“The most important match of the year”

In a week that witnessed two decisive matches for Palmeiras’ ambitions, (on Tuesday, the club visits Gremio in Porto Alegre, in an attempt to get closer to leaders Flamengo) the striker. Victor Roque He chose Saturday’s match, against the Red-Black team from Rio, for the tournament final LibertadoresAs the “most important match of the year” for Sao Paulo.

“It’s a different preparation, a different focus, a different focus. We’re working hard and thinking about Saturday’s match, with a lot of humility and our feet on the ground. I’m sure we’ll play a great match. The Libertadores final is a dream for us, and God willing, we’ll win this title,” the player said after training on Monday. Paulistas and Rio de Janeiro will face off next Saturday in Lima, the capital of Peru, in search of their fourth title in the South American competition.

Abel Ferreira’s side finished second in the Brazilian championship, making it difficult in the title fight by drawing with Fluminense and allowing rival Flamengo to slip away. With three commitments remaining until the end of the competition, the Palmeiras team has 70 points, compared to 74 for the leaders.

“Before the final, there is also a very important match, which is against Gremio, and we will try to achieve a positive result there on their home turf. We know that the Brazilian national team was a bit far away, but we have to focus and work,” summed up the striker. In the last four matches, Palmeiras scored only two points in 12 matches (suffering two defeats and two draws).

This Monday, Abel Ferreira led tactical activities focusing on specific movements. The top scorer also commented on the support shown by the fans in this final period of the season, despite the team’s repeated stumbles.

“The support of every fan is very important for us. I got to know the fans very quickly. From the first minute they always supported me, and the group, so it’s about working, God willing, to win this title for us and for them as well,” concluded the No. 9, the team’s second top scorer this season with 20 goals.