Warming up for their ninth decisive duel, Palmeiras and Santos have split the score in eight knockout clashes this century, with four victories for each side.
For Brazilian football fans, anticipation is growing for another clash between Palmeiras and Santos in the Copa do Brasil, a fixture that always delivers excitement. The first leg of the quarter-finals promises to shake up the national scene, reigniting one of the country's biggest rivalries at Nubank Parque.
This duel will mark the ninth knockout encounter between Alviverde and Peixe this century, a record that, so far, reflects an impressive balance. Over eight previous deciders, each team has managed to eliminate their opponent on four occasions.
The history of these decisive derbies is full of twists and turns, hotly contested titles, and unforgettable moments, shaping the trajectory of two of the most successful clubs in Paulista and national football, Palmeiras and Santos.
Balanced Record: The Eight Deciders of the Century
The history of knockout clashes between Palmeiras and Santos this century mirrors their fierce rivalry, with each Paulista giant celebrating four victories. The sequence of deciders began in 2009, in the semi-finals of the Campeonato Paulista, with Santos coming out on top. Peixe repeated the feat in 2013, again in the state championship semi-finals.
The intensity peaked in 2015, a year in which the teams faced each other in two epic finals. First, Santos became Paulista champions on penalties. Months later, Palmeiras got their revenge, winning the Copa do Brasil, also on penalties, after a 2-2 aggregate draw.
Alvinegro found success again in 2016, eliminating Verdão in the Paulistão semi-finals, once more on penalties. From that point on, Palmeiras began a victorious run, overcoming their rival in the 2018 Paulistão semi-finals (penalties), in the historic 2020/2021 Copa Libertadores final, played in January 2021, and in the recent 2024 Campeonato Paulista final.
Alviverde Dominance in the Abel Ferreira Era
A fact that adds even more spice to the derby is Santos' performance against Palmeiras since the arrival of coach Abel Ferreira. Under the command of the Portuguese manager, Alvinegro has yet to defeat their rival in knockout matches or direct confrontations.
The last time Santos eliminated Palmeiras was in 2016, in the Campeonato Paulista semi-finals, when Peixe advanced after a 2-2 draw in normal time and a victory on penalties.
This 2024 season, the teams have already faced each other twice. The first duel ended with a 1-0 victory for Palmeiras, with a goal by Allan. The second derby resulted in a 1-1 draw, with goals from Flaco López for Palmeiras and Argentine Rolheiser for Santos.
The Journey to the Copa do Brasil Quarter-finals
To reach the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals, Palmeiras had a smoother campaign. In the fifth round of the competition, Verdão thrashed Jacuipense, from Bahia, with a 7-1 aggregate score. Subsequently, in the round of 16, the Paulista team eliminated Fortaleza.
Meanwhile, Santos encountered more resilient opponents on their journey. In the fifth round, Peixe drew 0-0 with Coritiba in the first leg, but secured qualification by winning the return match 2-0 at Couto Pereira. In the round of 16, the Alvinegra team dispatched Remo with a narrow 1-0 victory, achieved at Mangueirão.
The winner of this anticipated derby in the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals will face the qualifier from the match between Vitória and Vasco in the competition's semi-finals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times have Palmeiras and Santos faced each other in knockout stages in the 21st century?
The most recent confrontation is the ninth decisive duel between Palmeiras and Santos in the 21st century. Previously, the teams had faced each other eight times in knockout stages.
Who has the advantage in decisive clashes between Palmeiras and Santos this century?
The record is perfectly balanced, with four victories for Palmeiras and four for Santos in the eight knockout deciders played so far this century.
When was the last time Santos won a knockout match against Palmeiras?
Santos' last victory over Palmeiras in a knockout confrontation occurred in 2016, in the Campeonato Paulista semi-finals, when Peixe advanced after a 2-2 draw and a penalty shootout win.
Which knockout finals have Palmeiras and Santos played this century?
The teams met in three decisive finals: Campeonato Paulista of 2015 (Santos won on penalties), Copa do Brasil of 2015 (Palmeiras won on penalties), and Copa Libertadores of 2020/2021 (Palmeiras won).