The Palmeiras secured a spot in the Copa do Brazil final on Sunday (8) by defeating Vasco on penalties 5-4 at São Januário Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Performance in the match
The match began with an opportunity just after two minutes: Piquerez crossed to Flaco López, who headed accurately but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. In the next minute, Lescano launched a counterattack, escaped from defense, and struck hard, being blocked by goalkeeper Carlos Miguel.
At the ninth minute, Piquerez delivered a perfect cross to Flaco López, who headed accurately, but the ball narrowly hit the crossbar of the Cruzmatin goal and went out. Six minutes later, John Arias shot without defenders, eventually launching a powerful strike that exploded against the post.
Shortly afterward, at 15 minutes, Cuiabano advanced down the left flank, broke free from marking, and crossed to Colidio, who opened the scoring with a right-footed shot on the goalie Carlos Miguel's backpost.
At the 27-minute mark, Flaco López lifted a ball into attack; Maurício headed toward the goal, but was blocked by Léo Jardim with his right arm. The Palmeiras maintained pressure, yet failed to equalize in subsequent moments.
Tie and penalty determination
In the final stages of the match, the Palmeiras tied the score at the ninth minute of the second half. The play began with Evangelista in midfield, who passed to Piquerez on the left side. The fullback escaped marking before scoring a spectacular shot in the lower-left corner, covering Léo Jardim.
The draw favored the São Paulo team, which won the first leg at home 1-0.
To determine classification in penalties, at minute 22 of the second half, Vasco's coach Pedro Emanuel substituted Uruguayan Puma Rodriguez for Paulo Henrique on the right wing. In two minutes, he capitalized on a cross by Andrés Gómez to shoot with danger and then took a corner kick in two touches, scoring the goal.
The goalkeeper Carlos Miguel defended Lescano's shot that passed through the number 2 jersey and sent a torpedo, breaking past the barrier from below, leaving the goalkeeper exposed. The Cruzmaltino tried to extend their lead but failed. The match ended 2-1 and was sent to penalties.
Penalties
Palmeiras opened the series of five penalty kicks with Vitor Roque. He scored the first by hitting the top right corner of Léo Jardim's net, who touched the ball.
Lescano struck low and Carlos Miguel saved it. Gustavo Gómez chipped high and converted another for the Verdão, leading 2-1.
On the Vasco side, Thiago Mendes, Santiago Soza and Colidio took well-aimed shots. On the Palmeirense side, Ramón Sosa and Andreas Pereira also succeeded in converting their penalties.
However, on the final of five kicks from the Verdão, Giay shot weakly, allowing Léo Jardim to defend easily. Then, Puma Rodriguez powerfully kicked into the top right corner of Carlos Miguel's goal, leaving everything tied: 4-4.
In the alternating sequence, Marlon Freitas struck with composure and hit the left corner of Léo Jardim's goal. Then, Andrés Goméz shot to the left, but goalkeeper Carlos Miguel was successful in diving to the same side and defended.
The Palmeiras won the penalties 5-4 and secured their place in the final of the Copa do Brazil.
Key facts
For the second time in history, Palmeiras will face Grêmio for the Copa do Brasil title. The first victory occurred in 2020, when the Verdão prevailed and earned a quadruple—also winning titles in 1998, 2012, and 2015.
Grêmio is seeking its sixth championship after securing titles in 1989, 1994, 1997, 2001, and 2016.
The final will be played as a single match on December 6 (Sunday) at Estádio Mané Garricha in Brasília. This information was confirmed by Agência Brasil and the official Copa do Brazil profile.