Palmeiras and Santos clash in Copa do Brasil quarterfinal first leg

Palmeiras and Santos are preparing for a new chapter in their historic rivalry this Wednesday (26). The two giants of São Paulo football face off in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals, at 9:30 PM, at Nubank Parque, a confrontation that is stirring up the national sports scene. The match, which will be broadcast on various channels, pits teams in different stages of the season against each other.

The anticipated Copa do Brasil duel

The anticipation surrounding Palmeiras and Santos is justified by the importance of the matchup. The game marks the start of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals, a competition of great national relevance. The recent history between the clubs includes the 2015 final, when Verdão won the title, adding more weight to the dispute. The match will be broadcast on Globo, SporTV, Premiere, and Prime Video, ensuring extensive coverage for fans across the country.

Palmeiras' moment under Abel Ferreira's command

Palmeiras arrives for the confrontation during a period of prominence. The team led by Abel Ferreira, who overcame a brief period of stumbles, is "swimming in the Brazilian championship" and "remains solid in the cups." Recently, the capital club sold striker Allan to Manchester City for 40 million euros, approximately R$ 240 million at current exchange rates. Confidence in the squad is high, as expressed by the Portuguese coach after the 4-1 victory over Vasco on Sunday: "Play as if we were amateurs, put heart into it, don't think about the pressure. Play with pleasure." For the duel, Piquerez, who had an edema in his left leg, and Paulinho, undergoing physical transition, participated in part of the training session with the squad, showing focused preparation for the Copa do Brasil, where Verdão has already eliminated Jacuipense-BA and Fortaleza.

Santos' current situation

On the other side, Santos is experiencing a more challenging moment. Although "alive in the Copa Sudamericana," Peixe is "stumbling in the Brasileirão." The club's financial situation is also a point of attention, as it "struggles to pay Neymar, the company's star." At the weekend, Cuca's team stumbled at Vila Belmiro. Despite the result, the coach has seen evolution in the team: "If you take out the result, which is the most important thing, it was a great match. Santos hasn't imposed itself like this in a long time."

Expressive numbers at Nubank Parque

The venue for the first game, Nubank Parque, is historically favorable ground for Palmeiras when facing Santos. Verdão can reach the milestone of 50 victories over the coastal rival playing at home. Summing up the periods of Parque Antarctica, Estádio Palestra Itália, and Nubank Parque, there are 88 games, with 49 Palmeiras victories, 24 draws, and 15 defeats, with 164 goals scored and 88 conceded. Santos is, in fact, the club most defeated by Verdão at the venue, surpassing Guarani. Furthermore, Abel Ferreira's men have been unbeaten in 11 games at the arena against Santos, with a record of nine wins and two draws. This season, Palmeiras also maintains an unbeaten streak in state derbies, with five wins and two draws, including triumphs in the Campeonato Paulista against Santos, São Paulo, and Corinthians, and in the Brasileirão against São Paulo, as well as draws with Corinthians and Santos.

With information from Correio do Povo, Palmeiras.