Abel Ferreira changed the way Palmeiras played once again in this Campeonato Paulista seeking a feat that hasn’t happened in 90 years at the club: the third consecutive state title, won by the then Palestra Itália in 1934. Alviverde faces Novorizontino today (28 ), at 9:35 pm (Brasília time), at Allianz Parque, in the state semifinal.
What happened
Palmeiras lost players who played on the sides of the field and started playing in Paulistão with an attacking duo with a less mobile number 9. Alviverde traded Artur and Kevin to European football and is without Dudu and Bruno Rodrigues, who are injured. Thus, Abel Ferreira chose Flaco López as the starter. The Argentine is the team’s top scorer this season with 10 goals, playing alongside Endrick.
Last year, Abel implemented the system with three defenders after losing Dudu and had the attack formed by Breno Lopes and Endrick. The team that managed to reach the Brasileirão title had Marcos Rocha as the third defender on the right side and Mayke with more freedom to support on the right side. The attack took a while to get going, but found the speed of Breno and Endrick.
