Vitor Roque features as Palmeiras step up prep to face Santos

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·12 de enero de 2026

Vitor Roque features as Palmeiras step up prep to face Santos

Palmeiras trained on the morning of this Monday (12th) at the Football Academy, continuing strong in preparation for the classic against Santos, this Wednesday (14th) at 7:30 PM, at the Arena Crefisa Barueri. After the 1-0 victory over Portuguesa in the debut of the Paulista Championship, the Verdão returns to the field for its first home game of the season.

The main highlight of the day was the forward Vitor Roque, who participated in part of the activities with the group and also performed individualized work separately.

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On the field, the alviverde squad carried out tactical activities focusing on balance, ball circulation, and passing options, as well as small-sided games with specific objectives. The coaching staff is intensifying adjustments for the classic, which is often decided in details.

Another player in a good moment is the midfielder Mauricio, who assisted Luighi's goal in the victory over Lusa. In 2025, he scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists and has already started 2026 maintaining direct involvement in goals. The number 18 valued the team's performance and projected improvement:

Last year was good for me in terms of numbers, but of course, there's always room for improvement. Our focus now is to have a good collective season. Against Portuguesa, I managed to help the team as much as possible. Happy to be winning and starting the year with another assist

Mauricio also wore the captain's armband during the second half of the debut game and did not hide his pride for the moment experienced at the club:

I am very happy and honored to have worn the captain's armband, it's a very important symbol, especially at a club like Palmeiras. Whether wearing the armband or not, we have to show a lot of will, a lot of determination. Our squad changed a lot last year, but we have great leaders and I am very happy and honored to have had this opportunity

Regarding the classic against Santos, the midfielder asked for full support from the fans in Barueri:

We expect a great game. It's a classic, the start of the season, but we know it's a classic. It's always a separate game from the championship. I hope the fans can be there, come to support us and help us seek victory for the 90 minutes

Verdão arrives on a high note: it is undefeated in 14 home games and hasn't conceded goals at home for five matches. Against Santos, besides the century-old rivalry, the match marks the 200th duel between the clubs in the Paulista Championship, with Palmeiras seeking the 100th victory over the rival in the state tournament.