Despite getting relegated to the Serie B last week, Coritiba can hold their heads up high and say that they got the better of the current Libertadores champion in Palmeiras.
It was a game where Palmeiras perhaps underestimated their opponents and opted to go for reserves.
In fact, goalkeeper Vinicius made his first appearance of the season.
Although, that was because second choice goalkeeper Jailson had to go into quarantine. The reason being that he came in contact with someone who had covid-19.
Marcos Rocha, Gabriel Menino and Danilo were the only regular names that made the starting lineup.
The first half ended goalless and Abel Ferreira decided to bring in some of his top names in the second half in search of a win. Rony, Raphael Veiga and Luiz Adriano all came on. After the substitutions, Palmeiras seemed to be dominating more of the ball but it all changed when Kuscevic was sent off after an altercation with Osman.
Coritiba made their player ‘advantage’ count as they grew more into the game and eventually got a goal in the 88th minute through right-back Jonathan. It must be said that the 28-year-old is already on the radar of other clubs, with Botafogo strongly interested.
The result meant Coritiba claimed their first home win in over three months. Their last win at Couto Pereira came way back in October 31, 2020. The result also meant Coritiba did the double over Palmeiras, having won the first leg 3-1 at Allianz Parque.
Verdão have no time to sulk over their defeat as they have a classic against São Paulo on Friday. It is also just eight days until they face Grêmio in the final of the Brazil Cup.
Still in Couto Pereira, Coritiba host Ceará on Saturday for the penultimate game of their campaign.
