Palmeiras takes the lead against Atlético in the dispute for a place in the Libertadores quarterfinals – 08/02/2023 – Sport

Palmeiras broke a spell against Atlético Mineiro this Wednesday (2) and came out on top in the dispute between the two teams for the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores.

In the only clash between Brazilian teams in the first knockout round of this tournament, Abel Ferreira’s team won 1-0 at Mineirão, with a goal by Raphael Veiga.

“We are to be congratulated, we have to know how to use that small advantage, but we know that playing against Galo is very difficult”, celebrated the number 23.

Veiga scored in the first half, in the 29th minute, the goal that gave the Alviverde formation the advantage of playing for a draw in the second leg, on Wednesday of next week, the 9th, at Allianz Parque.

Ties between the two clubs in the competition are common. Tonight’s duel was the fifth clash between rivals in continental competition and the first to end with a winner.

In the four previous disputes, there were only draws. It was like this in the semifinals of the 2021 edition and in the quarterfinals of 2022. On both occasions, Palmeiras passed the stage: in 2021, because of the away goal; in 2022, in the penalty shootout.

This time, those who pass the stage will face Deportivo Pereira-COL or Independiente del Valle-EQU in the quarterfinals.

In addition to getting closer to the next phase, Palmeiras also aggravated the athletic crisis under the command of Luiz Felipe Scolari. In nine games with the coach, Atlético have not won any. It accumulates only four draws and five defeats, with a use of only 14.8%.

“We’re going through a bad phase, we try, try and try and we can’t win. It’s no use playing much longer, we have to win”, acknowledged striker Paulinho.