Palmeiras is the Paulista champions, after 12 years of wait. It wasn’t easy, though. Facing their greatest tabu rivals, Corinthians, was a mix of many fears of the São Paulo club altogether. Luckily for them, Patrick de Paula, a young prospect, was there for the rescue.
Dudu, Palmeiras hero, has joined Qatari Al-Duhail. What may seem like a financial upgrade motivated step, could hide some dark reasoning regarding the player’s relationship with his ex-wife. Vitor Buratini Mendes on the hero who has crossed the line, broke some hearts and left in an odd quiet way.
A complete and insightful dictionary for the 2018 Brazilian top division, with the characters, the attributes, the targets and the desired goals. Our Brazilian expert, Vitor, with a true Joga Bonito.
(All the hours are in CET local time)
Amateur (Like this guy)
What? Santos – Audax (Campeonato Paulista)
When? Sunday, 2100
Where? Estádio Vila Belmiro, Santos
Why? After 1:1 in the first match, everyone is ready for the decisive championship game. Santos won 6 out of the last 10 Paulista titles and in this season they lost only once in 18 matches. Audax was founded only 10 years ago, never played in the top Brazilian divisions, but they had a tremendous season after eliminating São Paulo and Corinthians.
Key Players: Santos scoring rate in the Paulista is high thanks to the 19 years old striker, Gabriel, who scored 7 goals this season. Audax main player is Camacho, a midfielder who was part of Botafogo's promotion in the last season.
El Presidente: After being the technical director of Audax, former Brazilian international player Vampeta appointed as the club president.
Professional (like this goalkeeper)
What? Atlético Nacional – Independiente Medellín (Colombian Categoría Primera A)
When? Sunday, 0000
Where? Estadio Atanasio Girardot, Medellín
Why? El Clásico Paisa, the derby of Medellín will turn into a turmoil, as the race for the title is extremely tight. With three matches left the gap between the 1st and the 5th place is only 3 points. Atlético Nacional are in the 1st place with 32 points, Independiente Medellín are in the 3rd place with 30 points.
Key Players: Orlando Berrío is a player you can't miss in Atlético Nacional, as he already have 4 national titles with his team. Independiente Medellín has one of the best defenses in the league mainly thanks to their goalkeeper David González, who spent few years in Turkey and England.
No Rivalries: Even though there is a rivalry between the teams, Independiente Medellín manager, Leonel Álvarez, played for both of the team and even won Copa Libertadores with Atlético Nacional in 1989.
World Class (like this goal)
What? Jorge Wilstermann – Real Potosí (Liga de Fútbol Profesional Boliviano)
When? Sunday, 2100
Where? Estadio Félix Capriles, Cochabamba
Why? Jorge Wilstermann are close to win their first title since 2010. They lead the table by 10 points, while only 5 matches left. Meanwhile, the bottom is on fire. Real Potosí watching their rivals, Nacional Potosí, getting closer to the second division, but Real themselves, are only 3 points above the relegation playoff spot.
Key Players: A top team must have a great defender on their roster, but Enrique David Díaz is maybe too great, as he was booked 34 times in 2 seasons as Jorge Wilstermann’s defender. Gilbert Álvarez of Real Potosí is the leader in this difficult season for his team, as he is the top scorer with 16 goals.
The Aviator: Last week we met the Chilean leader O'Higgins, so now we will meet Jorge Wilstermann, the first Bolivian civil aviator. Wilstermann died at 1936, when he was 25 years old, during flying from Cochabamba to Oruro.
