Flaco fires Palmeiras past Sporting Cristal, assumes role without Vitor Roque: ‘I took responsibility’ | OneFootball

Flaco López converted a penalty to give Palmeiras a 2-1 Conmebol Libertadores win over Sporting Cristal, underlining his growing influence without Vitor Roque. According to Globo.com, he has been the club’s most decisive player in 2026.

What looked routine turned anxious until referee Piero Maza awarded a penalty 31 minutes into the second half with the score 1-1. López took charge and struck firmly into the right corner to seal it.

López said, "I took responsibility for the penalty". He was Palmeiras’ top scorer in 2025 with 25 goals, forged a lively partnership with Vitor Roque last season, but has been without him for three weeks, linking with Arias.

Across 25 games in 2026 he has 10 goals and seven assists, second only to Andreas Pereira with 8, for 17 involvements. He noted a three-game drought, said he adjusted and stressed the value of the three points.

His 22 goals in 2024 and 25 last year put him on Argentina’s radar. After call-ups for friendlies and qualifiers, he is pushing to make the World Cup squad from June. He has played 24 of 25 matches, starting 22.

He is expected to feature again on Sunday when Palmeiras host Athletico-PR. The club are working for Vitor Roque to return, the forward is pain free in his ankle and being managed to rebuild confidence before the 18:30 Brasília kick-off.

Source: Globo.com