Palmeiras make slowest start for goals under Abel in 2026 season | OneFootball

The year 2026 started in an unusual way for Palmeiras. Abel Ferreira's team suffered their first defeat by four goals (against Novorizontino) and are currently facing problems both in defense and attack. In the last match, the Alviverde suffered a 1-0 setback against Botafogo-SP in the Paulista Championship.

In the seven matches played so far this season, Verdão scored and conceded eight goals. In the analyzed period (first seven matches of the year), these numbers are the worst since the arrival of the Portuguese coach at the club in October 2020.

Check the comparison of the seasons in the first seven games

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

Changes in the team

One of the factors that may influence the team's drop in performance is the changes in the squad. Abel has been using alternative lineups at the start of the season and has given chances to youth players in recent games. Asked about the need for replacements, the coach stated that the club needs players.

“I have already told you that beans and rice are very simple and fill the hunger of many people. Therefore, it doesn't take much intelligence to understand the players who left and which ones we need. It's just a matter of doing the math. Look at the players: who left? Goalkeeper, defender, winger, midfielder… and then do the math. But that responsibility is not mine,” he said in a post-match press conference.

Since the end of 2025, Palmeiras has bid farewell to Weverton, Aníbal Moreno, Micael, Facundo Torres, and Raphael Veiga. On the other hand, the club has signed only one player: Marlon Freitas.

In search of the first victory

After losing 1-0 to Botafogo-SP last Sunday, Verdão returns to the field for the Brazilian Championship this Wednesday at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) at Arena Barueri. This time the opponent will be Vitória, who defeated Remo 2-0 in the first round. Palmeiras drew with Atlético-MG in the debut and seeks to achieve their first triumph.

Palmeiras' situation in the season

With the defeat last Sunday, Palmeiras remains in the Paulista position with 12 points, tied with Bragantino and behind Novorizontino.

In the Brazilian Championship, the Alviverde debuted with a draw as a visitor against Atlético-MG and occupies the 11th position with one point.

Next Palmeiras match

Match: Palmeiras vs. Vitória Competition: Brazilian Championship (2nd round) Date and time: February 4, 2026 (Wednesday), at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) Location: Arena Crefisa Barueri, in Barueri (SP)

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