Abel Ferreira criticizes VAR after draw in the Libertadores: Does it really work?

Abel Ferreira takes aim at VAR after Palmeiras’ bitter draw in Libertadores 2026 debut

In a start to the Copa Libertadores that promised to be overwhelming for Palmeiras, the moral champion of the previous edition with a perfect group stage, the scenario was quite different. The Brazilian club settled for a 1-1 draw against Junior Barranquilla in Cartagena, and saw Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira not holding back his sharp criticism of the refereeing, particularly the VAR, which once again took center stage, but this time in a controversy that reignites old wounds.

Just 10 minutes in, the referee, assisted by the video assistant referee, awarded a penalty after contact between Mauricio, Palmeiras’ defender, and Rivas, a Colombian player. Abel Ferreira did not hesitate to acknowledge the maximum penalty, but took the opportunity to leave a pointed irony: “It is clear that Maurício wants to take his foot away, but there is contact. It seems that this year the VAR will work. This is good; last year the Conmebol VAR did not work, and this year it seems that it will work, and that is good. There really was contact.”

The Portuguese coach has not forgotten the 2025 Libertadores final, where Palmeiras felt deeply wronged. In that match, a controversial incident where Flamengo’s Erick Pulgar assaulted Bruno Fuchs off the ball was not properly sanctioned by the VAR, resulting in only a yellow card, and Flamengo ultimately lifted the trophy. Now, with the debut in the 2026 season, Abel Ferreira makes it clear that he expects justice and consistency in the decisions that influence the course of South America’s most prestigious competition.

The equalizer came in the 56th minute when Ramón Sosa, taking advantage of a superb pass from Flaco López, bypassed the goalkeeper and restored parity in Cartagena. A goal that punished the Brazilian team, which, despite dominating from the half-hour mark, failed to translate that dominance into decisive goals.

In addition to the controversy surrounding VAR, Abel Ferreira admitted that his coaching staff was surprised by the unexpected strategy of Junior Barranquilla, who lined up with a three-man defense, sometimes expanding to five, six, and even seven players at certain moments in the match. “I can’t lie, yes, we weren’t expecting the opponent to come with a five-man line, and sometimes six and sometimes seven,” confessed the coach. “Junior came in more dynamic, fresher, more aggressive, but from the 30-minute mark until the end, it was all Palmeiras. We created a lot, we just needed to score one more goal on a pitch that is difficult to play on for those who have to propose and create.”

This draw leaves Palmeiras with only one point in Group F of the 2026 Libertadores, a group that also includes Junior Barranquilla, Peru’s Sporting Cristal, and Paraguay’s Cerro Porteño. The warning is clear: the path to retaining the title will be tough, and VAR continues to rattle the nerves of the Portuguese coach and Brazilian fans from time to time.

Abel Ferreira, known for his combative stance and straightforward speech, does not hide his frustration but keeps his ambition intact. Palmeiras knows that the fight in the Libertadores will not be for the faint-hearted — and once again, the refereeing may make the difference.

Palmeiras makes its debut in the 2026 Libertadores with controversy and a bitter draw: Abel Ferreira does not forgive VAR and challenges the justice of the South American competition. The battle is on.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.