The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Corinthians host Palmeiras in the second leg of the Campeonato Paulista final at Neo Química Arena on March 27, 2025. Kickoff is scheduled for 21h35, and the atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation. With Corinthians leading 1-0 from the first leg at Allianz Parque, thanks to a goal from Yuri Alberto, they hold the advantage. However, Palmeiras, desperate to turn the tide, knows that only a victory will suffice to claim the title.
For Palmeiras, the stakes couldn't be higher. They need to win by at least two goals to secure the championship outright, but a one-goal victory would send the match to penalties. The team, managed by Abel Ferreira, is gearing up for a fierce battle, and they’ll be bolstered by the return of several key players who recently completed international duties. Weverton, Estêvão, Richard Ríos, Emiliano Martínez, Piquerez, and Facundo Torres are all back in action, ready to make their mark.
In terms of injuries, the news is mixed for Palmeiras. Maurício has shown significant improvement in his recovery and could be available for the bench, while Paulinho, Gómez, and Marcos Rocha are still sidelined. Mayke is expected to step in as the starting right-back, forming a defensive line that includes Murilo, Micael, and Piquerez.
The anticipated lineup for Palmeiras is: Weverton; Mayke, Murilo, Micael, and Piquerez; Richard Ríos, Emiliano Martínez, and Raphael Veiga; Estêvão, Facundo Torres, and Vitor Roque. The match will be officiated by Matheus Delgado Candançan, with Daiane Muniz overseeing the VAR operations.
On the other side, Corinthians, managed by Ramón Díaz, are looking to clinch their first state championship title in six years. They are confident, knowing that a draw will be enough for them to lift the trophy. However, they are wary of the threat posed by their rivals, who are equally determined. The team may face a setback with José Martínez, who is doubtful due to muscle pains following his recent international match with Venezuela.
The expected lineup for Corinthians includes: Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Félix Torres, Gustavo Henrique, and Angileri; Raniele, José Martínez (or Ryan), Carrillo, and Garro (or Romero); Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto. Talles Magno, who has been in fine form with five goals in the tournament, is likely to start on the bench, ready to make an impact if called upon.
As the match approaches, the focus has also shifted to the officiating. The Paulista Football Federation (FPF) recently acknowledged a significant error in awarding a penalty to Vitor Roque during the semi-finals, leading to concerns about the officiating quality in the final. Fabinho Soldado, Corinthians' executive director, expressed his apprehension to the FPF, emphasizing that such mistakes should not occur in a match of this magnitude. In a letter to the president of São Paulo, the FPF admitted that the referee should have reviewed the penalty decision with the VAR, acknowledging that their decision was flawed.
Despite the controversy, both teams are preparing to focus solely on the game. The players are aware of the importance of this match, not only for the title but also for the pride of their clubs and their supporters. The rivalry between Corinthians and Palmeiras is one of the most intense in Brazilian football, and this final is set to be a thrilling chapter in their storied history.
“We know it’s going to be a very difficult game, it’s a classic, another final. We’ll do everything we can to give our best, impose our rhythm, even playing away, to achieve our goal,” said Mayke, the Palmeiras defender, highlighting the team's resolve.
With the match set to unfold, fans from both sides are gearing up for an unforgettable night. Corinthians supporters are planning a grand celebration to cheer their team on, while Palmeiras fans are hopeful for a historic victory that would mark their fourth consecutive title, a feat never achieved in the modern era of the Paulistão.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, all eyes will be on the Neo Química Arena. Will Corinthians secure the championship with a strong performance at home, or can Palmeiras overcome the odds and claim victory? One thing is certain: this final will be a must-watch event, filled with passion, drama, and the spirit of Brazilian football.
