Athletico Paranaense go host Palmeiras for Arena da Baixada on Saturday 17 October 2026 for the 31st round of Brasileirão, with the match carrying plenty weight for two teams wey dey top three. Athletico Paranaense dey third, Palmeiras dey second. But the main side story na the two coaches: Abel Ferreira and Odair Hellmann, two of Brazil longest-serving top-flight coaches, go stand opposite each other for touchline for the first time this season.
Globo.com report say Abel Ferreira don dey charge Palmeiras for almost six years, while Odair Hellmann dey fourth for longevity, about one year and four months into im Athletico Paranaense work. Odair Hellmann recently reach 500 days in charge, the longest uninterrupted stint of the Petraglia era, a 31-year record at Athletico Paranaense. Abel Ferreira, for February, become the fifth-longest serving coach in Brazil history, passing Telê Santana’s São Paulo mark.
Both coaches sabi make noise for sideline. Abel Ferreira collect 13 cards this season, nine yellow and four red. Odair Hellmann get seven, six yellow and one red. Odair Hellmann talk say their traits similar, especially the intensity on sidelines. He add, light-heartedly, say Abel Ferreira look like the more nervous one, and from now he go try calm down and pick fewer cards.
Abel Ferreira near six-year spell don deliver major honours. He talk say long stay only possible with structure and processes, plus sporting and financial results, and say Palmeiras look beyond final outcome. Odair Hellmann link im 500 days to hard work and strong human relationships, balancing respect and affection with demands and discipline in a winning environment.
For form, Athletico Paranaense win their last game 4-1 away against Chapecoense. Dem enjoy 53% possession and eight shots on target; Kevin Viveros score two, Leozinho and Luiz Gustavo add one each. Palmeiras also win home 4-1 against Corinthians, their second Série A win in a row. Palmeiras get eight shots on goal, 55% possession, Agustin Giay score twice, Alexander Barboza and Bidu, through own goal, also net. On Wednesday night, Palmeiras still beat Fluminense 2-1 away for Copa Libertadores.
Head-to-head no favour one side too strongly. Palmeiras win back-to-back against Athletico Paranaense, 1-0 home and 2-0 away. But for previous 10 meetings, Palmeiras get four wins, Athletico Paranaense get three, and three end in draw. This season first round, João Martins lead Palmeiras while Abel Ferreira dey suspended and oversee 1-0 win over Athletico Paranaense at Nubank Parque.
