Palmeiras’ slump and loss of top spot as Flamengo lead with 12 to go | OneFootball

Palmeiras ceded top spot to Flamengo after drawing with Botafogo, with 12 rounds left, reviving fears of a familiar late-season dip. The club has warned against repeating last year’s mistakes.

According to Globo.com, the slump has arrived earlier than in 2025 and reflects a misfiring attack, injuries, fatigue thinning options and defensive lapses. This despite a stronger squad, the Paulista title, time atop the league and deep cup runs.

Up front, Jhon Arias arrived but options shrank. Ramón Sosa remains out with a muscular injury, Allan left for Manchester City without replacement, and Paulinho is on a third setback after shin surgery. Only five of 17 attempts hit the target, constant changes have hurt rhythm, and the Flaco-Roque pairing has not been re-established.

Injuries and wear have compounded issues, with Vitor Roque battling fitness since ankle surgery and, with Roque and Allan absent, reliance falling on Arias. Fatigue has hurt decision-making, prompting turnovers and counters, and there is emphasis on sharpening the technical side to turn displays into results.

At the back, recent mistakes, including by Carlos Miguel against Atlético-MG, have hurt. Home form has dipped, unbeaten in six league games at Nubank Parque until April, then only 50% since May with two wins, three draws and one defeat in six. The pattern echoed late last year with draws against Vitória and Fluminense when wins were needed, though there remains belief in a title push.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”