Part 3/8:
In this encounter, Palmeiras was heavily reliant on players like Estevão, with the team showing vulnerabilities that made the victory feel less substantial when viewed in context. The formation featuring three defenders—Bruno Fux, Micael, and Gustavo Gomes—was a notable strategic change by Abel Ferreira. The game saw Palmeiras getting the better of their opponents, scoring from a combination of well-coordinated plays and a last-minute goal from Richard Rios.
However, the consensus is that Palmeiras faced a rather weak opponent in Sporting Cristal, which made their defensive shortcomings even more alarming. The comments from analysts underline the necessity for improvement in both the team’s defensive stability and their ability to forge attacking opportunities.