Palmeiras Advances in Paulista Championship After First Leg Victory

Palmeiras took a significant step towards retaining the Campeonato Paulista title with a 1-0 victory over Novorizontino in the first leg of the final on Wednesday night, March 4, 2026, at the Arena Crefisa Barueri in Barueri, São Paulo. The win was secured by a goal from Flaco López and a crucial penalty save by goalkeeper Carlos Miguel.

Match Summary

• Competition: Campeonato Paulista (Final, first leg)
• Location: Arena Crefisa Barueri, Barueri (SP)
• Date: March 4, 2026
• Time: 8:00 PM (Brasília time)
• Attendance: 26,802 fans
• Revenue: R$ 1,865,550.00
• Yellow Cards: João Martins, Mauricio, and Jhon Arias (Palmeiras); Alvariño, Dantas, Léo Naldi, and Jordi (Novorizontino)
• Red Cards: None

Key Moments

The first half saw Palmeiras controlling possession, while Novorizontino attempted to create opportunities on the counterattack. Flaco López broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, receiving a pass from Ramón Sosa after a Marlon Freitas long ball and firing a shot past Jordi.

Novorizontino had a chance to equalize shortly before halftime, earning a penalty after a foul. However, Carlos Miguel expertly saved Robson’s penalty kick, maintaining Palmeiras’ lead.

In the second half, a Gustavo Gómez goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.

Game Details

Palmeiras

Starting XI: Carlos Miguel; Khellven, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, and Piquerez; Marlon Freitas, Andreas Pereira (Lucas Evangelista), Allan (Jhon Arias), and Mauricio (Felipe Anderson); Ramón Sosa (Vitor Roque), and Flaco López.

Technical Director: Abel Ferreira

Novorizontino

Starting XI: Jordan; Alvariño (German), Dantas, Patrick, and Mayk; Luís Oyama, Léo Naldi, and Juninho (Titi Ortiz); Matheus Bianqui (Castrillón), Vinicius Paiva (Tavinho), and Robson.

Technical Director: Enderson Moreira

Second Leg Details

The second leg is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 8:30 PM (Brasília time) at the Estádio Dr. Jorge Ismael de Biasi in Novo Horizonte, São Paulo.

Palmeiras holds the advantage, needing only a draw to secure the title. Novorizontino must win by at least two goals to claim the championship, or win by one goal to force a penalty shootout. ESPN