Abel Ferreira has warned Palmeiras to expect a stubborn night when they open their Copa Libertadores round-of-16 tie against Cerro Porteño, with the coach saying the Paraguayan side are likely to stay compact, defend deep and look for their moment in transition or from a set-piece.
Palmeiras begin the knockout stage at home on Wednesday as one of the favourites to go deep in the tournament, but there is a familiar concern hanging over the tie. Even while leading the Brazilian league, they have not always looked convincing against opponents who sit in a low block, and that makes this first leg more than a routine home assignment.
Ferreira was blunt about the challenge ahead. “Tenemos que estar preparados, porque en tres días va a ser más de lo mismo,” he said, making clear that he expects the same kind of resistance Cerro Porteño have already shown in the competition.
Why the low block matters
The coach’s warning is not based on theory. During the group stage, Palmeiras drew 1-1 with Cerro Porteño in Asunción and lost 1-0 to them in São Paulo, so the matchup has already shown how awkward this opponent can be when they are set up to frustrate.
Ferreira also pointed to the specific structure he expects to face again. “Sabemos cómo van a jugar: cerraditos y marcación individual, a la espera de una transición o una pelota parada,” he said. In simple terms, Palmeiras are being asked to deal with a side that will keep its shape, track runners tightly and wait for a counter or a dead-ball chance.
That is where the problem has often appeared for the Verdão. “Hemos tenido dificultades cuando los adversarios juegan en bloque bajo y meten una línea (en defensa) de cinco, seis, siete jugadores,” Ferreira added. For a team that can control territory but still struggle to turn pressure into clear chances, that is the kind of opponent profile that can make a home leg feel far more complicated than it should.
Palmeiras need control, not just possession
The Sunday 0-0 draw at home against Internacional de Porto Alegre in the 22ª jornada of the Brazilian league will not have helped to calm those concerns. It was another reminder that territory alone is not enough if the final pass, movement and timing in the box are not there.
That is why Wednesday matters. Palmeiras do not need to force the issue in the first few minutes, but they do need to show more clarity than they have against defensive opponents. If they can move Cerro Porteño out of their shape, they will like their chances over the two legs. If they cannot, the tie may stay tight for much longer than a favourite would want.
Ferreira has already identified the problem. Now Palmeiras have to solve it.
