Deportivo Pereira had only conceded two goals at home in this edition of the Libertadores, in which the Colombian club makes its debut in the competition. In less than 35 minutes against Palmeiras, however, the team was leaked three times this Wednesday (23). In the end, they ended up thrashing 4-0.
Raphael Veiga, from the penalty spot, in the 23rd minute of the first half, Marcos Rocha, in the 32nd minute, and Mayke, in the 35th minute, left the Colombian team bewildered on the field before the break. On the way back from the locker room, Rony scored the fourth near the end, at 37 minutes, and closed the account.
Before facing Palmeiras, Pereira was undefeated in their domains in the continental competition, with three wins —Monagas (VEN), Boca Juniors (ARG) and Independiente del Valle (EQU)— and a draw, against Colo Colo (CHI) .
Only the Venezuelans, defeated by 2 to 1, and the Chileans, who drew 1 to 1, both in the group stage, had managed to break through the defense of the Colombians. Boca and Del Valle, the opponent of the round of 16, lost 1-0.
As a visitor, however, the story is quite different. In four games, no triumph. Two defeats, against Boca and Monagas, and then draws, against Colo Colo and Del Valle.
That’s why this Wednesday’s result left the alviverde formation in a very comfortable situation for the return match, on Wednesday (30), at Allianz Parque, where the home team could lose by up to three goals difference, which will still remain with a place in the semifinals of the competition.
To stay alive in the Libertadores, Pereira would have to at least win by four goals difference to take the decision to penalties.
If the squad commanded by Abel Ferreira confirms the classification, the opponent in the next phase will be the winner of the confrontation between the Argentines Boca Juniors and Racing. This Wednesday, at Bombonera, the rivals were in a goalless draw.
