São Paulo – Colombian winger Jhon Arias has secured his first title with Palmeiras, playing a key role in their Campeonato Paulista victory. Palmeiras defeated Novorizontino 2-1 in the second leg of the final, completing a 3-1 aggregate win at the Estadio Dr. Jorge Ismael de Biase on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The triumph marks Palmeiras’ 27th Campeonato Paulista title and Arias’ eighth professional title overall.
Despite a challenging pitch condition due to heavy rainfall, Palmeiras quickly took the lead. Just five minutes into the match, Murilo Cerqueira scored after a free kick from Andreas Pereira and a header from Gustavo Gómez. The goal extended Palmeiras’ advantage from the first leg, where they had won 1-0. However, Novorizontino responded around the 20-minute mark with a goal from Matheus Bianqui, capitalizing on confusion in the Palmeiras area and a misplay by goalkeeper Carlos Miguel.
The decisive goal came courtesy of Vitor Roque, but was set up by a play involving Arias. A long ball from Carlos Miguel was headed by José Manuel López, initially intended for Arias, but a collision between the goalkeeper and the Colombian forward resulted in a poor clearance. Roque was then able to capitalize on the loose ball, scoring to secure the 3-1 aggregate victory for Palmeiras. ESPN Deportes reports that Arias has now appeared in five matches for Palmeiras, with this title being his first with the club.
Arias, who joined Palmeiras last month, was not a central figure in the scoring plays but contributed to the build-up of the winning goal. He arrived from Wolverhampton and had to resolve bureaucratic issues before being able to join the team, according to Globo Esporte. This victory ends a title drought for Palmeiras, their longest since Abel Ferreira took charge at the end of 2020.
Arias’ Impact and Palmeiras’ Dominance
This Campeonato Paulista title is a significant achievement for Palmeiras, solidifying their position as one of the most dominant clubs in the state of São Paulo. The win also represents a personal milestone for Jhon Arias, adding to a career that has already seen success in Brazil. Deportes RCN highlights that this is Arias’ eighth title as a professional footballer, with seven of those coming from Brazilian clubs.
Looking Ahead for Palmeiras
Palmeiras will return to action on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. (Colombian time) when they travel to face Vasco da Gama in a new matchday of the Brasileirão. The team will be looking to carry the momentum from their Campeonato Paulista victory into the national league competition. The challenging pitch conditions in the final underscored the unpredictable nature of football, but Palmeiras demonstrated resilience and ultimately secured the championship.
The victory provides a boost for both the team and Arias as they turn their attention to the Brasileirão. While Arias’ direct involvement in the goals was limited in this match, his presence and contribution to the attack were noted, suggesting a growing role within the Palmeiras squad. Fans will be eager to see how he continues to develop and contribute to the team’s success throughout the season.
What does this title win signify for Palmeiras’ ambitions in the Brasileirão? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow football fans!
