Palmeiras shine with best XI, show promise before the Derby | OneFootball

Palmeiras returned to winning ways this season, defeating Vitória 5-1 at Arena Crefisa Barueri, in a match for the second round of the Brazilian Championship. The team led by Abel Ferreira reinforced its credentials in aerial play, had standout individual performances, and showed real potential ahead of the derby against Corinthians.

Abel Ferreira changed all 11 players compared to the team that lost to Botafogo-SP and fielded what is considered his ideal lineup, starting the Flaco-Roque duo for the first time, who, despite the five goals, did not score.

From early on, Palmeiras took advantage of Vitória’s weaknesses. Midfielder Andreas Pereira took control of the game and dictated the pace like a maestro. Wearing the number 8 shirt, he posed a threat on set pieces, especially corners, and it was from one of these that he assisted Murilo’s headed goal in the 23rd minute of the first half.

On a night for goal-scoring defenders, Gustavo Gómez was not to be outdone and scored his own minutes later, lobbing the goalkeeper after a header flick from his defensive partner. Before halftime, Palmeiras extended their lead and showed they can indeed play with the ball at their feet. In a well-worked move, Mauricio received a cross from Piquerez after a beautiful one-two with Andreas and finished unmarked into the net.

Palmeiras went calmly into the locker room, but ten minutes into the second half, saw Dudu advance with some freedom and chip the ball over Carlos Miguel to reduce the deficit. The lead did not scare Verdão, and the hosts scored two more. Allan, in the 18th minute, and Sosa, in the 34th. Wearing number 40, Allan had the freedom to set up the ball and shoot from the edge of the box: a screamer. The Paraguayan sealed the rout with a shot from outside the area that took a deflection.

Palmeiras’ Situation

With this result, Palmeiras reached four points in the Brasileirão and climbed to second place, behind only Red Bull Bragantino, who have six.

The result eases the pressure on Palmeiras, who had not won in two games, ahead of the derby against Corinthians. Against their rivals, the Verdão squad will face a major test to prove themselves and try to maintain a 100% record in derbies this season.

Palmeiras’ Next Match

Match: Corinthians vs Palmeiras Competition: Campeonato Paulista (7th round) Date and time: February 8, 2026 (Sunday), at 8:30 p.m. (Brasília time) Venue: Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo (SP)

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