Choque-Rei: Palmeiras find success keeping it on the deck | OneFootball

After a difficult, tough defeat with signs of crisis, Palmeiras redeemed itself with its fans in the best possible way—by winning a derby and even playing well at certain moments of the game. And there lies the turning point needed for the 2026 season to be more positive for Abel Ferreira’s team.

Solid ground ahead?

We can say that at a certain moment in the match against São Paulo, the Palmeiras ship spotted solid ground after a great storm in the Paulista Championship. Taking the lead, Verdão did not have a good first half, so much so that they conceded a goal soon after, due to a mistake by the defense and goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, who was beaten for the first time this year.

Solid ground here doesn’t just mean tranquility, but also that the solution for Abel Ferreira’s team to play good football is on the ground—feet to feet, ball and net. Not in the air—head to head, ball and advertising board.

When the ball was played on the ground, at the feet of Marlon Freitas, Andreas Pereira, Ramón Sosa, and Flaco López, the outcome was certain: a goal and taking control of the game. The Palmeiras team has too much quality to rely on aimless long balls.

In the press conference, Abel Ferreira mentioned: ‘long balls are for championship games.’ Yes, coach. But only when necessary. In the best version of Palmeiras in 2025, it was all about quick passing, a fast team, and a lot of efficiency up front. The derby showed traces of that team, or at least of that idea.

Defensively still a concern

Even though the offensive performance has improved, one thing that still worries is the opposing attacks. Palmeiras has not yet found a way to reduce the scares when their field is invaded, especially when the ball gets into the box.

In the derby, Abel used the current starting defense: Carlos Miguel, Khellven, Gustavo Gómez, Bruno Fuchs, and Piquerez. There are still things to be adjusted, but it’s an area of the field that needs attention.

What now?

Palmeiras has regained the lead, with 12 points from four wins and one loss. However, the team can be overtaken by Red Bull Bragantino, who have ten points, and Novorizontino, with nine, both of whom play on Sunday (25).

Verdão returns to the field on Wednesday (28) at 7 p.m. against Atlético-MG, in the opening round of the Brasileirão. In the Paulista, the next game is against Botafogo-SP, on Sunday (01), in Ribeirão Preto.

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