A waterlogged pitch in the São Paulo interior, a goalkeeper error that let the home side level, and a clinical finish from substitute Vitor Roque in the second half. Palmeiras have won trophies in more comfortable fashion, but Sunday’s 2–1 victory over Novorizontino at the Estádio Jorge Ismael de Biasi delivered the same result: a 27th Campeonato Paulista title and an end to the longest wait for silverware of the Abel Ferreira era.
The Verdão — Brazil’s dominant club force of recent seasons — had not lifted a trophy in nearly two years, since winning this same competition in 2024. For a squad built to compete on multiple fronts, that gap had been an unwelcome storyline heading into 2026. Sunday closed it decisively, with a 3–1 aggregate victory that was never seriously in doubt.
A Final Shaped by Rain and Errors
Heavy rain before kick-off turned the Novo Horizonte pitch into a trial of patience for both sides. Ball movement was sluggish, passing lanes closed quickly, and set pieces became the safest route to goal. Palmeiras exploited that logic within five minutes. Andreas Pereira’s free kick found Marlon Freitas, whose shot struck the post; Murilo arrived to convert the rebound with his thigh.
The advantage might have grown, but the game turned on a lapse by Palmeiras goalkeeper Carlos Miguel. Unable to hold a routine cross in the heavy conditions, he allowed the ball to squirm through his legs, and Matheus Bianqui applied the finish to level the score. The Novorizontino crowd, which had been subdued, found its voice, and the home side grew into the game as the half wore on — pressing higher and testing Palmeiras in the air.
The first half ended level, with Novorizontino requiring just a one-goal second-half victory to force a penalty shootout. It was enough tension to make the second 45 minutes genuinely important, even with Palmeiras holding that cushion from the first leg.
Vitor Roque Settles the Affair
Palmeiras started the second half with more purpose, and the title was settled at the 17-minute mark. Flaco López headed a long clearance into the area; goalkeeper Jordi came to collect and collided with Jhon Arias — debuting as a starter after joining as the squad’s marquee signing of the window — leaving the ball loose. Vitor Roque, Palmeiras’ most lively attacker all evening, arrived to finish into an empty net.
With a two-goal aggregate buffer restored, Abel Ferreira made defensive substitutions and the match effectively ended as a contest. Novorizontino could not find a way through, and Ramón Sosa’s late strike for the visitors was correctly ruled out for offside. The final whistle triggered celebrations in São Paulo‘s Palmeiras heartlands, where fans gathered on Rua Caraíbas to mark the club’s return to winning form.
Abel Ferreira Makes History
The title is the fourth Campeonato Paulista of Abel Ferreira’s five-year reign, which also includes two Copa Libertadores, two Campeonato Brasileiro titles, and a Copa do Brasil — a haul that puts him clear of Oswaldo Brandão as the most decorated manager in Palmeiras history. The club is now second on the all-time Paulista title list with 27, trailing only fierce rival Corinthians on 31. Palmeiras return to action on Thursday, when they face Vasco da Gama in the Campeonato Brasileiro, a competition in which they currently lead the standings.
This is part of The Rio Times’ daily coverage of Latin American news and Latin American financial news.
For more context, read Brazil’s Morning Call and the Chile IPSA report.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error
Read More from The Rio Times