On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the highly anticipated final of the Campeonato Paulista 2025 will take place, pitting the fierce rivals Corinthians and Palmeiras against each other in a match set to begin at 21h35 at the Neo Química Arena. This showdown not only carries the weight of state pride but also the potential for historic achievement, as both teams strive for glory in one of Brazil's most storied footballing rivalries.
The Corinthians team steps onto the field with a significant advantage; they triumphed over Palmeiras in the first leg of the final, winning 1-0 at Allianz Parque on March 16, 2025. The victory came courtesy of a goal by striker Yuri Alberto, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling homecoming for the Timão. With 30 state championships under their belt, the Corinthians are the most successful club in the history of the Campeonato Paulista, and they aim to end a six-year trophy drought since their last major title win in 2019.
To secure the championship, Corinthians only need a draw. In contrast, Palmeiras, who have claimed the title 26 times, must win by at least two goals to be crowned champions, or they will have to face the possibility of penalties if they only win by one goal. This year, Palmeiras is determined to achieve an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship, a feat not seen since the Paulistano club managed it over a hundred years ago, between 1916 and 1919.
The historical stakes of this match heighten the excitement. This will mark the eighth final in the history of the Campeonato Paulista between these two iconic clubs, with Palmeiras holding a slender lead in previous finals, having secured victory four times to Corinthians’ three.
Preparations are well underway on both sides as they gear up for the monumental clash. As of this past Sunday, March 23, the standards of training remain high. At the CT Joaquim Grava, Corinthians Coach Ramón Díaz spearheaded tactical drills aimed at optimizing the team’s performance. However, they are contending with several absences due to national team call-ups. Players like Memphis Depay, André Carrillo, and others will be unavailable for their final preparations due to international fixtures.
On the other hand, Palmeiras is equally focused on their training agendas, having organized various technical exercises designed to fine-tune their team strategy. The midfield dynamo Mauricio, who has scored five goals this season, continues to make strides in his recovery from a physical transition and is expected to play an influential role in the final.
A crucial element heading into this final is ticket sales, which have garnered notable attention. The Sport Club Corinthians Paulista announced that ticket sales for the match will commence on March 24, exclusively online through their official platform, with staggered access for various groups. Priority will be given to fans with accessibility needs and members of the club's Fiel Torcedor program. It is important for fans to arrive early at the stadium to navigate security protocols and avoid long waits. The decision to have a single-supporters match means only Corinthians fans will fill the stands this time, showcasing the club’s vibrant and passionate support.
Prices for tickets range from R$ 80 for the North and South sectors to R$ 875 for the premium West Lower Lateral section. Interestingly, the demand has resulted in steep increases in ticket prices for resale, with reports indicating that some tickets are now being marketed at prices over 1,000% higher than their original pricing.
Fans can catch the excitement of the matchup through various broadcasting channels, including Record on open TV and Our Football on closed TV, alongside streaming options like CazéTV, Max, and UOL Play ensuring the match remains accessible regardless of location.
As the clock ticks down to the final, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. The rivalry will be on full display as both teams battle not just for the trophy but to cement their status as the kings of São Paulo football. Will the Corinthians claim their place atop the state for the first time in six years? Or will Palmeiras etch their names in history books as the first team to win the Paulista title four years in a row? Fans are ready, and so are the players, setting the scene for an unforgettable evening in Brazilian football.
