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By beating Corinthians 2-0 without much difficulty, last Thursday, at the Neo Química Arena, Palmeiras returned in five days the only defeats they had suffered in the year. On Sunday, the team had already defeated Bragantino, their other executioner of the season.
The only setbacks had been in the Paulista Championship, a competition won by the team coached by Vanderlei Luxemburg. With a pragmatic and ugly football, as he later admitted, it is true, but he won, ending a 12-year state fast.
After fulfilling that mission, the coach was criticized for not being able to deliver what he had openly promised in his interviews: more beautiful football, more construction, better finishes.
More news from Palmeiras:
+ Luxembourg praises: “We have always had the game under control”
+ Gabriel Veron celebrates victory that gives “a lot of confidence”
Palmeiras are not yet the most pleasant team to watch play, but now, in addition to remaining the only undefeated Brasileirão, they are coming off good performances. Also: finally, after two years, with a victory over his biggest rival in 90 minutes.
Palmeiras players celebrate their victory in the Corinthians stadium dressing room – Photo: Cesar Greco / Ag. Palmeras
A victory built with a different strategy than the previous three classics against Corinthians in the year. On Thursday, instead of just trying to nullify the rival (which Palmeiras has not won since September 2018), including the right side of the opponent’s attack, Luxembourg tried to destroy and produce at the same time.
Contrary to what he did in the two games of the state decision, when he asked the midfielder Zé Rafael to stop Fagner, the coach bet on the speed and the ability of forward Wesley to torment the good right back of Corinthians. And it was a turnaround that opened the scoring, in the 42nd minute of the first half, with a penalty converted by Luiz Adriano.
Wesley goes behind the defense and also Fagner to meet Cássio face to face – Photo: Playback
Penalty for Palmeiras! Lucas Lima kicks and Fagner puts his hand on the ball, at 40 in the 1st half
Receiving Fagner’s back, Wesley kicked goalie Cássio. On the rebound, Lucas Lima gave in, the winger took the ball and received a red card.
The goal and the expulsion made the match easier for Palmeiras, who was already slightly higher at 11 against 11. In the second half, when he passed the five substitutions – which only Luxembourg made in all rounds of the championship – Palmeiras was lord of the game and he still had the second and final goal over Gabriel Verón’s star.
Confident, undefeated and with a match at Allianz Parque on Sunday (against Sport, coming off a loss to Fortaleza), Palmeiras has everything to turn the key for the better.
See the best moments of the Derby:
Best moments: Corinthians 0 x 2 Palmeiras for the 9th round of the Brasileirão 2020
