Palmeiras Falter in Dream Attack Debut at Copa Libertadores
Palmeiras begins its quest for a fourth Copa Libertadores title tonight. The squad faces Junior Barranquilla at 21:30 Brasília time in Cartagena, Colombia.
The match takes place at Estádio Olímpico Jaime Morón León. It opens the group stage of the competition.
Team selection and absences
Paulinho and Vitor Roque travelled with the group to Salvador and then to Cartagena. Neither player is fully recovered, so both are unavailable for the match.
The club confirmed they are still undergoing reconditioning. Coaching staff opted not to risk them for this opener.
Vitor Roque’s recent form
Vitor Roque has not started a match for exactly one month. His last appearance in the starting XI came in the Paulista final against Novorizontino.
He was rested in the two most recent fixtures. Those matches were against Grêmio and Bahia.
Match context
This group-stage debut is important for Palmeiras’ continental ambitions. The team’s dream attack may falter without its key forwards.
Junior Barranquilla will host the visitors at a neutral venue in Cartagena. Palmeiras must adapt its lineup and tactics for the challenge.
Filmogaz.com will provide updates and coverage as the match unfolds.
