Opinion – Walter Casagrande Jr.: Palmeiras has been showing a lot of strength this year

The most important game of the Brazilian Championship took place at Allianz Parque, between Palmeiras and Flamengo. Abel Ferreira sent his starting team to the field, while Dorival Júnior selected a “reserve” team.

However, Flamengo that entered the scene would play the championship fighting for a direct spot in the Copa Libertadores. Not to mention that, when things get tough for this reserve team, Dorival has a spectacular bench at hand that can change a dispute at any time.

In the first half, Palmeiras only woke up for the match after they conceded a goal from Victor Hugo (a great player), pushing the Carioca team back, but without creating an important move to reach the tie, except in the several corners.

One of the reasons for this difficulty is the lack of participation of Raphael Veiga in recent times. Not that he always has to make a difference, but we got used to seeing a very strong technical dynamic on his part. And it was thanks to that that he scored many goals until recently.

Although he had an injury with a delayed recovery, I think he was also frustrated that he didn’t have any chance in the national team during the long period he was flying on the field, especially in the last two friendlies there in Asia.

Flamengo, on the other hand, had a very good first half and, even before the goal, threatened Weverton several times. The second half was much more interesting because Palmeiras were more audacious and aggressive, but at the same time, leaving space for the Carioca counterattack.

The team from São Paulo forced and reached the tie with a beautiful goal from Veiga, who was still missing, a move that gave more confidence and courage to the team. Only then did the changes begin.

Abel used all five alternatives, not at the same time, fielding Gabriel Menino, Mayke, Tabata, Wesley and López. Dorival also used them all, but look at the names that entered: Pedro, Gabriel, Arrascaeta, Éverton Ribeiro and Vidal.

The game was lukewarm until stoppage time started, when Palmeiras pressed on and created two great chances.

I honestly expected more from this match, especially from Palmeiras, who were with the starting lineup and trained all week. But the draw served to maintain the nine-point advantage over Flamengo.

Next week, Verdão will face the second place, Fluminense. Last week, the leader beat Corinthians. On Sunday (21), he tied with Flamengo. And, in case it doesn’t lose to Fernando Diniz’s team, the championship will be practically defined. And I don’t even say mathematically.

Football is much more than numbers and statistics. What really counts is the performance, confidence and psychological of the team. In all this, Palmeiras has been showing a lot of strength this season.

PSG well, Daniel Alves badly

In France, PSG scored again. The victim of the time was Lilly, with a resounding 7 to 1.

Let’s get to the point: Mbappé scored three goals, and Neymar, two. The team and both are flying at the start of the season, but we need to wait for the Champions League to start to have a true parameter, since the French Championship does not offer elements for this analysis.

For the players, however, it’s always good to score goals against anyone.

Meanwhile, in Mexico, Pumas were thrashed 5-1 at home by Santos Laguna. And I don’t need to say anything about Daniel Alves’ performance, right? Since he joined the team, Pumas have not won a single match. And he was never replaced, even though he was criticized a lot.

What kind of deal was made? Did he put in the contract that he can’t be replaced?

Fortaleza recovers, São Paulo is in debt

Corinthians suffered another defeat away from home, again with a messed up squad. The team cannot abandon the championship thinking about a “possible” title of the Copa do Brasil.

Already the Fortaleza of the great Juan Pablo Vojvoda is recovering very well in the second round and increasingly distant from the Z4.

In the classic San-São, in the mythical Vila Belmiro, he gave Peixe in Soteldo’s debut. In his characteristic move, Vila’s number 10 (who is responsible) waddled and put the ball on Lucas Braga’s head.

Tricolor is doing very well in the South American and Brazilian cups, but in the Brasileirão they owe the ball and wins. The team is already being reached by Fortaleza, which spent the entire first round in the relegation zone.