Palmeiras’ 100% record in Paulistão classics underlines stronger side ahead of final | OneFootball

Palmeiras have swept their state rivals in this year’s Paulistão, a clean run that has sharpened expectations before the final. Abel Ferreira’s side head into Wednesday’s first leg buoyed by a perfect classics record.

According to Globo.com, Palmeiras still need to get past Novorizontino to lift the 2026 title, yet the campaign already stands out for its derby returns. They will finish the tournament with 100% against Corinthians, São Paulo and Santos.

Corinthians and Santos were each beaten 1-0. Allan struck at Allianz Parque to down Santos, then at Neo Química Arena Flaco López sealed victory over Corinthians.

Against São Paulo there were two wins at Allianz Parque, 3-1 in the group stage and 2-1 in a single-leg semi-final that sealed a place in the showpiece. Novorizontino advanced by eliminating Corinthians.

After a lower seeding in the classification phase, Palmeiras will play the second leg away. The opener is on Wednesday at 20:00 Brasília time at Arena Crefisa Barueri, with the return on Sunday at 20:30 at Estádio Jorge Ismael de Biase in Novo Horizonte.

The Paulistão upturn counters a gripe from 2025, when only two wins came from 10 league matches against the best-placed sides, a return just over 20%. Those victories were at Botafogo and Fluminense, while no wins over Cruzeiro and Mirassol, plus two defeats to Flamengo, hurt their title push.

After a frustrating year, 2026 looks like a reset. São Paulo and Corinthians are in the G-6 early in this Brasileirão, and Palmeiras have also beaten Fluminense, fifth, in round four.

Source: Globo.com