Palmeiras on alert: worst streak of the year exposes vulnerabilities before a crucial Libertadores showdown.
Palmeiras is going through its roughest patch of the season, extending its winless streak to four matches following a 3-2 defeat to Fluminense at the Maracanã, in the 23rd round of the Brazilian Serie A.
This negative run has exposed the team’s vulnerabilities, ramped up pressure on manager Abel Ferreira, and turned the second leg against Cerro Porteño in the Copa Libertadores into a true turning point to prevent a full-blown crisis at Academia de Futebol.
Defense slumping and attack lacking spark
The performance against Fluminense highlighted Palmeiras‘ defensive issues. With Barboza out and Bruno Fuchs lacking match fitness, Abel Ferreira opted for Gómez and Murilo at center-back, with Giay and Piquerez on the flanks.
Only Gómez, who scored a goal and put in a solid performance, escaped criticism. Piquerez was substituted at halftime, and both Giay and Murilo were directly involved in the goals conceded. Carlos Miguel, the goalkeeper who had already shown signs of instability, could not save the day.
In midfield and attack, the scenario was no different. Arias, Marlon Freitas, and Andreas Pereira struggled to make an impact, while Vitor Roque is still searching for form following his injury.
Even with an assist for Mauricio‘s goal, who showed glimpses of determination, the team lacks the intensity seen in the first half of the year. The body language of the players, appearing dejected, reflects their delicate technical and tactical state.
Pressure mounts with league and cup scenarios
Palmeiras‘ poor form is compounded by their situation in other competitions. In the Brazilian Serie A, a lead that once stood at eight points could shrink to just three this weekend if Flamengo wins their match.
In the Copa do Brasil, reaching the quarterfinals came after a 3-2 loss to Fortaleza, which kicked off this string of setbacks.
Libertadores as a lifeline
Now, all attention turns to the Libertadores. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg against Cerro Porteño, Palmeiras desperately needs a win to advance to the quarterfinals.
The decisive clash takes place in Asunción at Nueva Olla stadium, in front of a packed crowd. A victory might be enough to quiet the doubts and provide breathing room for the squad, while a defeat could definitively signal the start of a crisis.
Marlon Freitas stated:
It’s a difficult moment, a time to work more and talk less. We know our responsibilities. We are alive in all fronts, in all three competitions. Luckily, there is still time to correct things. We must work, look for our best individual and collective version, analyze how to improve, and chase the results. We need to provide that response in Wednesday’s decider.
The match against Cerro Porteño will not just be a game, but a trial by fire for Palmeiras as they look to rediscover their best football and fend off the specter of a crisis.
