Part 2/7:
As celebrations erupted for Botafogo, there were stark contrasts in fortunes elsewhere in the Brazilian football landscape. A notable point of contention arose with Abel Ferreira, the coach of Palmeiras, who had previously hinted that the championship was essentially in favor of his side due to the presumed outcomes of rival teams. Comments implying that São Paulo would conveniently forfeit their chance left Ferreira in a fragile position, especially following Palmeiras’ unexpected loss to Fluminense—the very team grappling with relegation.