Evangelista praises Palmeiras’ mentality for Paulista final: “All ready” | OneFootball

Lucas Evangelista has intensified the competition in the midfield of Palmeiras and extended his streak of games by being called upon in the 1-0 victory over Novorizontino in the first leg of the Campeonato Paulista final. The midfielder celebrated the space he has been gaining after returning from a serious injury.

“I am very happy with my return, little by little I am gaining space again, gaining minutes. I always tell the younger players that it is necessary to always be prepared. It is better to be prepared and not have an opportunity than to have an opportunity and not be prepared, because then you end up falling behind. So I try to prepare myself every day in training, off the field, doing physiotherapy as well, weight training. If the coach needs me, I am here to help,” he declared.

The number 30 suffered a right thigh injury at the end of September 2025 and had to undergo surgery, which kept him off the field for about four months. Recovered, he was listed again on February 4th, in the match against Vitória, but did not leave the bench.

After that, he was used in the next seven games, starting in one: the draw against Guarani, at the end of the first phase of the Paulista. Additionally, he provided an assist in the 3-1 victory over Internacional, in the Brazilian Championship.

Confidence for the Paulista decision

With the victory over Novorizontino, Palmeiras gained an advantage in the Campeonato Paulista final and plays for a draw in Novo Horizonte (SP). Lucas Evangelista highlighted the importance of taking the lead in the decision and assessed Verdão in good physical and mental condition.

“Yesterday's result was very important. We knew the importance of gaining this advantage at home. The fans also helped a lot, we are used to playing here at home. We created chances, unfortunately, we couldn't score more goals, but 1-0 is a good result. We know how difficult it will be to face them there, they are a very well-organized team, and they deserve a lot of credit for that. We had some difficulty in the exit because they are a very well-organized team. When it's time to press, they press all together. Overall, I think it was a very good result,” he said.

“We know the difficulty we will face, but a final is a final. Our squad is very well mentally, physically too, and we are all prepared. Those who start playing, those who come into the match, and even those who are not playing are also sending positive energy to everyone. We are going all out,” he continued.

Details of the return match

Match: Novorizontino vs. Palmeiras Competition: Campeonato Paulista (Final, return match) Date and time: March 8, 2026 (Sunday), at 8:30 PM (Brasília time) Location: Estádio Dr. Jorge Ismael de Biasi, in Novo Horizonte (SP)

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