The 1980s – The Lost Decade

Accustomed to great victories at the "Academy" in the 1960s and 1970s, Palmeiras fans saw the 1980s come and go without championships or titles. In 1986, Palmeiras fielded a good team – routing Corinthians 5-1 and playing a historic game in the semifinals of the São Paulo State Championship against that same rival, prevailing 3-0. The team had arrived at the final of the State Championship – 10 years after winning its last State title – but lost to Inter from Limeira.

The year 1986 ended up being emblematic. On 29 October, Palmeiras fans adopted the "Pig" as their mascot. At a game against Santos, the rival fans were feebly chanting "pig"; the Palmeiras crowd responded with "Come On Pig!! Come On Pig!! Olé Olé Olé..." and "Go Piiiig...." A few days later, Placar sports magazine sealed the change when it published an issue with Jorginho Putinatti – the symbol of that generation – holding a pig in his lap.

There were two noteworthy facts during this decade: In the 1983 State Championship against Santos, referee José de Assis Aragão scored a goal for Palmeiras in the 47th minute of the second period. That's right: the ref scored a goal. Striker Jorginho kicked inside the penalty area, the ball was on its way out but it hit Aragão – who was on the goal line about a meter (a yard) from the goal. The ball picked ups team and hit the Santos net. The game ended in a 2-all tie – much to the chagrin of that famed team.

Another unexpected event occurred on 11 November 1988, when striker Gaúcho defended two penalties against Flamengo in a game for the Brazilian Championship at Maracanã. Gaúcho was put on goalkeeping duty after Zetti broke a leg in the final minutes of the match. The game would end in a tie and advance to the penalty shootout phase. During the shootout, Gaúcho defended two shots, from Aldair and Zinho. And to cap off the evening, he kept his turn from going to waste and made a goal wearing the goalkeeper's jersey.

In 1989, Palmeiras had another chance to celebrate a title – undefeated until the home stretch, the team was eliminated when it lost to Bragantino in the semifinals of the São Paulo State Championship.

Even without the club winning any titles, Palmeiras fans filled stadiums and were always behind their team during the "lost decade." The 1980s ended without significant victories, but the 1990s would make up for that.