The stakes are high for Palmeiras as they prepare to face Mirassol on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Estádio Municipal José Maria de Campos Maia, known as Maião, at 18:30. This match is the final round of the group stage of the Paulista Championship, and the pressure is mounting for the Verdão.
Currently positioned third in Group D with 20 points, Palmeiras finds themselves needing nothing less than victory to secure their advancement to the quarter-finals. The team’s path to progression hinges not only on their own performance against Mirassol but also on the outcome of the game between Ponte Preta and Red Bull Bragantino. The Ponte Preta sit just two points above Palmeiras and can secure their own place by winning their match, which could seal Palmeiras' chances of progressing.
With only two victories from their last five games and dealing with significant injuries, the team faces mounting challenges. Coach Abel Ferreira is expected to field players who have shouldered the burden of the season's pressures. The defensive line will be impacted heavily due to the absence of key players like Gustavo Gómez, who is out due to injury, and Murilo, who is suspended. This forces Ferreira to rely on younger defenders Naves and Benedetti to maintain stability and assurance at the back.
On the other side, Mirassol enters this match with the confidence of having already qualified for the quarter-finals as the second-placed team of Group A. Despite this status, their recent form shows five games without victory, putting them under pressure to regain confidence against Palmeiras. Following the decision to dismiss head coach Eduardo Barroca, who led the team to early qualification, Ivan Baitello will take over as interim coach for this important matchup. He will need to revitalize the players’ spirits as they look to finish the group stage strong.
Mirassol has had its share of difficulties, accumulating only one point from the last five games. The team must focus on reverting this trend, even without suspended player Neto Moura. They will rely on their defensive setup, which will likely include the experienced Alex Muralha, alongside Lucas Ramon, João Victor, and Reinaldo, aiming for stability at the back to stifle Palmeiras' attack.
For the match, ticket prices have been set between R$ 120 (halved price) and R$ 240. The match is expected to draw fans eager to support their sides, especially as it is the last group stage fixture for both teams.
The live broadcast of the match can be watched through Uol Play, Nosso Futebol, and Zapping TV, ensuring fans will not miss out on the thrilling action anticipated on the pitch.
Palmeiras approaches this match knowing they must achieve success through assertive gameplay characterized by the creative output of Raphael Veiga, who has registered four goals this season. The team's strategy will also revolve around the pace and agility of attackers Estêvão and Facundo Torres. With such high stakes, every moment counts, and the Verdão must showcase their skills to escape elimination.
For Mirassol, this match serves not only as preparation for the next round but also as a chance to regain their previous form and boost morale before heading to the knockout stage of the tournament. The outcome could define their confidence and selection strategy going forward.
Both teams have rich histories against each other, with Palmeiras holding the edge with seven wins compared to Mirassol's three victories, and three matches ended as draws. This rivalry continues as both teams find themselves at contrasting crossroads, making this showdown pivotal not just for Palmeiras’ continuation, but for Mirassol’s morale and readiness as they advance.