Estevao Willian has further enhanced his growing reputation by scoring a last-gasp free kick to keep Palmeiras in the Brasileiro title race.
Since signing a contract to join Chelsea in July 2025 for an alleged £57.6m, all eyes have been on the progression of the 17-year-old.
Prior to Wednesday night's penultimate fixture at Cruzeiro, the teenager had contributed a record-breaking 12 goals and nine assists during his first full campaign in Brazil's top flight.
However, in the dying embers of a game that Palmeiras had to win, Estevao came up with yet another piece of magic to keep his club's hopes of retaining their league crown alive.
Willian Estevão. Special talent. ✨🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/Q4CIFHPgan
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 5, 2024
How did the match unfold?
Palmeiras went into the contest knowing that anything other than a win would potentially hand the top-flight trophy to long-term leaders Botafogo.
In a game that kicked off at the same time, Botafogo held a 1-0 lead against Internacional from the fifth minute, ensuring that Palmeiras were aware that they could not slip up at Mineirao.
When Matheus Pereira put Cruzeiro in front in the 52nd minute, the writing appeared to be on the wall, but Mauricio's leveller nine minutes later gave Palmeiras hope heading into the closing stages.
Estevao had failed to produce any magic in the previous game against Botafogo in a game that gifted the advantage to their rivals.
That would not be the case on Wednesday, however, as the prodigy whipped a delightful free kick into the top corner of Cassio's net in the final minute of normal time.
© Imago
How does the Brasileiro title race look?
With one match remaining, Palmeiras trail Botafogo by three points, albeit possessing a goal difference of -1 in comparison to the leaders.
Therefore, Palmeiras know that victory at home to Fluminense on Sunday evening could be enough to see them win their third successive crown.
However, Botafogo play host to sixth-placed Sao Paulo requiring just a point to end their 30-year wait for their third-ever Brasileiro title.
Darren Plant
