Sunday 25th May – Kick Off (20:00 GMT)

Palmeiras host Flamengo in a clash that could carry early implications for the title race. Palmeiras currently sit top of the table, four points ahead of second-placed Flamengo.

Although it’s still early in the season, this showdown feels significant. Flamengo will be eager to close the gap and build momentum, while Palmeiras will be just as determined to widen the distance and solidify their position at the summit, especially with the Club World Cup looming on the horizon.

Palmeiras
Palmeiras come into this match in excellent form, having won their last seven matches in all competitions. Their momentum continues to build as they set the pace at the top of the Brasileirão.

Last time out in the league, they faced Bragantino away from home and came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory. Bragantino opened the scoring early through Gabriel, but Palmeiras responded strongly in the second half. Goals from Murilo in the 72nd minute and Mauricio in the 78th turned the match around and earned a valuable three points on the road.

In midweek, they followed that up with an emphatic 3-0 win over Ceará in the Copa do Brasil, completing a 4-0 aggregate triumph. Estêvão bagged a brace and Flaco López added a third as Palmeiras cruised into the next round.

Now, with confidence high and a strong run behind them, Palmeiras will be looking to extend their winning streak and make a statement against Flamengo in this top-of-the-table clash.

Flamengo
Flamengo come into this clash unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, with three wins and two draws. However, they did drop points in their most recent league outing, playing out a goalless draw against rivals Botafogo.

It was a fairly even contest with little to separate the sides, just five shots on target across the match, three for Flamengo and two for Botafogo. Neither team could find a breakthrough, and a point apiece felt like a fair outcome based on the balance of play.

Midweek brought a much more satisfying result for the Rubro-Negro in the Copa do Brasil, although this time it was against Botafogo-PB. Flamengo secured a 4-2 win on the night, completing a 5-2 aggregate victory to move into the next round. Goals from Danilo, Pedro, Guillermo Varela, and Everton wrapped up a confident display.

Now, Flamengo will turn their full attention to this crucial top-of-the-table showdown, knowing a win would close the gap on Palmeiras to just one point — and make a strong early statement in the title race.

Prediction – Palmeiras 2-2 Flamengo