In the confrontation between the two biggest candidates for the national title in the country, Palmeiras and Flamengo drew 1-1 this Sunday (21), for the Brazilian.
The confrontation may have been a preview of the Libertadores final, scheduled for October 29. Both teams are in the semifinals and are favorites to qualify. Flamengo faces Vélez Sarsfield (ARG). Palmeiras are looking for a spot against Athletico.
As it is still in the Copa do Brasil dispute, Flamengo started with a mixed team, reinforced by more holders only in the final stage.
In the Brazilian table, the result was favorable to Palmeiras. After 23 rounds, the São Paulo team has 49 points, eight ahead of Fluminense, in second place and its next opponent. Flamengo, in third, has 40.
The first half saw Palmeiras taking the initiative and creating more opportunities, but they didn’t create great opportunities to score.
Flamengo used what has always been their rival’s weapon: steals and speed outs. That’s how he opened the scoring in the 29th minute, in a move by Ayrton Lucas from the left side and the cross for Victor Hugo to head. Visitors now had more space and could have expanded with Matheuzinho and Marinho.
Palmeiras took the initiative in the second half and put speed, especially in the plays with Dudu and Roni, but could not overcome goalkeeper Santos, efficient even in wrong moves from his central defender.
Only an individual play of brilliance could change that. That’s what happened in the 20th minute, when Raphael Veiga hit a curved kick from the edge of the area to tie the match.
With equality, Dorival Júnior put in the match the absolute holders Everton Ribeiro, Arrascaeta, Gabigol. He also did the same with Chile’s Vidal, always an option for the second half.
Next Wednesday (24), Flamengo visits São Paulo in the first match of the semifinal of the Copa do Brasil. Palmeiras returns to play only on Saturday (27), for the Brazilian. Face Fluminense at Maracanã.
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