Girotto recalls goal v Internacional and 2015 cup win: ‘Deafening roar’

In partnership with

Nosso Palestra

·2 Desember 2025

Girotto recalls goal v Internacional and 2015 cup win: ‘Deafening roar’

Ten years after winning the 2015 Copa do Brasil, Andrei Girotto revisits the season that marked Palmeiras’ rebuilding and paved the way for the era of glory the club enjoys today.

In an interview with NOSSO PALESTRA, the player spoke about the challenges of a squad under construction, the historic goal against Internacional, and the journey that led him to establish himself as a center-back in international football.

Video OneFootball

A new Palmeiras in 2015

It was a rebuilding, many new players, nobody knew each other. In a locker room, when you don’t have a backbone, I think the team lacks identity. That year, we went looking for this identity, to create the identity that Palmeiras has today. Now, of course, with many years of Abel, it’s easier for him to impose this on the squad.

For Girotto, the team was still searching for balance and personality, but the start of that new phase would be crucial:

– It was very difficult, because nobody knew each other, and the team was still being formed. But I believe we had a great year. We reached the Paulista final, in the Brasileirão it wasn’t what Palmeiras deserves, and in the Copa do Brasil, where we had more chances, we revived the Palmeiras fans’ spirit of being a cup team. That title was important. – he said

The decisive goal against Inter

The match against Internacional, at Allianz Parque, remains vivid in the player’s and fans’ memories. Andrei Girotto was responsible for the goal that secured Alviverde’s qualification that day.

I still get messages today, 10 years later. The fans still remember, they tell me it was one of the most celebrated goals, I’ll never forget that energy in the arena. A deafening noise, everyone celebrating, which I remember to this day, but it was a mix of emotions, we were about to be eliminated with those two Inter goals, a tough feeling, having to chase a result during the match when things were in our favor. Right after conceding, we scored, and that kept us from getting discouraged. We managed to score right after and get back on track for qualification.

Watch the full interview:

A tough campaign against big clubs

We always advanced by the skin of our teeth, with tough matches, and that strengthens the team. There came a time when we said, ‘after getting through this stage, it’s meant to be champion’, like after the quarterfinals, we said the title had to be ours. Tough comeback matches are good for strengthening the group. So we arrived at the final with a strong mentality, and with Santos stuck in our throats, we had to beat them, and thank God we won that Copa do Brasil.

From the semifinal to the final: total focus

Girotto describes the feeling of being a “team of destiny.” The loss to Santos in the Paulistão increased their focus for the rematch.

Moments went by and we said, ‘it’s meant to be us’ and after the goal they missed (in the first match), we said it would make a difference, something very rare in football, and it did make a difference. We were emotionally very strong, all the players were focused on giving the title to the fans, especially against Santos. We were very focused for that final.

The fans’ celebration

Andrei Girotto highlighted the Palmeiras fans’ celebration before the big final against Santos at Allianz Parque, on December 2, 2015.

I think right from leaving the hotel we could feel it, recently in the Libertadores final it reminded me of that image of the fans already supporting us on the way to the stadium. The atmosphere created inside the stadium, a different feeling, just like after the goal I scored, it was like that for the full 90 minutes. That makes a huge difference for the player on the field.

Time at Palmeiras

– I am grateful for my time at Palmeiras and I know I could have done much more. I had a tough start due to lack of opportunity, I wasn’t registered for the Paulistão and then had a stretch without games, I’m very thankful to Marcelo Oliveira for believing in me. Many times during the season I wasn’t 100%, everyone saw that when I went to Japan and then returned to Chapecoense, I performed much better than I did at Palmeiras and then in my six years at Nantes. I feel I could have written my name a bit more in the club’s history. I’m left wanting more. But I’m happy, Palmeiras hadn’t been doing well for many years and I’m glad to have been part of the club’s turning point. – he said.

The current moment in his career

Currently at Al-Taawoun, in Saudi Arabia, Andrei Girotto stood out at Nantes, in France, where he established himself as a center-back.

Afterwards I went to Japan, then to Chapecoense, and soon after I was sold to Nantes in France, six years of good seasons, I won the French Cup, but the main point was the change from defensive midfielder to center-back, today I consider myself only a center-back. I’m glad the coach asked me to change positions, to fit the system, and I adapted very well and play as a center-back to this day, making my mark in history by winning titles there and also in Arabia, three years already, today we’re in third place, even against clubs with big investments like Al Hilal and Al Nassr.

Upcoming Palmeiras matches

Atlético-MG vs Palmeiras – Campeonato Brasileiro – 12/03 – 9:30 PM (Brasília time)
Ceará vs Palmeiras – Campeonato Brasileiro – 12/07 – 4:00 PM (Brasília time)

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