Palmeiras crash out of the Brazilian Cup after another defeat to Corinthians, losing 2-0 at home. With red cards, missed chances, and growing pressure on coach Abel Ferreira, the club faces a moment of reckoning.
After a 1-0 loss in the first leg, Palmeiras had high hopes of turning things around in front of their home fans at Allianz Parque, but instead, they suffered another disappointing defeat to arch-rivals Corinthians this time by 2-0 resulting in their elimination from the Brazilian Cup in the Round of 16.
The result marks not only an early exit from a prestigious national competition but also intensifies the pressure on coach Abel Ferreira, whose side has looked inconsistent in recent weeks.
The second leg began with intensity and tension, as expected in a derby of such magnitude, but the home side’s task was made significantly more difficult just 15 minutes in. Argentine midfielder Aníbal Moreno, a key piece in Palmeiras’ midfield, received a straight red card after a reckless challenge that left the referee with little choice. The early dismissal shifted the momentum entirely in favor of Corinthians, who wasted no time in capitalizing on their numerical advantage.
As the first half progressed, Palmeiras tried to hold on defensively, but cracks began to show. Corinthians controlled possession, dictated the pace, and pushed higher up the pitch. Their dominance was rewarded in the 43rd minute, when Matheus Bidu broke the deadlock with a well-placed strike that silenced the home crowd and gave Timão a commanding aggregate lead of 2-0. The goal was a huge psychological blow for Palmeiras, who now needed three goals to stay alive in the competition.
After the break, Abel Ferreira made tactical adjustments in an attempt to bring more offensive urgency to his side, but playing with ten men against a confident and organized Corinthians side proved to be a nearly impossible challenge. The visitors remained composed and punished Palmeiras again in the 59th minute, this time through Gustavo Henrique. The defender rose highest during a corner kick and nodded the ball past goalkeeper Weverton, further deepening Palmeiras' despair.
The remainder of the match saw little resistance from the hosts, who appeared drained both mentally and physically. Tensions flared in the final minutes as frustration boiled over. Emiliano Martínez, who had only recently returned from injury, received a second yellow card deep into stoppage time after a heated confrontation, reducing Palmeiras to nine men before the final whistle.
Corinthians, on the other hand, celebrated a convincing and symbolic victory. Eliminating Palmeiras in their own stadium not only secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil but also gave the club and its fans a massive morale boost amid a season of rebuilding. The victory reinforced the growing belief that the team is finally finding rhythm under their new tactical approach, with players like Matheus Bidu and Gustavo Henrique stepping up in crucial moments.
For Palmeiras, the loss raises serious concerns. The team has now been eliminated from one of the most important domestic tournaments and faces growing criticism from supporters who question the squad’s depth, discipline, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Abel Ferreira, who has enjoyed great success since arriving at the club, including multiple titles, now faces a critical moment in his tenure. With the Brasileirão and the Copa Libertadores still ongoing, the pressure to deliver results will only increase.
The aftermath of the defeat will undoubtedly lead to internal evaluations. The red cards, the lack of cohesion, and the inability to respond to adversity all suggest that something is off within the squad. Whether it's fatigue, tactical issues, or a lack of focus, Palmeiras will need to regroup quickly if they are to salvage the season.
