Current champion of Libertadores, Palmeiras won a heroic classification to the semifinal of the current edition, beating Atlético-MG this Wednesday (10), in the penalty shootout, by 6 to 5, at the Allianz Parque stadium, in São Paulo.
Raphael Veiga, Gustavo Gómez, Zé Rafael, Piquerez, Rony and Murilo converted the alviverde charges. And goalkeeper Weverton saved Rubens’ kick, qualifying Abel Ferreira’s team for the third consecutive semifinal in the continental competition. The São Paulo club is looking for the fourth cup.
“For everything these boys have done, they were born to make history at this club, it’s their destiny”, commented the Portuguese coach after qualifying.
In normal time, there was a goalless draw. In the first leg, at Mineirão, there was also a 2-2 draw, in a game in which the Minas Gerais team opened two goals of difference. Palmeiras sought equality in stoppage time, with a goal from Danilo.
In São Paulo, Danilo would also be a character, but this time for an expulsion. In the 29th minute of the first half, he received a red card for a hard foul on Zaracho, in midfield.
With one less, the alviverde team was forced to change its strategy, close more spaces in the defense and bet on counterattacks.
Atlético-MG, in turn, began to press, but could not break through the Palmeiras block. Not even in the final stretch of the match, at 37 of the second half, when Scarpa was also sent off for a hard foul in the midfield, did the visitors reach the goal. At most, they hit a ball on the post.
Before the end, it was the turn of the Minas Gerais team to be one less, when Vargas received the second yellow card in stoppage time. After that, there was no time for anything other than penalties.
“Against many adversities, many indeed, it was not only Atlético-MG, we were able to collectively overcome these adversities. I am a very proud coach of my players, today was the victory of the fans, more commitment and performance of our players” , said Abel Ferreira.
Qualified to the next stage, Palmeiras awaits the winner of the confrontation between Athletico and Estudiantes, from Argentina. In the first leg, in Curitiba, there was a goalless draw. The return duel will be this Thursday (11), at 21:30, at the Jorge Luis Hirschi stadium,
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