The final of the Campeonato Paulista 2025 is set to take place on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 21h35 (Brasília time) in the iconic Neo Química Arena, where two of Brazil's most storied football clubs, Corinthians and Palmeiras, will clash for the prestigious title. This highly anticipated match comes after Corinthians secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg at Allianz Parque, thanks to a decisive goal from Yuri Alberto. With this advantage, the Alvinegro team only needs a draw to lift the trophy, while the Verdão must win by a margin of two goals to claim the championship outright or by one goal to force a penalty shootout.
As the excitement builds ahead of the match, the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams. For Corinthians, this final represents a chance to end a six-year title drought, with their last triumph occurring in 2019 during the same tournament. The pressure is on them to capitalize on their home advantage, especially given their unbeaten record at the Neo Química Arena this season.
On the other hand, Palmeiras is eyeing a historic fourth consecutive state championship, a feat that has not been achieved since the early 20th century. Under the guidance of coach Abel Ferreira, the team is eager to add another trophy to their cabinet, which would also make Ferreira the most successful coach in the club's history, surpassing the ten titles he currently shares with Oswaldo Brandão.
In preparation for the match, both teams are dealing with lineup uncertainties due to recent international call-ups and injuries. Corinthians' coach Ramón Díaz faces a few decisions, particularly regarding midfielder Rodrigo Garro, who missed the first leg due to knee pain. If Garro is unable to play, Talles Magno or Ángel Romero may step in. Other key players like André Carrillo and José Martínez, who were also called up for international duty, are expected to return.
The potential starting lineup for Corinthians includes goalkeeper Hugo Souza; defenders Matheuzinho, Félix Torres, Gustavo Henrique, and Angileri; midfielders Raniele, José Martínez (or Ryan), André Carrillo (or Alex Santana), and Rodrigo Garro (or Talles Magno/Ángel Romero); and forwards Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto.
Palmeiras, meanwhile, has its own challenges to navigate. Despite having six players away on international duty, the club has implemented a special operation to ensure their stars are available for the final. The return of key players such as goalkeeper Weverton and forward Estêvão will be crucial for the team's chances. However, injuries to Paulinho and Gustavo Gómez remain a concern.
The expected starting lineup for Palmeiras features Weverton in goal; defenders Mayke, Murilo, Micael, and Piquerez; midfielders Richard Ríos, Emi Martínez, and Raphael Veiga; and forwards Estêvão, Facundo Torres, and Vitor Roque.
The match will be officiated by referee Matheus Delgado Candançan, with Neuza Ines Back and Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis serving as assistants. The fourth official will be João Vitor Gobi, and Daiane Muniz will oversee the VAR, ensuring that all decisions made on the field are accurate and fair.
In the days leading up to the final, the Corinthians board expressed their concerns to the Paulista Football Federation (FPF) regarding the officiating, particularly after a controversial VAR decision in the semifinal match between Palmeiras and São Paulo. Fabinho Soldado, Corinthians' executive director, reached out to the FPF to emphasize the importance of balanced and attentive refereeing. The FPF responded by assuring that the referees would face increased scrutiny to prevent any mistakes.
However, this move did not sit well with Palmeiras, who felt that the FPF's acknowledgment of the VAR error was ill-timed and put unnecessary pressure on the referees for the final. The internal sentiment at Palmeiras was that the controversy from the previous match had been resolved, and they were focused on the upcoming challenge.
As the kickoff approaches, excitement is palpable among fans, with massive viewership expected across various platforms including Record, PlayPlus, TNT, MAX, Uol Play, Nosso Futebol, and Zapping TV. The atmosphere in the Neo Química Arena is set to be electric, as both teams vie for the coveted title in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
With so much at stake, will Corinthians be able to secure the championship with a draw, or will Palmeiras rise to the occasion and turn the tide in their favor? The answers will unfold on the pitch as these two giants of Brazilian football clash for glory.
