The Portuguese coach took the second consecutive title of the biggest competition in South America.
The Portuguese flag has returned to the top spot in South American football for the third time in a row. For the second time, Abel Ferreira led Palmeiras to another continental title. The triple championship (the first in 1999), which Flamengo won this Saturday, in Montevideo, certainly puts natural coach Penavel in the greatest exhibition in Verdão’s history.
The double title ensued by the Portuguese equals the achievement of two South American football giants: Tele Santana, champion of Sao Paulo, in 1992 and 1993, and Carlos Bianchi with Boca Juniors, in 2000 and 2001. E Supra Luiz Felipe Scorali, former Portuguese coach , who achieved a continental achievement with Alfeverde in 1999.
Just like last year, when they beat Santos (1-0), the final between the Brazilian teams saw improvements in sentiment. After a draw in regular time (1-1), Palmeiras needed extra time to beat Flamengo, the champion team with Jorge Jesus in 2019.
Rafal Vega opened the scoring in the 5th minute. In the second half, Gabigol left everything untouched at the Centenario in the 72nd minute. With the majority of red and black supporters on stage in Uruguay’s legendary stage, Abel Ferreira’s title seemed to have moved further away.
However, in overtime, Verdau was more stable in the match. Stronger physically and emotionally. He reached the winning goal (and the title) in the 95th minute with a player fired by Abel during the match: Deverson. Finally, Alverdi – and the Portuguese – in Uruguay.
