Palmeiras vs Internacional Prediction: Palmeiras forced to win after heavy defeat at the Maracanã

After five wins in a row, few expected Palmeiras to lose to Flamengo by three goals at the Maracanã. The sending-off of captain Gustavo Gómez at the start of the second half didn't help either, but the truth is that the Verdão was already two-nil down at half-time. Fortunately for Abel Ferreira's team, Botafogo and RB Bragantino lost, but Grêmio took advantage of the defeat of its closest competitors and joined Palmeiras and Botafogo at the top. Flamengo was also one of the big beneficiaries of Round 33, gaining three points on three teams in the top four and also entering the title race. The Brasileirão is on fire.

With three home games and two away, the Paulistas' schedule is theoretically favorable. Visits to Fortaleza and Cruzeiro in the last round carry the greatest risks, but in the Brasileirão, you have to be at 100% in every match. Beating Internacional is crucial to restore the team's confidence and put pressure on the rivals. For the second game in a row, the Paulistas will be using the Arena Barueri to host their opponents, so they won't be playing on the artificial turf they are used to playing on at home.

The Colorado wanted to beat Fluminense, which didn't field its best team but couldn't manage more than a goalless draw. Still, a point is always a point, and the Gaúchos even increased the lead over some teams battling to avoid relegation. Picking up a point against Palmeiras, a side involved in the title race, won't be easy. Still, Internacional has talented players who can unbalance a game, so this team should never be underestimated.

Palmeiras can't afford to drop points if it wants to revalidate its title as Brazilian champion. The team's great leader on the pitch, Gustavo Gómez, won't be able to play and is undoubtedly a big name missing. Internacional is not yet completely at ease in the standings and still needs to pick up a few points to stop worrying about relegation.