The paulista classic between Corinthians and Santos sparks anticipation as the 9th round of the Campeonato Paulista 2025 approaches. Scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 21:35 at the Neo Química Arena, the match promises to be more than just another game; it is steeped in history, rivalry, and the aspirations of both teams.
Corinthians enters the match as the clear favorite, boasting strong performances throughout the season. Under the management of Ramón Díaz, the team has amassed 22 points, securing their place for the next phase of the tournament with seven wins, one draw, and just one loss. They come off a confident 2-0 victory against São Bernardo, showcasing their ability to capitalize on home advantage.
Meanwhile, Santos, now under the guidance of coach Pedro Caixinha, finds itself under pressure. Currently third place in Group B with only nine points, the team has struggled recently, having not secured victory since Neymar's return to the squad. They’ve had two consecutive draws, recently finishing 0-0 against Novorizontino. With the stakes high, this match becomes a chance to reestablish their presence and push for advancement.
The emotional weight of the game is amplified by the presence of Neymar Jr., who, after much anticipation, is making headlines once again as he dons the Santos jersey. His history against Corinthians is noted, as he has only scored four goals from 19 matchups - less than his successful duels against other rivals, such as São Paulo. The iconic player will aim to turn the tide and score against one of Brazil's toughest defenses.
On the other side of the pitch, Memphis Depay, the newly signed attacking powerhouse for Corinthians, also has much to prove. After finding the back of the net against São Bernardo, he is expected to play a pivotal role alongside Yuri Alberto, who returns after serving suspension. The duo could pose significant threats to the Santos' backline, which has been inconsistent lately.
According to analysts and expert predictions, this game is likely to be very competitive. Commentator Muller expressed confidence, saying, "I anticipate Corinthians winning," highlighting the team’s superior moment and performance. Conversely, SBT's Cicinho was bold, predicting, "3-0 for Santos,” showing the unpredictability of such classic encounters.
Historically, the rivalry has been shaped over 351 clashes, with Corinthians holding the upper hand with 137 wins compared to Santos' 112, reflecting the fierce competitiveness between these two clubs. Notably, this matchup stands as the last of their encounters within the group phase of the tournament, eleving the intensity of this meeting.
A pivotal factor will be the tactical decisions made by both coaches. Caixinha will need to rally his team to overcome their lack of form, especially without key contributors due to injury like Willian Bigode and others still rehabilitating. Campo will be waiting to see if Neymar can bring the kind of magic he’s known for, which could inspire his teammates to step up their game.
For fans eager to catch the action, the game will be broadcasted live on platforms like Record TV, Uol Play, Nosso Futebol, and CazéTV, ensuring wide accessibility to the classic. Anticipation is so high there are over 40,000 tickets already reserved through the Fiel Torcedor program, which indicates the near sell-out crowd expected at the Neo Química Arena.
With so much riding on this match, both teams know they must perform to their utmost. Corinthians seeks to maintain their supremacy, whereas Santos attempts to salvage their season’s hopes. The excitement builds as fans and players alike count down to what promises to be another memorable chapter in the history of paulista football.