Palmeiras repeat title script, but 2026 brings a new twist | OneFootball

The Palmeiras is experiencing a déjà-vu in the state knockout stages, reminiscent of the path to their recent title, but with significant changes off the field. In 2024, the Verdão made a statement in the quarter-finals by thrashing Ponte Preta 5-1, a performance that paved the way to the trophy.

In that match, the spotlight was on Flaco López, who scored a hat-trick, while Endrick was still wearing the green and white jersey. The game was held at Arena Barueri. After the quarter-final thrashing, Palmeiras had the comfort of deciding the semi-final (Novorizontino) and final (Santos) at home, at the Allianz Parque, even with the stadium undergoing pitch adjustments — a situation similar to the current one.

In 2026, the sporting context holds similarities, but the logistics are different. The quarter-final opponent will be Capivariano, and the match will take place at the Arena Barueri. The reason for the games continuing in Barueri is clear: the process of changing the Allianz pitch from synthetic surface to a new turf.

As a result, Verdão will hardly count on their home for the semi-finals and still faces uncertainty about a potential final.

If in 2024 the script was written with a thrashing, protagonism, and home decisions, 2026 tests Palmeiras' ability to maintain the same level away from their main stage, and to return to winning a trophy after a bitter 2025.

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