The Jorge Ismael stadium of Biasi, known as Jorjão, in Grêmio Novorizontino and
After being defeated 1-0 in the first match, Novorizontino enters the field with the mission of reversing the adverse score. The Tigre team is betting all its chips on its impeccable performance at home, where it maintained 100% success throughout the 2026 season, hoping that the strength of the fans will be a difference in taking the match, at least, to a penalty shootout.
On the other side, Palmeiras arrives for the decision with the advantage of a draw, as a result of the victory in the first game. Verdão, under the command of
Novorizontino’s journey to the unprecedented final
Grêmio Novorizontino, one of the big surprises of the 2026 Campeonato Paulista, followed a remarkable path to the final. The team demonstrated resilience and competitive football, overcoming traditional opponents throughout the campaign. Coach Enderson Moreira’s strategy has been fundamental to the success of Tigre.
The team presented a solid defense and an efficient attack, which knew how to take advantage of opportunities. The Novorizontino campaign captivated the attention of fans and the media, proving that teamwork and dedication can exceed expectations. Reaching the final is a historic milestone for the club, which is looking for its first major title.
Strategies and likely lineups
For the decisive clash, coach Enderson Moreira, from Novorizontino, must maintain the base of the team that was consolidated during the Campeonato Paulista. The 4-2-3-1 formation has been the preferred formation, with a focus on defensive solidity and speed on the sides of the field. The probable lineup indicates that the team will come with maximum strength to try to turn things around.
The defensive system will feature Patrick and Dantas in defense, protected by the midfielder duo Luís Oyama and Léo Naldi. In midfield, Matheus Bianqui and The arrival of Mayk, who can play both on the wing and infiltrate the area, adds an important offensive dimension.
Among the absences, Hélio Borges and Maykon Jesus remain out due to injury, while Arthur Barbosa and Marlon are in the physical transition phase.
The power of Palmeiras in search of another cup
Palmeiras, under the guidance of Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira, reaches the final with high confidence, driven by a star-studded squad and well-defined tactics. The team has demonstrated a remarkable ability to control games and capitalize on chances, becoming a dominant force on the São Paulo scene.
The possible lineup of Verdão reflects the consolidation of an ideal team over the last month. The main doubt lies in the physical condition of striker Vitor Roque, who was on the bench in the first final after suffering tackles in the semi-final. Caso cannot start, Sosa is the natural replacement.
The defensive line with Gustavo Gómez and Murilo is one of the pillars of Palmeiras’ solidity, while the versatility of Piquerez and In midfield, the combination of Marlon Freitas, Andreas Pereira, Allan and Maurício offers both marking power and creation ability. Flaco López and Vitor Roque (or Sosa) make up the attack, seeking to shake the opponent’s networks.
Paulinho is the only confirmed absence, recovering from surgery on his right leg.
The weight of Jorjão and the favoritism of Palmeiras
The Jorge Ismael stadium of Biasi, or The pressure from the local fans, who promise to fill the stands, will be an additional challenge for Palmeiras.
Historically, Palmeiras has extensive experience in decisions, with a history of titles that places him as one of the biggest winners in Brazilian football. Essa experience in crucial moments can be an asset for the Abel Ferreira team, which knows how to deal with pressure and an adverse environment. Favoritism, albeit slight, falls on Verdão, but Novorizontino has already proven to be capable of surprising.
Arbitration and the video system
Federação Paulista of Futebol appointed an experienced refereeing team to lead the grand final. Flávio Rodrigues of Souza will be the main referee, assisted by Neuza Inês Back and Alex Ang Ribeiro. The fourth referee will be Edina Alves Batista, completing a group of recognized professionals.
The performance of the VAR (Referee of Vídeo), under the responsibility of José Cláudio Rocha Filho, will be crucial to guarantee the fairness of the match. In championship finals, each move is meticulously analyzed, and technology has become an indispensable element to assist the field team in making capital decisions, minimizing errors and controversies. The expectation is that the referee will be able to conduct the game in an impartial and efficient manner, allowing the spectacle to prevail.
The road to the final for both clubs
Palmeiras and Novorizontino’s journey to the final of Campeonato Paulista 2026 was marked by consistency and overcoming. Palmeiras, true to its tradition, dominated its bracket in the group stage, demonstrating strength across all lines. The team had a remarkable offensive performance, combined with a defense that proved to be practically insurmountable, which allowed them to advance smoothly to the knockout stages. The experience of its squad and the depth of its bench were key factors in overcoming the challenges throughout the competition.
