On Thursday, November 7, 2025, at 00:30 UTC, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras crushed Santos Futebol Clube 2-0 at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, sending a chilling message to the rest of Brazil’s top flight. Vitor Roque, the 21-year-old forward once signed by FC Barcelona, delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing — scoring in the 67th and 80th minutes to seal a win that now gives Palmeiras a commanding three-point lead at the top of the Brazilian Serie A 2025 standings. With 68 points from 21 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses, Palmeiras are not just leading — they’re pulling away. Santos? Still stuck in the relegation zone at 17th place with just 33 points. This wasn’t just another win. It was the seventh straight victory for Palmeiras over their historic rivals. And it hurt.
Halftime Turnaround Seals the Deal
The first half was a study in frustration. Palmeiras controlled possession, pressed high, and carved out chances — but the final pass was off, the finish was wide, and Santos’ defense clung on like a life raft. Manager Abel Ferreira didn’t panic. He made two key adjustments at halftime: bringing on Rafael Veiga for Emiliano Martínez in the 23rd minute (a move that paid off later), and shifting tactical focus from wide play to central penetration. "In the first half we weren't able to translate our dominance into goals," Ferreira said afterward. "But that changed after halftime. With the changes that we made, we had great energy and looked to score at every opportunity. It's a deserved victory."
The breakthrough came in the 67th minute. A crisp through ball from Juan Manuel López (aka "Flaco López") found Roque sprinting into the box. Santos goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao came out, but Roque feinted left, then rolled the ball right into the empty net. The stadium erupted. The 17,000 fans in attendance had waited 67 minutes — and now they knew the game was theirs.
Roque’s Ice in His Veins
Then, with ten minutes left, came the dagger. Rafael Veiga — now fully in rhythm — slipped a perfectly weighted pass between two Santos defenders. Roque, now in full stride, didn’t even break his momentum. He lifted a delicate chip over Brazao’s outstretched arms. The ball kissed the crossbar before nestling into the net. No celebration. Just a nod. A cold, focused nod. Roque had done this before — in La Liga, in Champions League qualifiers — but this? This was personal. Santos fans, once proud of their club’s legendary status, sat silent. Many had left by the 85th minute. The ghosts of Pelé and Neymar were watching, and they weren’t smiling.
Relegation Nightmare for Santos
For Santos, it’s a slow-motion collapse. Eight wins. Nine draws. Fourteen losses. Thirty-three points. And now, with seven games left, they’re 12 points from safety. The club that once ruled Brazilian football — producing legends, winning Copa Libertadores, dominating the 1960s and ’70s — is now fighting to avoid the second division. Their lineup, featuring youngsters like Robinho Jr. and aging veterans like Allan, looked disjointed. Substitutions came too late. The midfield was overrun. And when Roque struck, there was no response. No urgency. No fight.
Even the substitutions told the story: Khellven replaced by Agustín Giay at the 4th minute (an early tactical shift that backfired), Ramón Sosa replaced by Allan Andrade at 40’, and Mayke pulled off at 82’ after a late foul that sparked the final flurry. It wasn’t just about personnel. It was about belief — and Santos has lost theirs.
Palmeiras’ Title Charge Gathers Momentum
Meanwhile, Palmeiras are in cruise control. They’ve won seven straight against Santos — a streak that includes two Copa do Brasil clashes and four league games. Their record of 21-5-5 is the best in the league. Second-place Flamengo, who also won on Thursday, now trail by three points. Both teams have seven matches left. But here’s the twist: Palmeiras have played one fewer game than Flamengo. That means, even if Flamengo win all their remaining fixtures, Palmeiras only need 10 points from their last seven to clinch the title. That’s three wins and one draw. Feasible. Likely. Inevitable?
The match also saw four minutes of stoppage time — added mostly for fouls. Mayke, Z. Rafael, and F. Torres were booked, but none of the yellow cards changed the outcome. The real story was in the numbers: Palmeiras had 62% possession, 15 shots (7 on target), and 9 corners. Santos had 5 shots — just 1 on target.
What Comes Next?
Palmeiras travel to Bahia next Thursday. Santos host Botafogo on Sunday. For Palmeiras, it’s about maintaining rhythm. For Santos? Survival. The club’s board has been silent since the final whistle. No statements. No promises. Just the quiet dread of a club that remembers glory — and now fears irrelevance.
And Vitor Roque? He’s now tied for the league’s top scorer with 18 goals. He’s 21. He’s Brazilian. He’s playing for the best team in the country. And he’s just getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Vitor Roque’s performance impact Palmeiras’ title chances?
Roque’s brace took his season tally to 18 goals, tying him for the Serie A lead. His clinical finishing — especially under pressure — has become Palmeiras’ most reliable weapon in tight games. With seven matches left, his ability to score decisive goals makes him the key to securing the title. If he maintains his current pace, he’ll finish with 25+ goals — a rare feat for a forward in Brazil’s modern era.
Why is Santos struggling so badly this season?
Santos has suffered from poor recruitment, inconsistent coaching, and a lack of midfield control. Their average age is 27.5 — older than most top teams — and their defensive record (38 goals conceded) is the third-worst in the league. Unlike Palmeiras, who invested in young talent like Giay and Veiga, Santos relied on aging stars and failed to rebuild. The result? A team that looks out of time.
What’s the historical significance of Palmeiras’ seven-game winning streak over Santos?
This is the longest winning streak by one team over the other in the modern era of Brazilian football. The rivalry, known as "O Clássico da Rivalidade," dates back to 1916. Historically, Santos dominated the 1960s–80s with Pelé and later Neymar. But since 2020, Palmeiras have won 12 of the last 15 meetings. This streak isn’t just about tactics — it’s symbolic of a power shift in Brazilian football.
How did Palmeiras’ substitutions influence the match?
The early substitution of Khellven for Giay (4th minute) stabilized the defense, while bringing on Rafael Veiga for Martínez (23rd minute) unlocked the midfield. Veiga’s vision and passing directly led to Roque’s second goal. Later, replacing Mayke and Z. Rafael with fresh legs in the 80s helped manage the final minutes. Ferreira’s changes weren’t random — they were calculated to exploit Santos’ fading energy.
What does this result mean for Flamengo’s title hopes?
Flamengo, now three points behind, must win all seven remaining matches and hope Palmeiras slip up. But Palmeiras have the easiest remaining schedule — only two top-10 opponents. Flamengo face three. Even if Flamengo win out, Palmeiras only need 10 points from 7 games to win the title. The pressure is now squarely on Flamengo’s shoulders.
Is Vitor Roque a potential transfer target for European clubs?
Absolutely. Roque’s two goals against Santos mark his 18th and 19th in all competitions this season. His pace, finishing, and composure have drawn interest from Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. Though he’s under contract until 2027, his market value has jumped to €45 million. A strong finish to the season could trigger a summer move — and if he wins the title, he’ll be one of the most sought-after young forwards in Europe.
