Arthur, just brought on, won a penalty in a play reviewed by the video referee. Flaco López converted it and put Palmeiras back in front.

After the goal, the team failed to control the match. On the contrary, they dropped back and came under pressure, allowing Sporting Cristal to create their best chance with a close-range header saved by Carlos Miguel.

In the end, Palmeiras secured the victory, but left the impression that they created less danger than the volume suggested and suffered more than necessary in a match that, given their technical control, could have been settled more comfortably.

What now?

With the win over the Peruvian side, Alviverde moved to the top of Libertadores Group F with four points, followed by Sporting Cristal-PER and Cerro Porteño-PAR, both on three, and Junior Barranquilla-COL, with one.

Verdão return to Libertadores action on April 30 against Cerro Porteño in Paraguay, in the third round of the group stage.

Verdão’s next match, however, is on Sunday (19), against Athletico-PR at Allianz Parque, in the 12th round of the Brazilian Championship.

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