Vitor Roque set for key Palmeiras clash, eyes first Paulista goal | OneFootball

While Flaco López is enjoying a great phase with the Palmeiras jersey, Vitor Roque is still trying to find his best moment in 2026. The number 9 remains in Abel Ferreira's starting lineup but has not managed to string together a sequence of goals. He arrives at the quarter-finals of the Campeonato Paulista against Capivariano still seeking his first goal in the State Championship.

This season, Vitor Roque played in nine of Palmeiras' 11 games and scored only two goals, both in the Brazilian Championship. He found the net in the draw against Atlético-MG (2-2) in the national tournament's debut and in the 3-1 victory over Internacional, in the third round, both away games.

In the Campeonato Paulista, Vitor Roque played six matches, starting in four of them (Mirassol, Botafogo-SP, Corinthians, and Guarani). In the other two, against Santos and São Paulo, he came off the bench in the second half. Of these games, he played the full 90 minutes only against Botafogo-SP and Guarani.

Vitor Roque joined Palmeiras in 2025 and is still seeking his first title with the club. In his first year at the club, he played in the semifinals and finals of the State Championship. On that occasion, he didn't score but was decisive by winning a penalty, converted by Veiga in the match against São Paulo, securing the final spot for Verdão.

The number 9 is looking to rekindle his successful partnership with Flaco López to start contributing to goals again.

Palmeiras' Situation

Palmeiras advanced to the quarter-finals of the Paulista with two rounds to spare. In their last commitment of the first phase, Verdão drew 1-1 with Guarani in Barueri, with a goal from Flaco López, securing the overall second place.

With the second-best campaign, the team led by Abel Ferreira won five, drew one, and lost two games. The team's top scorer is Flaco López, with four goals. Palmeiras is heading into their 16th consecutive quarter-final and is trying to maintain their unbeaten streak this season, which currently stands at four games.

Palmeiras' Next Game

Match: Palmeiras vs. Capivariano Competition: Campeonato Paulista (Quarter-finals) Date and Time: February 21, 2026 (Saturday), at 8:30 PM (Brasília time) Venue: Arena Crefisa Barueri, in Barueri (SP)

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