Author: Vishwajit Sawant
In a recent match against
Red Bull Bragantino, Palmeiras were beaten 2-1.
but coach Abel Ferreira did not fail to highlight the positive aspects of the game. The coach expressed his satisfaction with the performance of his reserve team, made up mainly of young talents from the club’s youth ranks.
Ferreira emphasized: “You saw the number of players in our second team, who played an extraordinary first half. It was a shame, because we deserved to go in at half-time with a bigger lead. Bragantino only got into the game after the penalty, it was difficult to break through our defense, and then they ended up scoring the second goal with a cross from outside the box.“
The coach praised the team’s solidity in the first half and reiterated his disappointment at the missed chances. In the second half, Palmeiras controlled the game well until Richard Ríos committed a penalty that allowed Bragantino to equalize. The home side continued to press and eventually secured victory in the final minutes.
Ferreira identified the penalty as the turning point of the match, saying: “The penalty was the key moment of the game. Until the 60th minute, Bragantino had one dangerous chance in the first half. After the penalty, yes, they attacked, playing at home with pace and volume. But until the penalty, we were completely on top.“
Palmeiras fielded a line-up of seven players developed at the club, with three more coming off the bench, including the professional debut of Kauan Santos. Santos made an immediate impact, creating a dangerous chance in extra time.
The coach emphasized the role of the coaching staff in supporting the young players during moments of success and challenge, saying: “As coaches, we have to help them in any way we can, in moments of glory or bad luck, like today. We give them confidence and tell them that these moments help us grow, create a shell and prepare us for the future.“
Despite their second consecutive defeat in the Brasileirão, Palmeiras remain in fourth place, one position below Bragantino and seven points behind Botafogo. League leaders Botafogo will play Goiás on matchday 25, with the potential to extend their lead.
Palmeiras are now fully focused on the Conmebol Libertadores, where they will face Boca Juniors in a decisive match. The winner at Allianz Parque will secure a place in the final, while a draw will take the game to penalties. The other finalist will come from the match between Internacional and Fluminense.