Commentator Galvão Bueno used social media on Sunday to weigh in on the controversial handball incident that marked Palmeiras' 1-0 win over Vasco in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinal at Nubank Parque. The match ended with Vasco complaining about the officiating.
The incident occurred four minutes into the second half, when Alan Lescano tried to dribble past Alexander Barboza and the ball struck the Palmeiras defender's arm. Vasco players appealed to referee Anderson Daronco for a penalty, but he rejected the complaints and allowed play to continue. According to Galvão Bueno, the referee should have pointed to the spot. "For me, it was a penalty," he wrote, adding that the referee did not see the incident and VAR did not intervene.
Galvão Bueno also assessed the match, noting that Palmeiras dominated the first half and created good chances. Maurício scored the opening goal, and the home side could have added more. The commentator said the result left the tie open, with Palmeiras able to advance with a draw in the return leg and Vasco needing a win. He noted that a one-goal win for Vasco would send the tie to penalties and that São Januário would be a cauldron.
Palmeiras won 1-0 thanks to Maurício's first-half goal. Abel Ferreira's team had opportunities to extend the lead but did not take them, and Vasco finished the match with 10 men after Saldivia was sent off late in the second half. Palmeiras need only a draw at São Januário to reach the final. Vasco need to win by at least two goals to advance directly; a one-goal win would decide the tie on penalties. The second leg is scheduled for next Sunday (8) at São Januário in Rio de Janeiro, with kickoff at 17:00 Brasília time.
Sources: CNN Brasil.