As the excitement builds for the final showdown in the Campeonato Paulista, the stakes couldn't be higher for both Corinthians and Palmeiras. The two fierce rivals are set to clash once again, with Corinthians holding a slight edge after their narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg at Allianz Parque. This time, the match will be held at the Neo Química Arena, where the home fans will be hoping to see their team lift the trophy for the first time since 2019.
Corinthians enters the match with a crucial lineup decision resolved: Rodrigo Garro, who had been a doubt due to knee pain, has been named a starter. Garro's presence in the midfield is expected to bolster the team's attacking options significantly. Manager Ramón Díaz expressed confidence in Garro's fitness, stating, "Rodrigo is ready to contribute, and we expect him to play a key role in this decisive match." The rest of the lineup features Hugo Souza in goal, supported by a back line of Matheuzinho, Félix Torres, Gustavo Henrique, and Angileri. The midfield will see Raniele, José Martínez, André Carrillo, and Garro, while the attacking duo consists of Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto, who scored the crucial goal in the first leg.
On the other side, Palmeiras faces some challenges of their own. Manager Abel Ferreira has had to navigate a disrupted preparation due to international call-ups, with six of his starters away on duty. Notably, Gustavo Gómez and Marcos Rocha will miss the match due to injuries, forcing Ferreira to make adjustments. Mayke will take Rocha's place in the lineup, while Richard Ríos, who started for Colombia during the international break, will begin the match on the bench. Ferreira commented on the situation, saying, "We are facing difficulties, but our squad depth will help us. We are ready to fight for the title."
The full Palmeiras lineup includes Weverton in goal, with a defensive line of Mayke, Murilo, Micael, and Piquerez. The midfield consists of Emiliano Martínez, Aníbal Moreno, and Raphael Veiga, while Estêvão, Facundo Torres, and Vitor Roque lead the attack. The team has arrived at the Neo Química Arena with a complete roster, including players recovering from injuries, such as Bruno Rodrigues and Paulinho.
As the teams prepare for the match, the atmosphere is electric. Fans from both sides are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Corinthians, with their home advantage, will be looking to secure the championship with a draw or a win, while Palmeiras needs a victory by two goals to claim the title outright or a win by a single goal to force a penalty shootout.
In addition to the on-field action, there was a moment of concern earlier this week when Ángel Romero's plane was struck by lightning during its return to Brazil, necessitating an emergency landing in Manaus. Remarkably, Palmeiras' Richard Ríos was on the same flight, but both players emerged unscathed and are ready to focus on the match.
As the referee Matheus Candançan prepares to blow the whistle, the stage is set for an unforgettable clash between these two historic rivals. With everything on the line, fans can expect a fierce battle filled with drama, skill, and passion. Will Corinthians secure their first title since 2019, or will Palmeiras rise to the occasion and clinch the coveted tetracampeonato? The answer will unfold on the pitch as the players give their all in this highly anticipated final.
