As the FIFA international break draws to a close, anticipation is building for the return of the Brasileirão Betano Série A, with Palmeiras set to host Internacional at Allianz Parque on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The match, part of the 23rd round, comes at a pivotal moment in the league, with title hopes, injury recoveries, and financial narratives all converging in a season marked by intense competition and off-field drama.
Palmeiras, currently sitting second in the league with 43 points from 20 games, is chasing Flamengo, who lead the statistical projections with a 47.6% chance of clinching the championship, according to the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Despite being only a point behind Flamengo in terms of points lost, Palmeiras’s title odds stand at 29.0%, with Cruzeiro trailing at 16.0%. This trio commands over 92% of the title possibilities, underscoring their dominance in the current campaign. Yet, with only a handful of rounds remaining, every match takes on added significance, and the margins for error are razor-thin.
The break in league action provided Palmeiras with a much-needed window to address lingering injury concerns. The club’s medical department has been working diligently on the recovery of Raphael Veiga, whose discomfort in the pubic region has kept him out of the starting lineup in recent weeks. Veiga’s absence has allowed Mauricio to step into the midfield, but fate hasn’t been kind—Mauricio himself is now a doubt for the Internacional clash due to lumbar pain. Both players’ statuses remain uncertain, with final decisions pending late medical evaluations before Saturday’s kickoff.
According to GE, "Raphael Veiga remains a doubt for the game against Internacional." Meanwhile, Bolavip Brasil reports, "Mauricio is also being treated for lower back pain and will be evaluated by the medical department ahead of the Brasileirão fixture." With two key midfielders facing fitness questions, coach Abel Ferreira may find his tactical options limited at a crucial juncture.
In the midst of these injury woes, Palmeiras staged a training match at their Academia de Futebol, providing a platform for squad members to maintain sharpness and for the medical team to monitor progress. The session offered a glimmer of hope with the presence of forward Bruno Rodrigues, who participated after enduring a grueling one year and eight months away from competitive play. Bruno’s journey has been nothing short of Herculean: after joining Palmeiras in 2024, he suffered a right knee ligament rupture, followed by a patellar tendon rupture in his left knee during a training session just as he was nearing a return. While there’s no definitive date for his comeback, his involvement in training signals that a long-awaited return could be on the horizon.
"Bruno Rodrigues is close to returning," noted Bolavip Brasil, emphasizing the attacker’s resilience and the medical staff’s cautious optimism. However, as of now, coach Abel Ferreira has yet to confirm when Bruno will be available for selection, underscoring the unpredictability that injuries continue to inject into Palmeiras’s campaign.
Beyond the pitch, the broader context of the Brasileirão is shaped by statistical projections and shifting fortunes. Flamengo, with 47 points from 21 games, is the clear favorite, but Palmeiras’s 29.0% title probability keeps them firmly in the hunt. Cruzeiro, with 44 points from 22 matches, holds a 16.0% chance, while Bahia (3.1%), Mirassol (2.1%), and Botafogo (1.8%) linger as distant contenders. Teams like Santos, Vasco, Juventude, Fortaleza, Sport, and Vitória have seen their mathematical hopes virtually evaporate, each registering less than a 0.001% chance of lifting the trophy.
The UFMG’s projections weigh not only current points and recent results but also squad depth, away-game challenges, and home-field advantages. This analytical approach highlights why Flamengo has surged ahead in the odds, consolidating their favoritism as the league enters its decisive stretch. Yet, as seasoned fans know, football often defies the numbers—especially in a league as competitive as the Brasileirão.
Meanwhile, Palmeiras’s off-field success has been equally noteworthy. The club’s ability to develop and sell youth talent at premium prices has provided a financial buffer and fueled their on-field ambitions. In 2025 alone, Palmeiras’s youth sales have totaled approximately R$599 million, including headline-making deals such as Vitor Reis’s transfer to Manchester City for 35 million euros (about R$223 million) and Estevão’s move to Chelsea for 45 million euros (about R$286 million). These figures dwarf the youth sales of rivals like São Paulo, whose total for 2025 stands at around R$198 million despite multiple high-profile departures. The financial windfall from these transactions has allowed Palmeiras to invest in squad depth, infrastructure, and long-term stability, reinforcing their status as a model club in both sporting and business arenas.
São Paulo’s contrasting fortunes have not gone unnoticed. The club recently sold Henrique Carmo to CSKA Moscow for 6 million euros (approx. R$38 million), sparking fan frustration over what was perceived as a low sale price. President Julio Casares, however, pointed to a financial surplus of R$4.2 million up to August, excluding the Carmo sale. Despite these efforts, São Paulo’s total debt remains near R$1 billion, a stark reminder of the financial disparities that shape the Brazilian football landscape. The club has established a credit rights investment fund (FIDC) to manage its obligations, aiming to consolidate debts with a single creditor and reduce interest payments—a strategy designed to buy time for a more sustainable turnaround.
Back in the Palmeiras camp, the focus remains firmly on the immediate challenge: overcoming injury setbacks, maximizing squad resources, and maintaining pressure on Flamengo as the title race heats up. With Mauricio and Raphael Veiga both under medical scrutiny, Abel Ferreira may be forced to shuffle his lineup, relying on the depth and versatility that have become hallmarks of his tenure. The potential return of Bruno Rodrigues, even if only to the matchday squad, could provide a timely boost, especially as the fixtures pile up and fatigue becomes a factor.
The Allianz Parque clash against Internacional represents more than just three points—it’s a test of resilience, adaptability, and ambition. Palmeiras fans will be watching closely, hoping that the club’s recent financial and sporting successes can translate into another strong performance on the pitch. With Flamengo setting the pace and Cruzeiro lurking, the margin for error is slim, and every decision—whether in the treatment room or on the tactical board—could prove decisive.
As the weekend approaches, all eyes turn to Allianz Parque. The stakes are high, the narratives compelling, and the outcome anything but certain. For Palmeiras, the next chapter in their 2025 journey is about to unfold, with title hopes, injury comebacks, and financial muscle all playing their part in a season that’s far from over.
