29 Aug 2026
Santos vs Palmeiras head-to-head record: rivalry, finals and context
Santos and Palmeiras are one of the most traditional fixtures in São Paulo football. Their record includes decisive matches in the São Paulo State Championship, Brazilian Championship, Copa do Brasil and Libertadores.
How the Santos–Palmeiras rivalry began
The fixture gained prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, when Pelé’s Santos and Palmeiras’ great teams competed for national and state titles. The rivalry grew as the clubs began meeting regularly in finals and other high-profile matches.
What the overall record shows
Santos and Palmeiras have played hundreds of matches in official competitions and friendlies. Palmeiras usually have the better overall head-to-head record, although the difference varies depending on the sample used. For an accurate assessment, official matches should be separated from friendlies, while venue factors should also be considered, including the Vila Belmiro, Allianz Parque, the former Palestra Itália and neutral grounds.
Finals that shaped the fixture
The 2015 Copa do Brasil final was contested by the two clubs. Palmeiras won the title after beating Santos on penalties in the second leg at Allianz Parque. In 2020, the rivals met in another major final, this time in the Libertadores. Palmeiras won 1–0 at the Maracanã, with Breno Lopes scoring in the closing minutes.
The importance of the São Paulo State Championship
The São Paulo State Championship accounts for a large part of the derby’s history. The clubs have met in decisive stages, as well as in seasons when the state championship was the main competition on the calendar. Santos enjoyed periods of dominance, particularly during the Pelé era, while Palmeiras produced strong campaigns across different generations. For that reason, historic results must be assessed in the context of each squad and competition.
How to analyse a new Santos vs Palmeiras match
The head-to-head record helps explain the rivalry, but it does not determine the next match on its own. The analysis should include the last five or ten meetings, home form, absences, the fixture schedule and the coaches’ current form. It is also worth separating knockout matches from league games, as teams’ approaches change according to the result they need.
Conclusion
The Santos vs Palmeiras head-to-head record combines tradition, major national finals and a strong place in São Paulo football. A full pre-match analysis of the fixture is available at pksport.net, with information to understand the context without reducing the assessment to the head-to-head record.
Related pre-match analysis
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Analysis: PK Sport · our methodology
Analysis based on public data and market signals. For analysis only — not betting advice.