Flaco López drives Palmeiras to 101-goal milestone
Palmeiras reached a significant offensive benchmark this week, surpassing 100 goals for the 2026 season following a 2-1 victory over Fluminense in the first leg of the CONMEBOL Libertadores semifinals. This achievement marks the 12th year the club has eclipsed the century mark in goals, maintaining a level of offensive consistency that dates back to 2014, according to Portal ABC do ABC.
The win at the Maracanã, which featured a decisive opening goal from forward Flaco López, moved the team to 101 goals across 59 matches this season. CartaCapital reported that Palmeiras is the second Brazilian club to reach this triple-digit milestone in 2026, trailing only Flamengo, who hit the mark on September 20 against Red Bull Bragantino.
Flaco López’s role in the Palmeiras attack
Flaco López has emerged as the focal point of the Palmeiras offense, contributing to nearly one-third of the team’s total goals. With 23 goals to his name this season, the Argentine striker accounts for 23% of the squad’s total output, CartaCapital noted. His teammate Maurício follows as the second-highest scorer with 11 goals, while 17 different players have contributed to the team’s scoring tally throughout the year.
Coach Abel Ferreira highlighted the development of the striker, noting that he maintains regular contact with López via WhatsApp to review movement clips and tactical adjustments. Ferreira described the relationship as paternal, telling gol.conmebol.com that he treats the player “like a son” while acknowledging that he remains one of the players he demands the most from during training.
The road to the Libertadores final
The victory in the first leg of the semifinals provides Palmeiras with an advantage as they prepare for the decisive return match. The club is scheduled to face Fluminense again on October 21 at 9:30 p.m. at Nubank Parque, according to Portal ABC do ABC. The winner of this series will advance to the final, which is slated for November 28 at the Estádio Centenario.
For López, the current season represents a career-high performance, though he continues to pursue his first international title. Despite his individual success, including his role as the leading scorer in the 2025 CONMEBOL Libertadores with seven goals, the striker has yet to secure a continental trophy with the São Paulo-based club.
Frequently asked questions about the 2026 season
How does this year’s goal tally compare to previous seasons?
Palmeiras has demonstrated long-term offensive stability, reaching at least 100 goals every year since 2014. The club’s recent high-water mark occurred in 2022, when they finished the season with 142 goals, as reported by Portal ABC do ABC.
What is the status of the Palmeiras squad for upcoming matches?
The team is navigating a busy schedule with at least 11 matches remaining in the season. This includes eight Campeonato Brasileiro fixtures, the Libertadores return leg against Fluminense, and two Copa do Brasil matches against Vasco, according to Portal ABC do ABC.
Which players have contributed most to the 2026 goal count?
Flaco López leads the team with 23 goals, followed by Maurício with 11. Other key contributors include Ramón Sosa and Vitor Roque, who have each tallied nine goals, per data from Portal ABC do ABC.
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