The reality is that 3-0 was not enough. What Palmeiras failed to play in the first half was something resounding. Negatively. There were two shots on goal, while Botafogo had 15. And they also missed at least two clear chances. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration if the opening half ended 5-0 for the home team.
The party’s plot seemed perfect for Alvinegro. It would be a resounding victory against a feared pursuer. At the edge of the field, Abel Ferreira thought. And he suffered.
In the coldest analysis, the coach saw that there was a mistake in marking that disorganized the entire team. Which? Fitting the sides.
With a final line of five men (with three defenders), Palmeiras was confused by the dynamism and movements of Botafogo’s wingers (Victor Sá and Júnior Santos), combined with the retreat of Tiquinho Soares and Eduardo in the middle.
“All that was left was for one of our full-backs to break away from the line of five and hit their full-back. That’s all that was missing. In the first half, our two full-backs were left clinging to their wingers”, summarized Abel Ferreira, regarding the role of Mayke and Piquerez.
With the ball, Botafogo massacred. Eduardo, 1 to 0. Tchê Tchê, a shot from outside the area, great goal, 2 to 0. And Júnior Santos, with space, taking advantage of the rebound in the area to make it 3 to 0.
