With a well-reshuffled team, Palmeiras claimed a thumping 6-0 win over Universitario at Allianz Parque on Thursday night. The game marked the concluding fixture of the Libertadores group stage.
Viña, Zé Rafael, Gustavo Gómez and Willian all got on the score-sheet alongside Rony who bagged a brace.
Rony came off the bench to brag a brace. He was only on the pitch for two minutes before he bagged his first and then got his second on the stroke of 90 minutes. Matters had gotten worse for the Peruvian when they got an early dismissal in the 14th minute.
Palmeiras already qualified to the round of 16 with two rounds to spare and finished as the second best overall team in the group stage. Only Atlético-MG had a better group campaign. Holders Palmeiras will now wait for the round of 16 draw on Tuesday when they get to know their next opponents in the competition.
More specifically, the 6-0 score-line against Universitario was also the biggest win for Verdão at Allianz Parque in the Libertadores.
With the result, Palmeiras finished group A in first position, with 15 points. It was a contrasting fate for Universitario who finished bottom of the pile with four points. In the other game of the group, also qualified Defensa y Justicia played out to a 1-1 draw with Independiente Del Valle, with the latter finishing third and now having to play in the Copa Sudamericana.
Palmeiras will return to the pitch on Sunday when they begin their Brazilian Championship campaign against Flamengo in Maracanã. On Thursday, they will then take on CRB as they hope to defend their Copa do Brasil crown. That game is valid for the first leg of the third round of the competition.
