After nine months, Paolo Guerrero returned to the field. The Peruvian forward officially debuted with Avaí in the Brasileirao. Although it wasn't the debut every player dreams of. His team lost 3-1 against América MG in the 20th round of the Brazilian championship.
In this new adventure in the Brasileirao, Paolo Guerrero will wear jersey number 99. The 'Predator' entered the game in the 72nd minute, replacing Guilherme Bissoli.
The captain of the Peruvian National Team, who hadn't played since October 2021, had two shots on goal. The first was cleared by the América defense and the other shot went over the crossbar.
Avaí opened the scoring, but the home team turned the game around. The final score was 3-1 in favor of América MG.
This is the fourth jersey that Paolo Guerrero has worn in the Brasileirao. Before, he played for Corinthians, Flamengo, and Internacional.
With this result, Avaí dropped to 16th place in the Brasileirao with 21 points. Meanwhile, América MG climbed to 14th place.
Paolo Guerrero's team must fight in the upcoming matches to escape the relegation zone.
On the next Saturday, August 6, the 'Predator' will face Corinthians.
América MG vs Avaí: confirmed line-ups for today
América Mineiro: Matheus Cavichioli, Éder, Danilo Avelar, Luan Patrick, Raúl Cáceres, Matheusinho, Henrique Almeida, Felipe Azevedo, Everaldo, Juninho, and Lucas Kal
Avaí: Vladimir; Kevin, Bressan, Arthur Chaves, Bruno Cortez, Raniele, Jean Pyerre, William Pottker, Natanael, and Guilherme Bissoli.
América MG vs Avaí: minute by minute
The 'Predator', who will defend his fourth jersey in the Brasileirao, has responded well to the intensity of Avaí's training sessions, as reported by coach Eduardo Barroca.
"I'm quite pleased with his performance in training, we expected him to take the initial precautions. Although he has a good level, the amount of activity and high-intensity football training causes some situations in the athlete's body, such as muscle fatigue," said the coach.
Eduardo Barroca also announced that we shouldn't expect to see Paolo Guerrero as a starter right from the beginning. The coach intends to gradually bring the Peruvian forward, who has had a long break, into the team.
His current contract with Avaí, from the Florianópolis region, extends until the end of the 2022 season. Specifically, until the end of November, when the regular stage of the Brasileirao concludes.
Paolo Guerrero excited for his debut
The forward was asked about the injury that kept him out of the field for an extended period and highlighted leaving the discomfort behind.
"I went through a long recovery time, I couldn't play because I had a lot of difficulties and had to stop. I had several offers from teams to play, but I said that I had to be in a good condition to define my future. Today I'm completely fine, without any difficulty, that's why I came here, to a competitive football," he said.
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