Palmeiras produced a second-half masterclass to dismantle Fortaleza 4-1 at Allianz Parque, confirming once again that when the pressure mounts, no side in Brazil Serie A closes out games with greater conviction. What began as a tightly contested affair quickly transformed into a showcase of Palmeiras’ attacking depth and composure under fire.

The hosts opened with authority as Raphael Veiga converted a penalty in the 10th minute, giving Palmeiras an early foothold. Yet, Fortaleza refused to wilt. Their response came just 13 minutes later, as Lucas Crispim fired home the equalizer, a goal that momentarily silenced the São Paulo crowd and hinted at a more balanced contest.

But balance proved fleeting. The second half belonged exclusively to Palmeiras, who ratcheted up the tempo and pressed their advantage. Ramon Sosa restored the lead in the 57th minute, capitalizing on Fortaleza’s defensive frailty and sending the home fans back to their feet. From that moment on, the visitors struggled to regain any attacking momentum, their midfield overrun and their back line increasingly stretched.

The night’s defining feature, however, was the impact of substitute Andreas Pereira. Entering with fresh legs and clear intent, Pereira delivered a clinical brace in the closing stages—first in the 82nd minute and then again in stoppage time—to seal the rout. Both goals showcased his timing and precision, exploiting a beleaguered Fortaleza defense that had lost its shape and composure.

This victory, as captured in official highlights, underscores a pattern emerging in this Palmeiras side: a capacity to accelerate late and overwhelm opponents when it matters most. Pereira’s brace wasn’t merely the product of fresh energy off the bench—it was emblematic of a squad stacked with options that can tilt the balance at any moment.

Key performances extended beyond Pereira. Veiga’s early poise from the spot set the tone, while Sosa’s movement added a layer of unpredictability that Fortaleza never solved. Defensively, Palmeiras weathered the initial equalizer and grew in stature, with midfield transitions turning defense into attack in a matter of seconds.

For Fortaleza, the defeat leaves them languishing near the bottom of the table, and their inability to resist Palmeiras’ relentless finishing will raise questions about their organizational depth and tactical adaptability.

As the league campaign intensifies, Palmeiras’ ability to close out matches—especially with game-changing substitutions—marks them as the team most equipped to capitalize in the season’s decisive moments. With Pereira’s late heroics, the message is clear: in Brazil, no lead is safe when Palmeiras find their rhythm.