On Wednesday, at Allianz Parque, the scene was set for heartbreak as Palmeiras got knocked out of the CONMEBOL Libertadores by Botafogo. What makes this sting even more is that this was the worst campaign for coach Abel Ferreira since his start at the club in 2020.
Despite a spirited late comeback attempt where Palmeiras flipped a 2-0 deficit to a 3-2 lead, a controversial handball call on Gómez’s goal dashed any hopes of advancing.
😱⚽ @Palmeiras rallied from two goals down and needing one more goal to force penalties, had one final chance from an indirect free-kick… #GloriaEterna | #PALxBOT pic.twitter.com/WtMALupuTb
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@TheLibertadores) August 22, 2024
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Abel Ferreira’s tenure at Palmeiras has been notable, with back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021 and deep runs into the semi-finals in the following two years.
“Cabeça fria e coração quente” 🇵🇹
Abel Ferreira é nosso primeiro técnico a conquistar a #Libertadores duas vezes! #TodosSomosUm#AméricaV3rde #AlmaECoração pic.twitter.com/fcTpzsyDpi
— SE Palmeiras (@Palmeiras) November 28, 2021
However, this year’s early exit in the round of 16 is a sharp departure from his previous successes and is the team’s earliest Libertadores departure since 2017.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Despite this setback, Abel’s overall record in the Libertadores remains impressive, boasting an 82.3% success rate with 14 wins out of 17 knockout games.
Yet, the dual elimination from both the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil this season piles on the pressure as Palmeiras turns its focus to the Brasileirão. Here, they aim for a historic third consecutive win, a feat last achieved by São Paulo under coach Muricy Ramalho from 2006 to 2008.
As Palmeiras prepares to face Cuiabá this Saturday, sitting third with 41 points, the question remains: can Abel shake off the continental disappointment and lead his team to domestic glory? Only time will tell, but for now, the Libertadores dream is over, and it’s back to the drawing board for Palmeiras and their Portuguese tactician.
