The alviverde team found the goal in the first half, after an assist from Flaco López
O defeated the 1-0, this Wednesday (14), in the first São Paulo classic played in 2026. At the Alviverde arena, in a technically limited game with exaggerated aggression, Abel Ferreira’s team found the goal in the first half with Allan, after an assist from Flaco López.
The game did not bring the typical emotion of a classic and was a step above the rest throughout the 90 minutes. The two teams showed that they have a lot to improve to achieve their goals in 2026.
The aggressive style meant that the game did not gain technical intensity. There was difficulty for Palmeiras and Santos in creating dangerous moves. The fact that the competition started without adequate preparation time also limits the athletes’ physical capacity and impairs performance. Palmeiras found the way to the goal in the 40th minute. The Alviverde team started at speed and took advantage of the fact that the Santos defense was ahead. Flaco López received a deep pass, invaded the area and saw goalkeeper Brazão leave before playing backwards, and Allan finished to fill the Santos net.
After the break, Santos adopted a more offensive strategy and gave Carlos Miguel some scares. In response, Abel made two changes. He removed the inoperative Emi Martínez and placed the young Pacheco to better protect the defense and added Vitor Roque, in Veiga’s place, to renew the pairing with Flaco. Vojvoda didn’t stand still and replaced Gabigol in Lautaro Díaz’s place. The changes gave both teams greater movement, but Santos persisted as the best team on the field in the second half. Gabigol tried a few times and even took a risk from outside the area, but stopped when the defense blocked it.
Palmeiras’ next appointment is scheduled for Saturday, again in Barueri. Abel Ferreira’s team faces Mirassol, at 8:30 pm. Santos only returns to the field on Sunday, at 8:30 pm, visiting Guarani, at the Brinco de Ouro da Princesa Stadium. In the Paulistão classification, Palmeiras is provisionally at the top with six points and 100% success rate. Santos, in turn, has three points and can finish the round in the second half of the table.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