Novorizontino, considered by many as one of the greatest revelations, built its journey based on tactical organization and the determination of its players. Tigre were not intimidated by more traditional opponents, playing intense and strategic football, especially in their home games. The team knew how to capitalize on the little attention they received and turn it into motivation, surprising and winning the right to compete for São Paulo’s top football title for the first time in its recent history.
Impact on club history
For Palmeiras, the conquest of another Campeonato Paulista would represent the affirmation of a victorious era under the command of Abel Ferreira. The club has accumulated important titles in recent years and a new state trophy would only solidify this glorious phase, reinforcing the shelf of one of the greatest champions in the country. Seria a gift for the fans, who always demand excellence from their athletes, and a promising sign for the rest of the season, which includes disputes on other fronts.
For Novorizontino, lifting the trophy in Paulistão 2026 would be an unprecedented feat and a watershed in the history of the institution. Representaria not only the first major title, but also the consolidation of a serious and ambitious project that seeks its place among the greats of Brazilian football. The victory would bring visibility, recognition and, potentially, a significant boost to the club’s financial and structural growth, in addition to immortalizing this team in the memory of its fans.
Tactical aspects and key players
The final promises an intense tactical duel between two coaches with different philosophies. Abel Ferreira, known for its adaptability and pragmatism, should rely on defensive solidity and quick transition to explore the spaces left by Novorizontino. The pressure on the opponent’s ball and the efficiency in dead balls are trademarks of Palmeiras, who knows how to unbalance decisive games. Possession of the ball may not be an objective in itself, but rather a tool to control the pace of the match and wear down the opponent.
Enderson Moreira, on the other hand, should encourage his players to attack from the start, taking advantage of the warmth of the fans and their familiarity with the Jorjão pitch. Novorizontino will need creativity and aggression to break through the Palmeiras defense, counting on the inspiration of Rômulo in midfield and the finishing ability of Robson. Speed on the flanks, with Vinicius Paiva and Matheus Bianqui, will be essential to open the opponent’s defense and create clear goal opportunities, transforming the need to reverse the score into an offensive advantage.
Event broadcast and coverage
Fans who cannot attend Jorjão will have several options to follow the grand final of Campeonato Paulista 2026. The match will be broadcast live on open and closed television channels, as well as streaming platforms, ensuring that the excitement reaches every corner of the country. Essa broad coverage reflects the importance and appeal of the competition.
The channels TNT and Record will broadcast on television, while CazeTV and HBO Max will offer the option of following the game online. Além of this, ge will cover it in Tempo Real, with all moves and statistics updated minute by minute. The expectation is for audience records, given the importance of the confrontation and the recent history of the teams.
Fan expectations and pre-game atmosphere
The city of Novo Horizonte breathes football and prepares for a historic event. The expectation of the Novorizontino fans is palpable, with Tigre fans dreaming of their first title of expression. The mobilization to fill the Jorjão was intense, and the pre-game atmosphere promises to be one of great celebration and unconditional support for the home team.
On the Palmeiras side, the fans, accustomed to big decisions, also mobilize, both in Novo Horizonte and in other cities, to follow the team in search of another cup. Caravanas and organized fan meetings are expected, demonstrating the passion and engagement with the club. The Campeonato Paulista 2026 final is one of the most anticipated events on the sporting calendar, and the atmosphere of healthy rivalry and expectation promises an unforgettable spectacle on and off the field.
The recent history of the confrontation
Although this is an unprecedented final between Novorizontino and Palmeiras, the clubs have already faced each other on other occasions in Campeonato Paulista. Nos last five years, the clashes were marked by balance, with Palmeiras having a slight advantage. Contudo, in games at Jorjão, Novorizontino always showed resilience, making life difficult for their opponents and demonstrating that the home advantage is an important asset.
The last meeting at Campeonato Paulista before the current season was in 2025, with a narrow 2-1 victory for Palmeiras, in a disputed match with controversial moves. Esses results show that, despite the difference in investment and history, Novorizontino has the ability to impose difficulties and compete on equal terms when playing at their stadium, adding another layer of unpredictability to this decisive clash in 2026.
