Palmeiras vs. Vasco: Paulinho and Sosa Out, Vitor Roque Returns for Copa do Brasil

Lineup Adjustments and Injury Concerns in São Paulo

Palmeiras enters the semifinal clash missing two attacking options. Paulinho and Ramón Sosa are ruled out after completing physical recovery work at the club’s Health and Performance Center, according to uol.com.br. Paulinho sustained right calf discomfort during the late stages of the Copa Libertadores match against Fluminense, while Sosa is sidelined with a right thigh injury. Meanwhile, Vitor Roque is in line to return to the starting eleven. ESPN Brasil noted that Vitor Roque has not featured as a starter since October 11, following a full recovery from a right ankle sprain and a substitute appearance in the draw against Santos on Wednesday.

Vasco arrived in São Paulo without forward Andrés Gómez, who continues to deal with left foot pain following the clásico against Flamengo, as reported by ge.globo.com. Head coach Pedro Emanuel faces selection adjustments after resting several regular starters in the recent midweek fixture. The anticipated Vasco starting lineup features Léo Jardim, Paulo Henrique, Saldivia, Robert Renan, Lucas Piton, Sosa, Thiago Mendes, Lescano, Adson, Bruno Duarte, and Colidio, according to ge.globo.com and ESPN Brasil.

Palmeiras Leads Vasco in League Standings

The semifinal meeting highlights a stark contrast in domestic campaigns. UOL detailed that Palmeiras occupies the second spot in the Campeonato Brasileiro with 70 points, sitting three points behind league leaders Flamengo after a scoreless draw with Santos on the previous Wednesday. Vasco stands in 13th place with 38 points, hovering above the relegation zone after recovering from a difficult stretch earlier in the season.

Historical statistics show the rivalry between the two sides is shifting. ESPN Brasil pointed out that between 2017 and 2025, Palmeiras maintained a 14-match unbeaten streak against Vasco, comprising 10 victories and four draws. That sequence ended in the 2026 Brasileirão opening round when Vasco secured a 2-1 victory at São Januário. The teams last met in August during the second round of the league, resulting in a 4-1 win for Palmeiras in São Paulo.

Globo and Prime Video Broadcast Sunday Fixture

Sunday’s fixture kicks off at 16:00 (Brasília time) at the Nubank Parque. The match will be broadcast live on Globo, Sportv, Premiere, Getv on YouTube, and Prime Video, with real-time text coverage provided by ESPN Brasil. The officiating crew is led by referee Anderson Daronco from Rio Grande do Sul, assisted by Rafael da Silva Alves and Guilherme Dias Camilo, with Rodrigo D’Alonso Ferreira operating the VAR. The return leg is scheduled for November 8 at São Januário, where the finalist of the Copa do Brasil will be decided.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.