Phantom goal marks Palmeiras’ 4-2 victory against Monte Roraima in the CopinhaBy Luís Henrique Costa
4 min read
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Palmeiras defeated Monte Roraima 4-2 this Monday, January 5th, at Arena Barueri, in the opening round of Grupo 27 of Copa São Paulo of
Palmeiras’s goals came with Luis Sabóia, Fábio, Victor Gabriel and Arthur. Pelo Monte Roraima, marked Thiago and Aranha. The confrontation highlighted the offensive volume of the São Paulo team, which put pressure especially in the second half.
Embarrassing, this goal that the linesman scored for Palmeiras now in Copinha against Monte Roraima. Jogo which was open, 3×2. Marcar that this ball went in is a crime. Oftalmologista for him URGENT!pic.twitter.com/dLwCCTUYuT
— Caique Silva (@silvapcaique)January 6, 2026
The victory places Palmeiras in the provisional leadership of the group, which also includes Remo and Batalhão-TO. Monte Roraima showed resistance, but did not avoid defeat in their debut.
- Palmeiras goals:Luis Sabóia (3’/1stT), Fábio (11’/2ndT), Victor Gabriel (18’/2ndT),
- Monte Roraima goals:Thiago (10’/1ºT), Aranha (32’/2ºT).
Match chronology
Palmeiras opened the scoring just 3 minutes into the first half. Luis Sabóia finished after a table with Victor Gabriel and put the home team in advantage.
Monte Roraima responded quickly and equalized after 10 minutes. Thiago rose higher than the defense on a corner kick and headed it into the back of the net.
In the second half, Palmeiras returned more aggressive and regained the lead after 11 minutes. Fábio took advantage of the opponent’s ball failure and scored the second goal.
Alviverde dominance in the second half
Victor Gabriel increased the score 18 minutes into the second half. The attacker received a precise cross from Arthur and finished first, with no chance for the goalkeeper.
Palmeiras maintained control of the shares and created several opportunities. Jogadas on the sides and infiltrations in the middle explored the spaces left by Monte Roraima.
Arthur scored the fourth goal in the 30th minute, in a move that generated complaints. The ball hit the crossbar, bounced on the ground and came back, without completely crossing the line, but the referee awarded the goal.
Monte Roraima scored after 32 minutes. Aranha took a free kick attempted by Germano and hit the corner.
Arbitration controversy
Palmeiras’s fourth goal sparked intense protests from the Monte Roraima bench. Imagens television shows that the ball did not go in completely, characterizing an arbitration error.
The arbitration team, led by Vinicius Pinto Tonollo, maintained the initial decision. Linesman Jefferson Yago Franco Pinto confirmed the goal despite doubts.
This move influenced the teams’ mood in the final minutes. Palmeiras managed the advantage, while Monte Roraima unsuccessfully sought a draw.
The arbitration error must be included in the round’s discussions. Copinha does not use VAR in the group stage, which limits revisions in decisive moves.
Individual performance
Luis Sabóia stood out for his constant movement in the Palmeiras attack. The player directly participated in the first goal and created other chances throughout the match.
Victor Gabriel showed opportunism by scoring and assisting. Sua partnership with Luis Sabóia generated Palmeiras’s main offensive plays.
Arthur contributed with precise crosses and finishing in the controversial goal. Sua performance on the flanks unbalanced the opposing defense.
For Monte Roraima, Germano organized the midfield and took the free kick that resulted in the second goal. Thiago demonstrated aerial presence in defense and attack.
Balanced first half
The start of the game was balanced despite the technical difference between the teams. Palmeiras had more possession of the ball, but Monte Roraima exploited counterattacks.
Palmeiras’s early goal gave the São Paulo team confidence. Monte Roraima’s quick response balanced actions and forced tactical adjustments.
Both teams created clear chances in the opening 45 minutes. The partial draw reflected the tactical application of the Roraima representative.
Context of Grupo 27
Grupo 27 of Copinha brings together Palmeiras, Monte Roraima, Remo and Batalhão-TO. The first two positions qualify for the next phase.
Palmeiras enters as the traditional favorite in the youth competition. The club has one of the most structured bases in the country and is looking for a new title.
Remo and Batalhão-TO complete the bracket and compete directly for a spot. Monte Roraima, a state representative with little tradition in football, values participation.
The next round takes place on Thursday, January 8th. Palmeiras faces Batalhão-TO at 7:30 pm on the same Arena Barueri.
Importance of Copinha in the youth scenario
The Copa São Paulo of Futebol Júnior represents the main showcase for young Brazilian athletes. Clubes from all over the country compete in the tournament, which reveals talent for the professional.
Palmeiras uses competition to integrate youth players into the main squad. Diversos athletes trained at the alviverde academy play in national and international elite teams.
Teams from smaller states, like Monte Roraima, gain national visibility. Participation allows direct confrontation with major centers and technical development.
The 2026 edition maintains the traditional format with 32 groups. The knockout stages begin after the completion of the qualifying stage.















