Palmeiras will aim to claim their first victory of the 2026 Brasileirao campaign as they host a confident Vitória side tonight.
With several key players in the medical department, the depth of the Palmeiras squad will be put to the ultimate test in this mid-week encounter.
Meeting the newcomers
Bahia-based club Esporte Clube Vitória travel to São Paulo to face Palmeiras after a comfortable 2–0 home victory over promoted side Clube do Remo in the opening round.
However, they face a significantly tougher test against Palmeiras, who will look to improve on their 2–2 draw with Atlético Mineiro on matchday one.
The Verdao are eager to shake off a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Botafogo-SP in the Paulistão over the weekend, a game where Abel rotated his squad heavily to keep his starters fresh for tonight’s clash.
The reigning giants of São Paulo are not used to dropping points at home, and Abel Ferreira is expected to demand a more clinical and disciplined performance from his front line to avoid an early-season points gap that could prove costly later in the year.
The impact of Vitor Roque
The opening league result was salvaged thanks to an 84th-minute equaliser from Vitor Roque, whose return from Barcelona after a difficult spell has led to a noticeable upturn in the youngster’s output.
Roque’s ability to find space in congested boxes has already made him a fan favourite at the Allianz, and his presence is vital while the squad waits for other key attackers to return from the treatment room.
Following his goal-scoring debut in Round 1, Tigrinho is expected to start tonight alongside Flaco Lopez, as Ferreira looks to capitalize on their developing chemistry.
Their partnership is quickly becoming the most feared attacking duo in the league, offering a blend of raw pace and intelligent movement.
Injury struggles for the champions
Palmeiras continue to battle injuries to key players, including veteran Felipe Anderson, Lucas Evangelista and former Bayer Leverkusen forward Paulinho.
Anderson’s absence remains the most concerning for Ferreira, as his sprained ankle has kept him on the sidelines for another week, depriving the team of his creative vision.
The medical department is working hard to ensure this period doesn’t cost the team early-season points in a title race that is expected to last the full season.
Evangelista has been participating in physical transition drills this week and could be a surprise inclusion on the bench tonight if he passes a late fitness test. However, it is very unlikely that he will start.
Vitoria’s defensive headache
Vitoria are also struggling with injuries in key positions, with goalkeeper Lucas Arcanjo and defender Edu both ruled out due to leg injuries.
Updates from the Vitoria camp suggest newly signed Emmanuel Martinez has traveled with the squad and could make his debut from the bench, providing some creativity in midfield.
Losing their starting goalkeeper is a massive blow for the visitors, who will likely be on the back foot against a Palmeiras side eager to test a backup keeper’s nerves under the bright lights of Arena Barueri, the temporary home for this fixture.
If Vitoria are to leave with any points, they need to make the most of their rare counter-attacking opportunities and produce a strong defensive performance away from home.