Palmeiras beats Ceará and confirms place in the round of 16 of the Brazilian Cup
18-year-old striker scores both goals in 3-0 victory and leaves Allianz Parque to a standing ovation
The game
Palmeiras beat Ceará 3-0 this Thursday at Allianz Parque and confirmed their place in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. After a first half with few chances for both teams, Verdão came back with more impetus for the second half and decided the match. Things got easier for the home team in the 21st minute, when Estêvão opened the scoring after a rebound from a penalty saved by Fernando Miguel. Three minutes later, the forward made an individual play on the left, dribbled past the defense and unleashed a shot into the corner to extend the lead. In the 41st minute, Flaco López closed the scoring. Verdão now awaits the draw to find out their opponent in the round of 16 of the tournament.
First half summary
The first 47 minutes of the game were very competitive, but with few clear chances for either team. Palmeiras took control of the early part of the match and tried hard on the wings. In an individual play by Estêvão, in the 21st minute, the team almost opened the scoring, but the youngster was stopped by Fernando Miguel. Ceará closed in as best they could and the alternative was to finish from outside the area. Aníbal Moreno and Piquerez tried, but the one who managed to find the net was Pedro Henrique. In the 43rd minute, the Vozão forward received a deep pass, dribbled past Weverton and tapped the ball into the empty net. While still on the field, the referee called offside, which was confirmed by VAR.
Second half summary
The final stage started out much like the first: lots of fighting and few clear chances. But in the 21st minute, Estêvão made things easier for Palmeiras. In an individual play, he was awarded a penalty, which he himself took. The striker was stopped by Fernando Miguel, but the ball came back to his feet and he put it into the empty net. Three minutes later, Estêvão received the ball on the left, made an individual play and finished into the corner to score the second goal. Without strength, Ceará took risks in attack, but conceded the third goal in the 41st minute.
Farewell
Estêvão’s two goals tonight were the boy’s last in a Palmeiras jersey in the Copa do Brasil before transferring to Chelsea in England. When he was substituted at the end of the second half, he received a standing ovation from the Palmeiras fans. At times he even showed some emotion at the affection he received from the fans. “I’m having incredible days, a mix of feelings. It’s hard to explain,” he said. The boy will also play matches in the Brasileirão and Conmebol Libertadores, as well as the Club World Cup in the United States.
