São Paulo face Palmeiras again in Copa do Brasil semi-final derby | OneFootball

The biggest rival in knockout clashes during the Abel Ferreira era has a name: São Paulo. Since the arrival of the Portuguese coach at Verdão, the Choque-Rei has become synonymous with tension in elimination matches. There have been two encounters in the Copa do Brasil, three in the Paulistão, one in the Libertadores, and another in the Supercopa do Brasil — numbers that make Tricolor the most frequent (and toughest) opponent in recent decisive matches.

And the story gains another chapter this Sunday (1st), at 8:30 PM (Brasília time), at Arena Crefisa Barueri, in the semifinal of the 2026 Paulistão. It’s a classic with a spot in the final at stake.

Current form of the teams

Palmeiras comes in on a high after defeating Fluminense 2-1, also in Barueri. Abel’s team showed offensive strength and resilience, maintaining their lead in the Brasileirão.

On the other side, São Paulo is also enjoying a good moment. The 1-0 win over Coritiba at Couto Pereira boosted the Tricolor squad’s confidence, who now share the top of the Brazilian Championship with their rival — both with 10 points, but Palmeiras ahead on goal difference.

Recent history matters

In this year’s Paulistão itself, the teams have already faced each other in the first phase. Advantage Palmeiras: a 3-1 victory in Barueri, with goals from Maurício, Flaco López, and Khellven. The result serves as fuel for Verdão, but also as a warning — a classic is a different game.

In knockout matches, the recent record shows balance and a lot of tension. The rivalry has grown in the Abel era, with painful eliminations for both sides and decisions marked by controversies, provocations, and pulsating stadiums.

São Paulo’s last defeat in 2026 was precisely in the Choque-Rei.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.