Flamengo hasn’t lost to Palmeiras for four years, nine matches, with five wins in that period, but the portrait of this year’s classics shows more balance than the retrospective. In two of the four meetings in 2021, Abel Ferreira’s team had more possession and more submissions.
It happened at Allianz Parque, a 3-1 victory in the second round of the Brazilian Nationals, and at the Super Cup, played in April, in BrasÃlia. In both cases, and also in the 1-0 defeat of Palmeira at Maracanã, the Portuguese coach managed to make his team superior for most of the first half.
In Rio, the first round of Nacional, an individual play by Bruno Henrique transformed the match at the start of the second half. This will also be seen in Montevideo: Flamengo has more stars.
There are more players who invent goals and moves capable of transforming confidence into fear in the opponent.
Abel Ferreira often complained about the lack of concentration in decisive moments of important games. He treated the problem as a lack of collective defensive commitment. Internally, Palmeiras dealt with this matter after the defeat by Flamengo, at Allianz Parque.
Wesley had just scored 1-0 for the home team. On the ball, Raphael Veiga did not accompany Andreas Pereira. The demobilization forced Zé Rafael to split between Andreas and Éverton Ribeiro, who moved behind Piquerez –the latter marking Isla– and allowed the cross for Michael to tie.
The game has changed. The dominant Palmeiras started to admire the exuberant Flamengo. End: 1 to 3.
The Libertadores final will offer a single chance to the people of Palmeiras: collective. For the defending champion, there is only the option of being collectively strong, tactically and strategically capable of nullifying Flamengo’s tables and triangulations and exploiting the rival’s deficiencies when he has the ball.
European coach that he is, Abel Ferreira saw and reviewed the Champions League final, won by Chelsea against Manchester City. German Thomas Tuchel built a system with three defenders, a five-man defensive line, which became 3-4-3 with a quick transition, which surprised Guardiola’s defense.
City’s attack was capable of a single finish on the goal of Edouard Mendy, although he had five of his seven shots inside the area.
It is not certain that Abel Ferreira will copy the strategy. Many people are convinced that Scarpa and Raphael Veiga together can be decisive. Don’t doubt Scarpa doesn’t start playing.
Flamengo should start with De Arrascaeta. At least that’s what can be learned from Renato Gaúcho’s tranquility on the subject. On November 3rd, the rubro-negro coach stated, within the vulture’s nest, that the schedule was drawn up and Arrascaeta would return against São Paulo or Corinthians. He returned against Internacional, on Saturday (20), a week after the plan.
He played only 47 minutes, added two games, but his loss of rhythm will be compensated by the liaison with Gabriel and Bruno Henrique. It will be difficult for Felipe Melo to pursue him, because the Uruguayan has more mobility than the midfielder from Palmeira, at 38 years old.
Hence the chance for Felipe Melo to have another tactical role. Eventually as a Libero. It will only be known when the game starts. “We are ready!” was the phrase heard at the Academy, even after three defeats, against Fluminense, São Paulo and Fortaleza.
Palmeiras trusts in their collective strength.
Flamengo knows they have more stars.
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