How Vitória Became a Tough Rival for Palmeiras in Two Years

In recent years, the football rivalry between Vitória and Palmeiras has intensified. This rivalry saw significant developments that have made Vitória a tough adversary for Palmeiras, especially in the Brazilian Championship.

Recent Matches: Key Events

On July 2024, Palmeiras faced Vitória at Allianz Parque during the second round of the Brasileirão. Palmeiras, looking to close the gap with leader Botafogo, was under pressure. Abel Ferreira chose to rest several key players in preparation for an upcoming Copa do Brasil match against Flamengo. However, this decision backfired as Palmeiras lost the match 2-0.

Impact of Player Injuries

The loss against Vitória was compounded by the injury of Estêvão, a promising player who was recovering from a previous injury. After being named a starter, Estêvão suffered a new ankle injury, sidelining him for the next two matches against Flamengo. His absence severely affected the team, leading to their elimination from the Copa do Brasil.

• Estêvão played only 33 minutes in the first leg against Flamengo.
• Palmeiras lost the first match 2-1 and drew 2-2 in the return leg.

Continued Challenges in 2025

The trouble did not end there for Palmeiras. In 2025, they again faced Vitória in the Brazilian Championship. During the first round, Ferreira opted for a reserve lineup in Salvador, as the squad needed to prepare for an important Copa do Brasil clash against Corinthians. Palmeiras initially fell behind 2-0 but managed to equalize.

Later, in the second round match, held in November 2025, Palmeiras hosted Vitória at Allianz Parque with only six rounds remaining in the championship. After two consecutive losses to Mirassol and Santos, the team struggled once more. They played poorly and ended the game with a 0-0 draw, failing to capitalize on Flamengo’s defeat that round.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Palmeiras and Vitória has shown how quickly circumstances can shift. Injuries and strategic choices have played pivotal roles in shaping match outcomes. As both teams continue to evolve, fans can expect more intense clashes in future seasons.