Chelsea opponent outlook: Getting to know Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras
2. How did Palmeiras get here?
Palmeiras is a rarity in the sport of football. It’s difficult enough to win back-to-back titles in any competition—an accolade that is is reserved for the truly special squads—but to do it in a tournament as competitive and prestigious as the Copa Libertadores is infinitely more impressive. The Alviverde have achieved that feat over the last two years. Although this slide is meant to specifically recap Chelsea’s opponent’s journey to the match-up with the Blues, Palmeiras’ tale actually begins in the 2020 Club World Cup.
The Brazilian side is sort of an enigma. However, its story is one that’ll likely hit a little too close to home for Chelsea fans. Palmeiras finished third (16 points off the top spot) in the Brazilian Serie A during its first successful Copa Libertadores run in recent years. Nevertheless, triumph in the continental competition saw the Alviverde punch their ticket to Qatar for the 2020 Club World Cup. The tournament’s format has remained the same, which meant Palmeiras entered in the semifinal. It was denied a place in the final in heartbreaking fashion, losing 1-0 to Tigres (Mexico) via a 54th-minute penalty kick. The Alviverde went on to drop the third place game on penalty kicks against Al Ahly too. Losing by the slimmest of margins on two occasions stuck with them.
Palmeiras went on to finish seventh in Serie A the next season. This was considered a huge disappointment by some, but there was no hiding the Alviverde’s true intentions on the season. They were out to defend their Copa Libertadores crown and reach the Club World Cup for a second consecutive campaign. As I eluded to earlier, they succeeded in their efforts. This set up the perfect redemption tale that’d take place in this year’s semifinal. As the Blues were busy preparing for their match against Al Hilal, Palmeiras quietly brushed Al Ahly—yep, the same Al Ahly that beat the Brazilians on penalties last year—aside by a score of 2-0 to book its place in the final.
Now you’re all caught up. The Alviverde and the Blues are both out to capture a piece of silverware that their trophy cases are missing, all while trying to make up for past failures. There is a lot of motivation on both sides and it’s not difficult to understand why. As for results this season, Brazil is one of the world’s odd balls. Serie A concluded in December with Mineiro winning the title. However, Campeonato Paulista (Sao Paulo’s top flight) is well underway in the meantime and this has helped Palmeiras stay match fit. The Alviverde sit atop Group C right now, despite having a game in hand because of their Club World Cup semifinal fixture.