Palmeiras made history again and became the champion of the 2021 Copa Libertadores by defeating Flamengo 2-1 with goals from Raphael Veiga and Deyverson in a great match. Thus, for the first time, Palmeiras is the two-time champion of the South American tournament.
El Verdao was very intelligent in the match: it showed great defensive solidity and was effective in front of the goal. The goal came fairly quickly, in the eighth minute, when Raphael Veiga took advantage of a ball in Flamengo's area to make it 1-0, reflecting Abel Ferreira's strategy from that moment on.
Like any team that knows how to play crucial matches, Palmeiras focused on protecting the score and looking for goals through counterattacks, many of which were almost lethal for Flamengo, if it weren't for the fact that some of them weren't executed in the best way.
YOU CAN SEE: Speed and strength! Raphael Veiga scored the 1-0 for Palmeiras against Flamengo
Key Players
Of course, this feat was not only the work of the coach, but also the result of teamwork, often sacrificing individualities. Gustavo Gómez, Mayke, Weverton, and Deyverson stood out for Palmeiras.
- Weverton. He was partially responsible for Flamengo's goal, but before that, he responded well to several attacks from the opponent.
- Mayke. Great contribution in defense, the Brazilian full-back was able to secure the right side and prevented many long passes from the opposing team, especially with the support of Gustavo Gómez.
YOU CAN SEE: Let it be heard throughout America! This is how Palmeiras lifted the 2021 Copa Libertadores trophy
- Gustavo Gómez. One of the standout performers of the match, the Paraguayan showed solidity in defense, had no problems clearing the ball, and won the majority of aerial duels.
- Luan. A good complement to the defense, quite secure in clearing the ball. He couldn't do much about Flamengo's goal, but overall, he had a good performance.
- Joaquín Piquerez. The Uruguayan provided a strong defensive presence. He had some problems in certain plays, but had a decent game.
YOU CAN SEE: The Palmeiras fans explode with joy! They celebrated the 1-0 in Brazil like this
- Danilo dos Santos. The young footballer showed some defensive weaknesses that could have been fatal for Palmeiras if it weren't for the support he had. One of the team's weak points.
- Patrick de Paula. He came on for Danilo and was one of the standout players: he held the midfield, recovered the ball, and distributed it, especially when the score was 1-1 and there was a need to find the second goal.
- Zé Rafael. Persistent on the right side, but he couldn't do much to make a difference and contributed better in defense.
YOU CAN SEE: Gabigol equalizes! Flamengo tied the game with the help of Palmeiras' goalkeeper
- Dudu. The Brazilian midfielder provided several opportunities that were not well capitalized due to the strong defensive line composed of David Luiz and Rodrigo Caio.
- Raphael Veiga. The scorer of the first goal, although beyond the goal, he was always a threat to Flamengo on the counterattacks.
- Gustavo Scarpa. Very solid, he contributed in defense and attack during the 120 minutes he played as a Brazilian midfielder.
YOU CAN SEE: Gabigol equalizes! Flamengo tied the game with the help of Palmeiras' goalkeeper
- Rony. He had a shot that could have been Flamengo's 2-0. Apart from this chance, he was very important on the counterattacks, especially with the entry of Deyverson.
- Wesley Ribeiro. He came on for Dudu and his presence was felt more in defense, especially after Deyverson's goal.
- Danilo Barbosa. He came on for Zé Rafael and played a great game, being crucial in the offensive situations and complementing both Mayke and Gabriel Menino effectively.
YOU CAN SEE: Palmeiras fans go wild! Verdão's supporters celebrated the 1-0 like this
- Deyverson. He came on with the mission of scoring a goal and he succeeded: he forced Andreas Pereira into an error and finished brilliantly to secure the bicampeonato for Palmeiras. Furthermore, he didn't give up on any ball and won valuable extra minutes through his pressure. Also, his contributions in defense should not be overlooked. The 30-year-old forward was present in both areas, providing security and effectiveness.
- Gabriel Menino. He came on for Mayke and had a significant impact in the short time he was on the field, preventing many dangerous plays by Mengao that could have led to goals.
- Felipe Melo. The historic player of the Brazilian national team came on to secure the result and waste as much time as possible thanks to his experience, and he succeeded. He even confronted the referee and received a yellow card.