Palmeiras beat Novorizontino, take lead into return leg | OneFootball

In a lively game at Arena Crefisa Barueri, Palmeiras defeated Novorizontino 1-0 and gained a good advantage for the return match 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 previous years, Abel Ferreira's Palmeiras won the first game of the final, something the coach had not achieved before. To become champions, the team led by the Portuguese coach will have to break another taboo: winning the trophy away from home.

See the match report between Palmeiras and Novorizontino:

Tense Game and Advantage

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

As the match progressed, Verdão attempted attacks with Ramón Sosa and Flaco López but couldn't break through Novorizontino's defense, even though Palmeiras had more ball possession.

At 34 minutes, a goal for Palmeiras! Marlon Freitas launched Ramón Sosa, who calmly controlled the ball and passed it to Flaco López to score a great goal at Arena Crefisa Barueri. The number 42 is the protagonist for Verdão in the competition.

Soon after, Palmeiras almost extended the score! 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.

At 43 minutes, Palmeiras' defense faltered, and Marlon Freitas committed a penalty. During the penalty kick, Carlos Miguel made a perfect read, 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 an advantage after Carlos Miguel saved the penalty and Flaco López opened the scoring. In the first minutes of the second half, Marlon Freitas took a long shot, but the ball went over the goal.

At 50 minutes, 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 hit the net. However, the goal was disallowed for a millimetric offside.

At 71 minutes, Felipe Anderson made a great pass to Flaco López, who set it up for Khellven, forcing Jordi to make a great save. With the advantage, Palmeiras seemed tired and anxious for the second goal, making hasty decisions in the opponent's attacking field.

And Now?

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

Match Details

Competition: Campeonato Paulista Date and time: March 4, 2026, at 8 PM (Brasília time)Location: Arena Crefisa Barueri, in Barueri (SP)Referee: Matheus Delgado Candançan (SP)Assistants: Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis (SP) and Evandro de Melo Lima (SP)VAR: Marcio Henrique de GoisYellow cards: Alvariño (NVO), Dantas (NVO), Léo Naldi (NVO), Maurício (PAL), Jordi (NVO), and Jhon Arias (PAL)Goal: Flaco López (PAL)PALMEIRAS: Carlos Miguel, Khellven, Gomez, Murilo, and Piquerez; Marlon Freitas, Andreas Pereira (Lucas Evangelista), Maurício (Felipe Anderson), and Allan (Arias); Flaco López and Ramon Sosa (Vitor Roque). Coach: Abel Ferreira.

NOVORIZONTINO: Jordi; Alvariño (Alemão), Dantas, Patrick, and Mayk; Léo Naldi, Luís Oyama, Matheus Bianqui (Castrillon), and Juninho (Christian Ortiz); Vinícius Paiva (Tavinho) and Robson. Coach: Enderson Moreira

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