In a thrilling showdown that captivated audiences across Brazil, the second game of the Campeonato Paulista final between Corinthians and Palmeiras on Thursday, March 27, 2025, achieved a historic audience for Record TV. This match, which took place at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo, marked the highest ratings for the station since the Paulistão final in 2022, when Palmeiras faced São Paulo.
The game achieved an impressive average of 26.8 points, peaking at 31 points between 21h35 and 23h47, according to Kantar Ibope. This performance was particularly significant as it outperformed Globo's programming, including the second to last episode of 'Mania de Você' and the popular reality show BBB 25. Globo managed only 14 points during the same time slot, making the match a resounding victory for Record.
As for the numbers, each point translates to approximately 199,000 viewers. Therefore, Record's average of 26.8 points equates to nearly 5.3 million viewers tuning in to witness the fierce rivalry between these two historic clubs. The ratings were so impressive that at one point, around 23h16, Record surpassed 50% of the televisions that were on, a remarkable feat indicating that half of all viewers watching open TV at that moment were tuned into the match.
In the context of Brazilian television, the ratings were particularly striking. The last time Record achieved such a significant lead was on March 10, 1998, when the show 'Ratinho Livre' peaked at 36 points against Globo's 11. The final minutes of the game saw Record reach a peak of 30 points, overshadowing Globo's programming, which included 'Lady Night' and BBB 25.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Corinthians, having won the first leg 1-0 at Allianz Parque, only needed a draw to clinch the championship. Palmeiras, the current three-time champions, faced a daunting task, requiring a victory by two or more goals to secure their fourth consecutive title. A win by a single goal would force a penalty shootout.
As the game progressed, the tension escalated dramatically. A missed penalty by Palmeiras, a red card for a Corinthians player, and a scuffle between players from both teams added to the intense atmosphere. These moments were pivotal, contributing to the excitement and unpredictability of the match.
In Rio de Janeiro, the match also made waves, with Record achieving a rare leadership in the ratings, peaking at 12 points. This was a significant achievement, considering the competitive nature of Brazilian television viewership.
Adding to the excitement, the game was available through multiple platforms. Fans could watch it live on Record TV for free, while TNT provided coverage for cable subscribers. Additionally, streaming options included CazéTV on YouTube, Max, PlayPlus, UOL Play, Nosso Futebol, and Zapping TV, ensuring that fans had various ways to follow the action.
The decision to broadcast the match without interruption was supported by a special authorization from the Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE), allowing Record to skip political advertisements during the game. This decision was made to accommodate the high-profile nature of the final and to ensure that viewers could enjoy the match without distraction. Cármen Lúcia, the president of the TSE, noted that such exceptions had been made in the past, emphasizing the importance of sports in Brazilian culture.
As the clock ticked down towards the final whistle, the excitement in the stadium and among viewers reached a fever pitch. Fans of both teams were on the edge of their seats, and the stakes could not have been higher. With the championship title on the line, every moment counted.
Ultimately, the final score of the match remained uncertain as the game was still in progress at the time of reporting. However, the historical significance of the audience ratings and the fierce competition between these two storied clubs was already a story in itself.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, one thing is clear: the rivalry between Corinthians and Palmeiras continues to ignite passion among fans and drive viewership numbers to new heights. The 2025 Campeonato Paulista final will be remembered not just for the game itself, but for the remarkable television ratings and the way it showcased the enduring appeal of Brazilian football.
