Palmeiras head to Novo Horizonte for a decider to crown Abel Ferreira | OneFootball

Less than two months after suffering his worst defeat while managing Palmeiras, coach Abel Ferreira returns to the same stage with the chance to write another historic chapter for the club.

On January 20th, the Verdão was defeated 4-0 by Novorizontino at the Jorge Ismael de Biasi Stadium in Novo Horizonte. The result marked Abel's biggest defeat since taking charge of the green-and-white team.

Now, less than two months later, the scenario is completely different. Palmeiras returns to the stadium this Sunday (8th) at 8:30 PM (Brasília time) for the second leg of the Paulista Championship final with the possibility of winning the state title and placing Abel Ferreira, alone, as the coach with the most achievements in the club's history.

The opportunity arises after Verdão won the first leg 1-0 in Barueri. The winning goal was scored by forward Flaco López, while goalkeeper Carlos Miguel was decisive in saving a penalty and securing Palmeiras' advantage for the final.

If they confirm the title, Palmeiras will reach their 27th Paulista Championship trophy, further reinforcing their tradition in state football.

For Abel Ferreira, the victory would also have a special taste. In 2025, the Portuguese coach came very close to expanding his trophy collection but ended up narrowly missing out in three important competitions: the Paulista, the Copa Libertadores da América, and the Brazilian Championship.

Now, precisely at the stadium where he suffered his toughest defeat with the club, the coach can turn the recent past into motivation and leave Novo Horizonte even more enshrined in Palmeiras' history.

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