In a highly anticipated showdown, Corinthians and Palmeiras are set to clash tonight in the second leg of the Campeonato Paulista (Paulistão) final at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo. The match kicks off at 21h35 (Brasília time) and promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for the prestigious title.
Corinthians enters this decisive match with a slight edge, having won the first leg 1-0 at Allianz Parque thanks to a goal from Yuri Alberto. This victory means that the Timão only needs a draw to secure the championship. In contrast, Palmeiras must win by at least two goals to claim the title outright, while a one-goal victory would send the match to penalties.
Casimiro Miguel, the face of CazéTV on YouTube, recently addressed criticism from Corinthians fans regarding the broadcast of the semifinal against Santos, where viewers felt there was excessive focus on Neymar. "The Corinthians fans were upset with how many times the camera focused on Neymar during the game. And they are right. But the broadcast isn’t exclusive to CazéTV. If you watched it on Record, TNT, or UOL, it was the same images. It’s indeed an exaggeration, but I’m not responsible for that. The images are the same across all channels," Casimiro explained.
Despite the backlash, he acknowledged the fans' right to voice their concerns, stating, "I agree with the fans; it was exaggerated at certain points. But I believe we didn’t disrespect Corinthians, though I understand if someone thinks that. I have friendly relations with several players from Corinthians, and I have no issues with anyone. But the fans have the right to complain."
Tonight's final will be broadcast across multiple platforms, ensuring fans have ample opportunity to follow the action. Viewers can tune in on Record (TV aberta), R7 (streaming), PlayPlus (streaming), TNT (cable), Max (streaming), CazéTV (YouTube), Uol Play (streaming), Nosso Futebol (streaming), and Zapping TV (streaming). Additionally, Meu Timão will provide live coverage on its website and YouTube channel, starting from 8h30 with a special pre-game show.
The probable lineup for Corinthians includes Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Gustavo Henrique, Félix Torres, Fabrizio Angileri; Raniele, José Martinez, Carrillo, and Garro (Romero); Memphis and Yuri Alberto. Meanwhile, Palmeiras is expected to field Weverton; Mayke, Micael, Murilo, and Piquerez; Emiliano Martínez, Richard Ríos (Maurício), and Raphael Veiga; Facundo Torres, Estêvão, and Vitor Roque.
As the match approaches, both teams are facing some uncertainties regarding player fitness. Corinthians has three doubts for the final: Garro, who is dealing with knee pain, and André Carrillo and José Martínez, both of whom returned from international duty and missed training sessions. On the other hand, Palmeiras has also been affected by international commitments, with players like Weverton and Estêvão participating in national team duties. Maurício is recovering from shoulder surgery and could make a return, but key players like Paulinho, Marcos Rocha, Bruno Rodrigues, and Gómez remain sidelined due to injuries.
With the stakes high and both teams having passionate fanbases, the atmosphere at the Neo Química Arena is expected to be electric. Corinthians fans will be hoping for a solid performance to clinch the title, while Palmeiras supporters will be urging their team to mount a comeback and secure the coveted trophy.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the excitement surrounding this fierce rivalry continues to build. Will Corinthians hold their ground and lift the trophy, or will Palmeiras rise to the occasion and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat? Only time will tell as the two giants of Brazilian football face off in what promises to be a memorable final.
