Inter Miami have made a considerable recovery in their season in the last two MLS games before the FIFA Club World Cup, with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez returning to contribute with much more intensity and correct decision-making in the wins against Montreal and Columbus Crew.
Javier Mascheranno finally seems to have found the ideal fit to make his attacking system pay off, with twelve goals scored in the last three games. On the other hand, Palmeiras, their last opponents in the group stage of the international tournament, suffered a major defeat in their last game before the trip to the United States.
In a direct duel for the lead in the Brazilian Serie A League, Palmeiras conceded two goals in five minutes and ended up being beaten by Cruzeiro, the team that took second place in the standings. The victory was won by 57,000 people at Mineirão, Belo Horizonte's main stadium and the venue for matches at the 2014 World Cup and 2019 Copa America.
The two goals conceded by Palmeiras (coached by Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira) came from aerial balls inside the area, with the defense having problems defending shots against strikers with great finishing ability. The team has an attacking style of play against some opponents, looking to exchange a lot of passes until they find spaces inside or crosses from the sides to set up the shots.
However, Palmeiras is a team that also shows a lot of quality in playing with its lines in a medium block without controlling possession, seeking to alternate moments of high or medium pressure depending on the opponent and the tempo of the game, prioritizing counter-attacks at certain times.
Palmeiras experiencing total domination in Libertadores
While Palmeiras have had a difficult week in the Brazilian League (also losing to current leaders Flamengo), the situation in the Conmebol Libertadores is totally different. Vitor Roque and Estêvão's side were the only ones with a 100% record during the group stage, with six wins in six games played, having qualified two games in advance.