In a dramatic night at Allianz Parque, Palmeiras overturned a 1–0 deficit to defeat Red Bull Bragantino 3–1 in Round 7 of the 2025 Brasileirão Série A, extending their lead at the top of the table and reinforcing their position as early title favorites.
Despite Bragantino’s early pressure and goal, Palmeiras responded with tactical discipline, flair, and late-game explosiveness that has come to define their current campaign under coach Abel Ferreira.
Match Overview: From Frustration to Control
The first 30 minutes saw Palmeiras struggle to find rhythm. Bragantino’s Eric Ramires stunned the home crowd in the 18th minute with a curling shot from outside the box, giving the visitors a deserved lead.
But what followed was a masterclass in composure and execution.
Key Match Highlights:
- Murilo equalized for Palmeiras with a towering header from a corner kick in the 41st minute.
- In the second half, Raphael Veiga converted a penalty earned by Endrick, giving Palmeiras a 2–1 lead.
- The young star Estêvão, only 17, sealed the result with a brilliant solo goal in stoppage time.
The victory was celebrated by over 35,000 fans and marked Palmeiras’ fifth consecutive league win, keeping them undefeated and four points ahead of Flamengo in the standings.
Tactical Adjustments from Abel Ferreira
Once again, coach Abel Ferreira demonstrated his growing reputation as one of Brazil’s top tacticians. After a sluggish start, he:
- Shifted Palmeiras from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-2-2, giving Veiga and Endrick more central freedom.
- Instructed full-backs Mayke and Piquerez to overlap more aggressively.
- Introduced Richard Ríos to control midfield tempo and recover second balls.
Abel’s post-match comments reflected calm focus:
“What matters is not the scoreboard at 20 minutes — it’s the scoreboard at 90. We played with intensity, and the group believed until the final whistle.”
Standout Performances
- Endrick: The Real Madrid-bound teenager earned a penalty and tormented Bragantino’s defense with his movement.
- Raphael Veiga: Showed leadership and precision, scoring his fourth goal of the season.
- Gustavo Gómez: Solid as ever, marshaling the back line and intercepting key passes.
Palmeiras now boasts the best defense in the league and the second-best attack, a balance few other teams can match.
Title Race Implications
Palmeiras’ win not only maintains their lead — it also sends a message to direct rivals:
- Flamengo and Atlético-MG now face must-win scenarios in their upcoming fixtures.
- Bragantino, despite the loss, remains in the top six and continues to impress with its youth-oriented squad.
The Brasileirão 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years, but Palmeiras’ consistency and depth give them a strategic edge.
What’s Next?
Palmeiras will now prepare for a high-profile match against São Paulo FC, with key players like Zé Rafael and Breno Lopes set to return from injury.
Meanwhile, coach Abel Ferreira must manage squad rotation carefully, with Copa Libertadores group matches resuming next week.
Fans are hopeful that this momentum can carry Palmeiras to a potential domestic and continental double.
Conclusion: Palmeiras Sends Clear Message
The comeback win over Bragantino was not just three points — it was a display of mentality, depth, and tactical intelligence.
As the season progresses, Palmeiras is proving that they are not just chasing the title — they’re shaping the identity of Brazilian football in 2025.