Renato shines on debut: Vasco end 10-year hoodoo vs Palmeiras

São Januário erupted on Thursday night as Vasco da Gama overturned Palmeiras to register their first win over the Verdão since 2015 and ignite their 2024 Brasileirão campaign. New head coach Renato Gaúcho marked his first match in charge with a dramatic second-half comeback that snapped a decade-long winless streak against the São Paulo giants.

The opening 45 minutes offered more grit than guile, with midfield duels and fragmented possession defining a half in which neither goalkeeper was seriously extended. Against the run of subdued play, Palmeiras struck on 32 minutes when Flaco López collected a precise pass inside the area, stepped away from Lucas Piton’s challenge, and curled a classy finish beyond the keeper to give the visitors a deserved lead.

Renato’s halftime message sparked immediate transformation. Vasco emerged with renewed intensity, pinning Palmeiras deep and funneling attacks through a vibrant Andrés Goméz. The equaliser arrived ten minutes after the restart: David’s astute pivot released Thiago Mendes, who raced clear and slotted past Carlos Miguel to level at 1-1.

Momentum stayed firmly with the home side. Introduced at the interval, livewire substitute Cuiabano completed the turnaround on 68 minutes, smashing home the go-ahead goal after sustained Vasco pressure. Palmeiras, unbeaten in the tournament and fresh from weekend state-title celebrations, never recovered their earlier composure as Vasco saw out a historic 2-1 victory.

The result lifts Vasco off the foot of the Brasileirão table while inflicting Palmeiras’ first league defeat of the season. For Renato Gaúcho, the comeback offered an emphatic answer to critics and a promise of better days ahead in Rio’s Colina Histórica.