Palmeiras secured a dramatic berth in the Copa Libertadores semifinals after defeating LDU 4–3 on penalties, overcoming a 3–2 defeat in the altitude of Quito, Ecuador. The club advanced to their 13th continental semifinal—the most of any club in the country—setting up a two-legged clash against Fluminense, while simultaneously using their rival’s elimination to launch a mocking digital campaign.
Palmeiras Mocks Corinthians Elimination via Social Media
Following their own qualification, Palmeiras utilized social media platforms to taunt arch-rival Corinthians, which crashed out of the Copa Libertadores at the quarterfinal stage. The Alviverde published a sequence of pointed references targeting the rival’s defeat and a missed penalty by forward Memphis Depay. Corinthians suffered a 1–0 loss to Estudiantes at the Neo Química Arena on September 16, 2026, blowing a chance to force a penalty shootout when Depay sent his late-game spot-kick over the crossbar.
https://x.com/Palmeiras/status/2100606112726765679
Palmeiras’ digital barrage included a graphic showing a traditional Corinthians supporter banner digitally painted in green, accompanied by an advertising board slogan reading “Libertadores é pra Porcos.” The club’s financial platform, Palmeiras Pay, joined the mockery by sharing an image of the club mascot, Porco Gobatto, wearing a white headband mimicking Depay alongside the caption, “Tem investimento que não dá retorno, né?”
Using Memphis Depay’s Own Song for Provocation
In perhaps the most elaborate jab of the campaign, Palmeiras released a video featuring music released by Memphis Depay himself. The clip opens with footage of the Dutch forward missing his crucial penalty against Estudiantes, pairs the moment with the sound of a firecracker, and transitions to successful spot-kicks by Palmeiras forward Vitor Roque against LDU—including a penalty in regulation and a Panenka-style chip in the shootout.
The video soundtrack utilizes the song “Don’t Panic,” released by Depay, highlighting the lyric translated as: “Não precisa entrar em pânico quando você entende que é tudo um jogo. Não preciso explicar por que não somos iguais.” The original track by the Corinthians star touches on contract negotiation friction and internal disputes with club vice-president Armando Mendonça, themes that Palmeiras repurposed to rub salt in the wound of their neighbor’s continental exit.
Path to the Semifinals Against Fluminense
While Corinthians turns its focus toward the final stretch of the Campeonato Brasileiro, Palmeiras prepares for a semifinal showdown with Fluminense. The first leg takes place in Rio de Janeiro on October 13, 2026. Palmeiras will play that opening match without Abel Ferreira, who must serve a suspension following a red card received in Quito.
The decisive second leg will be hosted at the Nubank Parque on October 20, 2026, marking the first time in this Libertadores campaign that the Alviverde will decide a knockout tie on home soil. Despite surviving a second-leg scare in Ecuador, the squad remains alive in pursuit of a treble.
Did you know? Palmeiras has now reached 13 Copa Libertadores semifinals in their history, extending their record as the Brazilian club with the most appearances in the penultimate stage of the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Palmeiras defeat to reach the Copa Libertadores semifinals?
Palmeiras eliminated LDU on penalties after a 4–3 shootout victory following a 3–2 loss in Quito.
Who knocked out Corinthians in the quarterfinals?
Corinthians was eliminated by Argentine side Estudiantes de La Plata, losing 1–0 at the Neo Química Arena after a 1–1 draw in the first leg.
When will Palmeiras play Fluminense in the semifinals?
The first leg is scheduled for October 13, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, with the return leg set for October 20, 2026, at the Nubank Parque.
Why did Palmeiras use Memphis Depay’s music in their posts?
Palmeiras used a lyric from Depay’s song “Don’t Panic” to mock the Dutch forward after he missed a stoppage-time penalty that would have sent the Corinthians-Estudiantes match to a shootout.
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