The strong heat this Sunday (27) in Limeira (SP) did not help Inter de Limeira and Palmeiras, who did not start from scratch at the Major Levy Sobrinho stadium, for the ninth round of the Paulista Championship. Leão moved up to third in Group A, with eight points, two behind the vice-leader Guarani. Verdão heads Group C, with 17 points, two more than Mirassol, in second place. The top two in each bracket advance to the quarterfinals.
End of game: Inter de Limeira 0x0 Palmeiras.#AvantiPalestra #INLxPAL pic.twitter.com/vIyBURCQ3M
— SE Palmeiras (@Palmeiras) February 27, 2022
In the morning, Inter paid tribute to former player Pepe, two-time world champion for Santos (1962 and 1963) and the Brazilian team (1958 and 1962). The idol, who recently turned 87, was Leão’s coach and led the team to the 1986 São Paulo title, won over Palmeiras himself, being the first club in the interior of the state to achieve the feat.
As decided by the Recopa Sul-Americana this Wednesday (2), at 21:30 (Brasília time), against Athletico-PR, at Allianz Parque, in São Paulo, Palmeiras took to the field with several reserves. Inter were more dangerous in the first half, although the clearest chance was just one minute away. Full-back Celsinho crossed, defender Matheus Mancini headed and goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba avoided the hosts’ goal.
In the final stage, Alviverde gained space in the offensive field, but with difficulties to finish. The first shot in the direction of the goal (also considering the initial stage), given by striker Deyverson, in the half-moon, came out only in the 18th minute, but goalkeeper Lucas Frigeri saved it in the middle of the goal. The duel elapsed with the teams looking for the attack, but without inspiration to swing the nets.
The two teams return to the field for Paulistão next Sunday (6). Palmeiras welcomes Guarani at 4pm, at Allianz Parque. Then, at 18:30, Inter visits Novorizontino at the Jorge Ismael de Biasi stadium, in Novo Horizonte (SP).
