Palmeiras extend Serie A lead to 6 points with 4-1 rout of Vasco
Synopsis
Palmeiras are six points clear at the top of Brazil's Serie A after a 4-1 demolition of Vasco da Gama, with Jose Manuel Lopez bagging a brace. With Flamengo holding a game in hand, the title race is still alive — but Palmeiras look ominously in control.
Key Takeaways
Palmeiras beat Vasco da Gama 4-1 at home on 24 August to extend their Serie A lead.
Jose Manuel Lopez scored twice (47th minute and 89th minute); Vitor Roque and Mauricio also netted.
Palmeiras now hold 51 points , six clear of second-placed Flamengo , which has a game in hand.
Vasco da Gama remain 19th with 22 points , deep in the relegation zone.
In the German Cup , substitute Marin Ljubicic scored twice as Union Berlin beat Eintracht Braunschweig 4-2 under new coach Mauro Lustrinelli .
Fourth-tier SSV Jeddeloh II stunned second-tier Heidenheim 5-2 in the day's biggest German Cup upset.
Jose Manuel Lopez struck twice as Palmeiras pulled six points clear at the summit of Brazil's Serie A on Sunday, 24 August, dismantling Vasco da Gama 4-1 at home in a commanding display of title intent.
Key Developments
Lopez broke the deadlock in the 47th minute, before Vitor Roque doubled the advantage from the penalty spot and Mauricio added a third just after the hour mark. The Argentina international then completed his brace a minute from time, with Facundo Colidio netting a stoppage-time consolation for the visitors.
Standings and Title Race
The result lifts Palmeiras to 51 points, six ahead of second-placed Flamengo, which holds a game in hand. Vasco da Gama, meanwhile, remain in deep trouble — sitting 19th in the 20-team table with just 22 points. The gap between the top and the relegation zone underscores the polarised nature of this season's Serie A.
Other Serie A Results on Sunday
Coritiba defeated Corinthians 2-1 at home, while Mirassol and Santos shared a 1-1 draw. Chapecoense edged Sao Paulo 1-0 at home, Bragantino secured a 1-0 home victory over Gremio, and Bahia prevailed 2-0 at Vitoria.
German Cup: Union Berlin Survive Scare
In the opening round of the German Cup, substitute Marin Ljubicic scored twice as Union Berlin came from behind to beat second-tier Eintracht Braunschweig 4-2, handing new head coach Mauro Lustrinelli a winning competitive debut. Max Marie twice put Braunschweig ahead — in the 11th and 54th minutes — but Union levelled on both occasions. Zeno Van Den Bosch headed home a Josip Juranovic corner in the 31st minute, and Tom Rothe converted from close range in the 63rd minute after Ljubicic flicked on another Juranovic set piece. Ljubicic then put Union ahead in the 72nd minute before sealing the tie in stoppage time. Union begin their Bundesliga campaign at home to Eintracht Frankfurt next Saturday.
German Cup Upsets
Elsewhere in the first round, fourth-tier SSV Jeddeloh II produced the day's biggest shock, stunning second-tier Heidenheim 5-2. Rot-Weiss Essen also caused an upset, knocking out St. Pauli 2-0. Bundesliga sides Borussia Monchengladbach, Mainz, and Freiburg all advanced without difficulty.
With Flamengo holding a game in hand, the title race remains mathematically open — but Palmeiras' clinical form and goal difference advantage make them the team to beat as the season enters its decisive stretch.
Point of View
Who still have a game in hand, means the race is technically open, but Palmeiras' superior goal difference and home form suggest a team that has found its rhythm at the right time. Vasco's position — 19th with 22 points — is alarming; their defensive frailty against a top side exposed exactly why they are in a relegation fight. The Lopez factor is worth watching: a brace from an Argentina international in a high-pressure home fixture signals that Palmeiras now have the individual quality to match their structural solidity.
NationPress
24 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result between Palmeiras and Vasco da Gama on 24 August?
Palmeiras beat Vasco da Gama 4-1 at home on 24 August in Brazil's Serie A. Jose Manuel Lopez scored twice, with Vitor Roque and Mauricio also on the scoresheet; Facundo Colidio grabbed a late consolation for Vasco.
Where do Palmeiras stand in Brazil's Serie A after this result?
Palmeiras sit top of the Serie A table with 51 points, six ahead of second-placed Flamengo, which has a game in hand. Vasco da Gama are 19th with 22 points.
Who is Jose Manuel Lopez?
Jose Manuel Lopez is an Argentina international striker playing for Palmeiras. He scored twice in the 4-1 win over Vasco da Gama, opening the scoring in the 47th minute and adding a second a minute from time.
What happened in the German Cup first round on the same day?
Union Berlin came from behind to beat second-tier Eintracht Braunschweig 4-2, with substitute Marin Ljubicic scoring twice. It was new coach Mauro Lustrinelli's first competitive win. Fourth-tier SSV Jeddeloh II also caused a major upset, beating Heidenheim 5-2.
Can Flamengo still catch Palmeiras in the Serie A title race?
Flamengo trail Palmeiras by six points but hold a game in hand, keeping the title race mathematically alive. However, Palmeiras' current form and goal advantage make them strong favourites to retain the lead.
