Palmeiras eliminated Atletico Mineiro in the Copa Libertadores quarter-final, by a narrow margin. 6-5 win on penalties, after he was outnumbered since the 29th minute, after Danilo was sent off. Abel Ferreira withstood zero and was the most effective on penalty kicks, deserving the acclaim of Hulk, the greatest rooster character.

“I think Danilo’s sending off made Palmeiras play more. Palmeiras is a team that defends well. Abel was smart, he made a line of five and a line of four. It was very difficult to find spaces. They played at home, on a court they were used to. We did not find spaces. ’,” said the Brazil international after the match.

The former Porto club still had two good chances during the match, but he doesn’t want to regret it.

“There are days when we play poorly. It is important to recognize the weight of elimination. We started the season very well, with important titles. Then I went down a bit. We are still a great team, winners, players who deserve respect. Of course we must be judged. I judge myself. I go home and can’t even take care of my family.”

In the semi-finals, Palmeiras will face Estudiantes or Atletico Paranaense led by Luiz Felipe Scolari.