Football is a game of fine margins, but sometimes, those margins are deliberately tampered with. The recent Corinthians vs. Palmeiras derby served up a dramatic twist that has fans fuming and questions swirling around one player's unsportsmanlike conduct. A crucial penalty miss by Memphis Depay for Corinthians has ignited a firestorm, with replays revealing a shocking act by former Manchester United teammate Andreas Pereira.
Key Points from the Derby Drama:
- Memphis Depay missed a critical penalty for Corinthians during the heated derby.
- Palmeiras midfielder Andreas Pereira was observed intentionally scuffing the penalty spot.
- Depay subsequently lost his footing during his shot, sending the ball wide.
- The referee did not spot Pereira's action, and VAR could not intervene, leaving the act unpunished.
Unseen Sabotage: The Moment That Changed the Derby
The atmosphere was electric, but it quickly turned sour for Corinthians fans when Memphis Depay stepped up for a vital penalty. What many didn't see in real-time was the cunning, and arguably malicious, intervention of Palmeiras midfielder Andreas Pereira. Footage clearly shows Pereira using his feet to disrupt the very ground Depay was about to strike from, an act of "sabotage" that went completely unnoticed by match official Raphael Claus.
This deliberate action had a direct impact. As Depay connected with the ball, he visibly slipped, sending his shot harmlessly wide. The opportunity to seize control of the derby evaporated, a moment of misfortune that experts like ESPN's refereeing commentator Renata Ruel believe should have resulted in a yellow card for Pereira. Unfortunately for Corinthians, without the referee's direct view, VAR was powerless to rectify the foul play.
Depay's Outcry: "I Never Slip!"
Following the agonizing 1-0 defeat to Palmeiras, Memphis Depay took to social media, his frustration palpable. In a defiant Instagram post, the Corinthians forward directly addressed the controversial incident. "The penalty incident leaves a bitter taste because I've never slipped up in my entire career. Everyone saw what happened, but it's okay," he asserted.
Despite the clear foul play, Depay showed leadership, adding, "I take responsibility. I'm keeping my head held high and I believe in my team." While this recent penalty miss involved an external factor, it marks the second time Depay has failed from the spot for Corinthians. Last season, his audacious Panenka against Mirassol was easily saved, highlighting that while the circumstances were unique this time, penalty taking has been a recent challenge.
Ex-Teammates, Current Rivals: A Shared History
The plot thickens with the revelation that Memphis Depay and Andreas Pereira are no strangers. Both players once donned the iconic red shirt of Manchester United, sharing the pitch between 2015 and 2017. During their time at Old Trafford, they were part of squads that lifted the FA Cup, Europa League, and League Cup trophies.
Their paths diverged dramatically after their Manchester United spell. Depay moved to Lyon, then Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid before joining Corinthians in 2024. Pereira remained with the Red Devils until 2022, experiencing various loan spells before finding his way to Palmeiras. This shared history only adds another layer of intrigue to Pereira's controversial actions, turning a derby incident into a personal battle.
Moving Forward: Next Steps for the Brazilian Giants
With the dust still settling from the contentious derby, both Corinthians and Palmeiras must now shift their focus to upcoming fixtures in the Brazilian Serie A. Memphis Depay and Corinthians will be eager to bounce back and prove their resilience when they face Red Bull Bragantino on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Andreas Pereira and his Palmeiras squad, fresh off their controversial victory, will travel to take on Internacional the following day. The echoes of the scuffed penalty spot and the unanswered questions will undoubtedly follow both teams, adding an extra layer of intensity to their respective campaigns.
