Palmeiras seeks Copa do Brasil semifinal edge against Vasco at home

Palmeiras and Vasco meet today at Nubank Parque for the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinals. The return match will take place next Sunday, November 8, at São Januário.

Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira has led the club for six years, having arrived in Brazil in November 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. He replaced Vanderlei Luxemburgo and has since become Palmeiras' most successful coach in history, guiding the team to this year's Libertadores final.

“Nobody has combined titles with longevity like Abel Ferreira since Portuguese coaches became common in Brazilian football.”

Vasco coach Pedro Emanuel, also Portuguese, is working to stabilize and develop the team as it pursues a possible resurgence. He succeeded Renato Gaúcho and hopes to reach a second consecutive Copa do Brasil final.

The two coaches faced each other 11 times as players in Portuguese football. As managers, they have met twice, including Palmeiras' 4-1 Brasileirão victory over Vasco in August.

Palmeiras holds a strong home record against Vasco, having not lost to the rival at home for nearly 11 years. The last defeat occurred on November 8, 2015, when Vasco won 2-0 with both goals scored by Rafael Silva and Nenê.

Since that loss, the teams have played eight times at Palmeiras' stadium, all in the Brasileirão. Palmeiras won six of those matches and drew two, most recently thrashing Vasco 4-1 in August.

Palmeiras remains active in three competitions this season, while Vasco continues its push to stabilize under new leadership.