Palmeiras vs RB Bragantino Prediction: The champion is eyeing first place

The resounding 4-0 win over Atlético Mineiro in Belo Horizonte may have been a turning point in Palmeiras' season. It was the Paulistas' best display in the Brasileirão, which curiously came after the departure of strikers Endrick and Luis Guilherme. It was an encouraging result in which the wonder kid Estêvão was a key figure. Palmeiras still has plenty of talent in its squad and is a strong contender for the title. The Brazilian champion is in fifth place but is only two points from first place.

Moreno, Piquerez, Estêvão, and López scored the goals for the Verdão at the Arena MRV. Hulk's red card in the 31st minute broke down the home side, which was already missing key players like Everson, Arana, Lemos, Battaglia, Zaracho, Franco, and Vargas. Palmeiras were relentless and didn't stop trying to score more goals even though victory was assured. Abel Ferreira's men will now meet a solid RB Bragantino side in a game where only three points will do for the Paulistas. Flamengo and Bahia have one more point than Palmeiras, but they're playing each other in this round, so at least one of the teams will drop points.

The Massa Bruta pulled off an extraordinarily hard but deserved victory against Juventude. Helinho scored a fantastic goal for Bragantino in the second minute, but ten minutes later, Jadson saw a red card for grabbing a Juventude striker as he headed towards goal. The visitors equalized after 25 minutes, and the home fans thought the worst. However, Bragantino fought until the end, managing to contain the Gaúchos' attacks, and in the 82', Helinho appeared unmarked to score the winning goal after an incomplete save by the goalkeeper. Pedro Caixinha, Red Bull's coach, was sent off after the match for criticizing the referee and will miss the game at the Allianz Parque.

The 4-0 win over Atlético Mineiro was the result Palmeiras needed after a series of lackluster displays. The fact that the impressive performance came without Endrick, who is leaving for Real Madrid at the end of the Copa America, gives confidence for the rest of the season. Bragantino is a good team, but I will bet on Palmeiras winning, as the Paulistas want to reach first place. Red Bull coach Pedro Caixinha is suspended and will not be on the bench.