Palmeiras Faces Uphill Battle After Heavy Libertadores Defeat, Key Squad Decisions Loom
After a 3-0 loss to LDU in the Libertadores, Palmeiras confronts critical strategy and player availability challenges ahead of their pivotal return leg and Brasileirão clash.
- • Palmeiras lost 3-0 to LDU in the first leg of the Libertadores, an unprecedented halftime deficit for the club.
- • Coach Abel Ferreira remains hopeful despite the heavy loss, emphasizing the potential for a comeback in the second leg.
- • Upcoming Brasileirão match against Cruzeiro involves tough decisions on resting key players amid a congested schedule.
- • Player absences due to suspension and injury constrain lineup options; Allan is eligible to play after a suspension lift.
Key details
Palmeiras suffered a harsh 3-0 defeat to LDU in Quito in the Copa Libertadores first leg, marking an unprecedented halftime deficit for the club in the competition's history. LDU, coached by Brazilian Tiago Nunes, dominated the match with aggressive play, exposing Palmeiras’ lack of competitiveness and tactical cohesion. Despite some improvement in the second half and standout performances from Gustavo Gómez, Agustín Giay, and Vitor Roque, Palmeiras failed to capitalize on LDU’s retreat due to fatigue. Coach Abel Ferreira acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge ahead for the return leg at Allianz Parque, emphasizing that overturning a three-goal deficit is almost unthinkable for Brazilian teams but not impossible with a near-perfect performance.
Adding to Palmeiras' difficulties this week, Ferreira faces critical lineup decisions for their upcoming Brasileirão match against Cruzeiro amid a congested schedule. With Palmeiras tied on points with Flamengo (61 each), Ferreira must weigh resting key starters to preserve energy for the Libertadores clash. Player availability is constrained by suspensions and injuries, including the mandatory absence of Piquerez and Aníbal Moreno. However, Allan’s suspension was recently lifted, allowing his participation against Cruzeiro. The team’s defensive midfield options remain limited, with Emiliano Martínez and Bruno Fuchs not in peak form.
The combination of tactical recalibration, squad rotation decisions, and the daunting task of reversing a historic defeat positions Palmeiras at a critical juncture in their season. Abel Ferreira remains optimistic, stating that "ninety minutes at Allianz Parque is a long time," underscoring the belief that a remarkable comeback is still within reach.