Coach Abel Ferreira showed satisfaction with Palmeiras’ posture in the 2-1 victory over Red Bull Bragantino, but stressed the need to improve offensive efficiency.
During the press conference after the game at Allianz Parque, Abel highlighted the importance of converting chances into goals to ensure tranquility in the match.
“Spectacular kid, everyone loves him, he has two fabulous fathers, this generation is incredible. Endrick, Estêvão, Luis, they all like to play on the same side. Sometimes we play games where I let them play in any position. Two of them are no longer here. I’m happy to have contributed in some way to their growth.”
Abel complemented with a praise for Estêvão’s performance: “This boy, just saying he played well to keep focusing, keep attacking and defending. What I can say is enjoy him while he’s here, because this kid does wonders. As long as he has the energy to play, take advantage, because he’s marvelous,” he urged.
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First half
Palmeiras and Bragantino provided an excellent first half at Allianz Parque, with two protagonists in the spotlight: Estêvão, from Verdão, and Helinho, from Massa Bruta.
The visitors posed danger with Lucas Evangelista in the 8th minute, but the best chances were with Helinho, who scared Weverton’s goal in two shots. On the Palmeiras side, Estêvão was the creator of the play for the goal scored by Raphael Veiga.
The number 41 jersey dribbled past Juninho Capixaba, advanced on the right and crossed for the midfielder to complete and score a beautiful goal. The young promise of Verdão almost scored a wonderful goal in the 28th minute, dribbling past three opponents before shooting, but Cleiton managed to make the save. Bragantino’s goalkeeper was crucial to keeping the scoreline at 1-0, making good saves and preventing goals from Piquerez, Rony and Gabriel Menino.
Second half
Bragantino needed only three minutes to equalize the game. After a good exchange of passes between Helinho and Sasha, Matheus Fernandes advanced freely and shot past Weverton, scoring the goal that leveled the score at 1-1.
The home team’s joy was brief: in the 9th minute, the Palmeiras goalkeeper gave a great assist to Rony, who won the race and finished with his right foot to put Verdão in the lead again.
The lively game continued until the final minutes, with Bragantino missing a good chance to equalize in stoppage time: Lucas Evangelista took advantage of space in the Palmeiras area, but headed wide.
