Palmeiras beat Novorizontino, take lead into return leg | OneFootball

In a lively match at Arena Crefisa Barueri, Palmeiras defeated Novorizontino 1-0 and takes a good advantage into the return leg in the interior of São Paulo. Flaco López scored the goal for Palmeiras in the match. Still in the first half, Carlos Miguel saved a penalty.

Unlike in previous years, Abel Ferreira's Palmeiras won the first match of the final, something the coach had not yet achieved. To become champions, the team led by the Portuguese manager will have to break another taboo: winning the trophy away from home.

See the match report between Palmeiras and Novorizontino:

Tense match and advantage

Verdão started the game fired up by their fans, who packed Arena Crefisa Barueri for the first match of the 2026 Paulistão final. In the opening minutes, it was a balanced game with no scares for either side.

As the match progressed, Verdão tried attacks with Ramón Sosa and Flaco López, but could not break through Novorizontino's defense, which held firm despite Palmeiras having more possession.

In the 34th minute, goal for Palmeiras! Marlon Freitas launched Ramón Sosa, who controlled calmly and passed to Flaco López to score a beautiful goal at Arena Crefisa Barueri. The number 42 is the star of Verdão in the competition.

Soon after, Palmeiras almost extended the lead! Flaco López made a beautiful pass to Allan, who, face to face with Jordi, hit the post. On the rebound, Verdão's number 42 couldn't capitalize and sent it over the goal.

In the 43rd minute, Palmeiras' defense made a mistake and Marlon Freitas committed a penalty. On the kick, Carlos Miguel read it perfectly, stayed in the middle, and saved Robson's shot. It was the first penalty saved by the goalkeeper in his history with Verdão.

VAR in action and Verdão's fatigue

Palmeiras returned with the advantage after Carlos Miguel saved the penalty and Flaco López opened the scoring. In the first minutes of the second half, Marlon Freitas tried from distance, but the ball went over the goal.

In the 50th minute, Gustavo Gómez extended the lead for Palmeiras. Piquerez made a beautiful cross, the captain headed it, Jordi made a miraculous save, but on the rebound, Palmeiras' number 15 put it in the net. However, the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside.

In the 71st minute, Felipe Anderson made a great pass to Flaco López, who set up Khellven, forcing Jordi to make a great save. With the advantage, Palmeiras seemed tired and anxious for the second goal, rushing decisions in the opponent's attacking third.

And now?

With the advantage for the decisive match, Verdão returns to the field next Sunday (8th), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), in the interior of São Paulo. Palmeiras is seeking their 27th Paulista Championship trophy.

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