Palmeiras fans have plenty to celebrate as 2025 shapes up to be a landmark year for the Brazilian giants. On September 18, 2025, Palmeiras etched their name in the global football record books by becoming the team with the most away victories in the world for the year, surpassing even the star-studded Paris Saint-Germain. The achievement was sealed with a hard-fought 2-1 win over River Plate in Buenos Aires during the Libertadores quarterfinals—a match that not only showcased the team’s tactical prowess but also highlighted the depth and resilience of Abel Ferreira’s squad.
The numbers tell a story of dominance and consistency. With their victory over River Plate, Palmeiras reached 18 away wins in 2025, eclipsing PSG’s tally of 17. This isn’t just a regional feat; it’s a global one. According to a survey by Nosso Palestra and data corroborated by Opta, no other professional club on any continent matched Palmeiras’ away win record this year. Flamengo, Benfica, Barcelona, and Real Madrid all trail behind, each struggling to maintain the same consistency on foreign soil.
The 2-1 triumph in Buenos Aires was a microcosm of Palmeiras’ approach this season: disciplined, efficient, and relentless. Raphael Veiga opened the scoring with a clinical finish after a swift counterattack, while Endrick—Palmeiras’ 19-year-old sensation—added the decisive second goal. River Plate pushed hard in front of a raucous home crowd, but the defensive pairing of Gustavo Gómez and Murilo stood firm, blocking crucial attempts and maintaining composure under pressure.
Midfielders Zé Rafael and Richard Ríos were instrumental in dictating the tempo, breaking up River’s attacks and launching quick transitions. Ríos, in particular, has become a ball-recovery machine, averaging an astonishing 70 recoveries per away match. The tactical flexibility shown by Abel Ferreira—shifting between a 4-2-3-1 and a 3-5-2—allowed Palmeiras to adapt to the game’s demands and keep their opponents guessing.
"Our preparation for these away matches is meticulous," coach Abel Ferreira noted after the River Plate win. "We simulate hostile environments in training and focus on maintaining unity and concentration. The players know what’s at stake every time we step onto the pitch away from home." With this latest victory, Ferreira also celebrated his 200th win at the helm of Palmeiras, a milestone that cements his legacy with the club.
The statistics behind Palmeiras’ away campaign are nothing short of remarkable. Out of 25 away matches played in 2025, the team boasts 18 wins, five draws, and only two losses—those rare defeats coming against Cruzeiro (2-1 in the Brasileirão) and Corinthians (1-0 in the Copa do Brasil), both in high-pressure settings. The Verdão scored 47 goals and conceded just 21 on their travels, demonstrating a potent attack balanced by a disciplined defense.
In the 2025 Brasileirão, Palmeiras is the most efficient away side, racking up 23 points from 10 games—a 75% success rate. Their Libertadores campaign is even more impressive: five away matches, five victories, and not a single point dropped. This run included challenging fixtures against Bolívar and Sporting Cristal, where the team not only had to contend with tough opponents but also with high altitudes and intimidating crowds. The squad’s ability to thrive in such conditions has set them apart from their European rivals, many of whom have stumbled in similar circumstances.
Key to Palmeiras’ success has been their balanced squad rotation and depth. Ferreira has utilized 25 players in away matches, ensuring that fatigue and injuries are minimized despite a packed calendar. The medical team deserves credit too, as the club has largely avoided major injuries throughout the season. Weverton, the ever-reliable goalkeeper, has posted a save rate of over 80% in away fixtures, while Endrick leads the away scoring charts with eight goals, closely followed by Rony with six. Raphael Veiga’s creative prowess is evident in his 12 assists, often providing the final pass in crucial moments.
The defensive unit, marshaled by captain Gustavo Gómez, has been a fortress. Murilo’s timely interventions and Piquerez’s precise crosses from the left flank have given Palmeiras both solidity and attacking width. The midfield engine, powered by Zé Rafael and Richard Ríos, ensures that the transition from defense to attack is seamless. Ríos, with his relentless ball-winning ability, often initiates the counterattacks that have become a Palmeiras trademark.
Abel Ferreira’s tactical acumen is not lost on fans or analysts. He’s known for alternating between formations depending on the opponent and match context. The 4-2-3-1 setup allows for greater control and possession, while the 3-5-2 provides a reinforced defense and quick transitions. High pressing is a staple of their away play, with Palmeiras recovering the ball in the final third in 60% of their away matches. The team averages 15 counterattacks per away game, a testament to their speed and organization.
Palmeiras’ global standing is further highlighted by comparisons with their European counterparts. PSG, despite their domestic dominance and the presence of superstars like Mbappé, have found away matches in Europe more challenging, particularly in the Champions League where defeats against Bayern and Manchester City have hurt their statistics. Benfica and Galatasaray have also impressed in their domestic leagues but haven’t matched Palmeiras’ consistency across multiple competitions. South American rivals like Flamengo are close behind with 15 away wins, but even they can’t touch the Verdão’s record this year.
The road ahead remains challenging for Palmeiras. Following their victory over River Plate, they face crucial Brasileirão fixtures against Fortaleza and Atlético-MG, as well as the return leg against River in the Libertadores. December will bring the Club World Cup, adding another layer of intensity to an already demanding schedule. Yet, the team’s current form and unity have fans dreaming of multiple titles and even more records by year’s end.
For now, Palmeiras can savor their status as the world’s top away warriors. With a blend of youth and experience, tactical intelligence, and unwavering determination, the Verdão have shown that no challenge is too great—no matter how far from home they roam.
