Palmeiras slip up but dodge derby in Paulista quarter-finals | OneFootball

Palmeiras ended its streak of three consecutive wins this season by drawing 1-1 with Guarani on Sunday night, in a match for the final round of the Campeonato Paulista held at Arena Crefisa Barueri, in Barueri (SP).

Despite ending the team's chance of advancing as group leaders, the stumble spared Palmeiras from facing a derby right in the quarterfinals. Had they finished first, a spot taken by Novorizontino, Alviverde would have faced Santos. However, Palmeiras' opponent in the quarterfinals will be Capivariano.

With qualification already secured two rounds in advance, there was an expectation that Palmeiras would rest its starters, as well as those at risk of suspension who could miss the quarterfinals. However, the coaching staff decided to field a mixed team, keeping five regular starters on: Carlos Miguel, Gustavo Gómez, Mauricio, Flaco López, and Vitor Roque.

A slip-up early on left Palmeiras behind on the scoreboard. Flaco lost the ball in defense, Guarani took advantage and made it 1-0 with Lucca. Before that, Carlos Miguel had already saved two attempts. The defense didn't keep up, and Bugre's number 9 put the visitors ahead.

Palmeiras responded quickly and pressed Guarani for almost the entire match. However, they struggled with a lack of effectiveness and some interventions by Caíque França. With a high volume of play, Palmeiras worked hard in both the first and second halves to finally equalize at the 37th minute. Bruno Fuchs made a good pass into the box, Sosa took advantage and crossed perfectly for Flaco López to level the score.

From this match, Palmeiras takes lessons that can be applied in the quarterfinals. In terms of performance, they understand that they can be a more creative team, working plays with the ball at their feet. In terms of results, the club is on alert regarding effectiveness, since in the quarterfinals there will be only 90 minutes to secure a spot.

Palmeiras' Situation

With 16 points and in second place, Palmeiras will face Capivariano in the quarterfinals. The opponent advanced in seventh after beating Botafogo-SP. The details of the knockout stage will be defined by the FPF soon.

Palmeiras finished the first phase of the Paulistão with five wins, two draws, and one loss. Flaco López is the top scorer, with three goals.

Palmeiras' Next Match

Match: Palmeiras vs Capivariano Competition: Campeonato Paulista (Quarterfinals) Date and time: to be determined Venue: Arena Crefisa Barueri, in Barueri (SP)

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