Palmeiras and Vasco face title decider in the Brasileirão Sub-20
· Yahoo Sports
Rafael Ribeiro / CBFCredits: Palmeiras and Vasco go after the title
It’s time to find out who will be the 2026 Brazilian U-20 champion. Palmeiras and Vasco face off this Friday (4), at 7 p.m. (Brasília time), at Nubank Parque, in São Paulo (SP), for the second and decisive leg of the final. After a 1-0 win in the first match at São Januário (look back here), in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Verdão takes the field with the advantage in the title race.
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Palmeiras’ winning goal in the first game was scored by Erick Belé late in the first half. As a result, a draw is enough to secure the trophy for Verdão. If Vasco manage to win by a one-goal margin and level the aggregate score, the champion will be decided on penalties.
The advantage, however, does not mean peace of mind. Vasco showed in the first match that they can trouble their opponent and will now have 90 minutes to try to change the course of the final. The Rio side have reached the final for the first time in the history of the Brazilian U-20 Championship and need to win away from home to take the trophy back to São Januário.
The first match was at São Januário Credits: Rafael Ribeiro / CBF
The balance in the final also pits two teams with different characteristics against each other. Palmeiras go into the decider with the best attack in the championship, with 64 goals scored in 24 matches. The team also has the competition’s top scorer: Felipe Teresa, who has already found the net 15 times. Vasco, on the other hand, have 40 goals in the tournament, but make up for their lower attacking output with the best defense. Cruz-Maltino have conceded only 23 goals in 24 matches and boast the lowest goals-against average among all participants. Palmeiras have conceded 27.
On Palmeiras’ side, the final could crown yet another standout campaign in the category. Verdão are four-time Brazilian U-20 champions (2018, 2022, 2024 and 2025) and are looking to extend their dominance in the competition with a fifth title. The reigning two-time champions reached the final after finishing the first stage at the top of the table with 44 points.
The situation puts different pressure on the two teams. Palmeiras can manage their advantage, but know that a Vasco goal would completely change the dynamics of the match. Vasco, meanwhile, will have to find the balance between attacking in search of a comeback and not leaving space for an opponent that already showed its efficiency in the first meeting.
The final will be broadcast live on SporTV and UOL.
Vasco seek a first-ever title Credits: Rafael Ribeiro / CBF
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.