In a thrilling finale that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Corinthians clinched the 2025 Paulista championship with a 0-0 draw against Palmeiras, securing the title thanks to a 1-0 advantage from the first leg. The match, held at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo on March 27, 2025, was a showcase of resilience and grit, particularly from Corinthians, who played the final stages with just ten men.
Corinthians entered the match with a slight edge after their victory in the first leg, and they started strong, dictating the tempo of the game. However, the night would ultimately hinge on the performance of goalkeeper Hugo Souza, who emerged as the hero of the match. Not only did he keep a clean sheet, but he also made a crucial penalty save from Raphael Veiga, which proved vital in maintaining the draw and securing the title.
The first half saw Corinthians controlling possession, with Palmeiras struggling to find their rhythm. The standout moment came when Garro's powerful shot rattled the post, sending a wave of excitement through the home crowd. Despite the close call, neither team managed to find the back of the net, and the first half ended goalless.
As the second half unfolded, the intensity ramped up. Palmeiras came out more aggressively, looking to capitalize on their home advantage. Their efforts paid off when they were awarded a penalty after Félix Torres fouled Vitor Roque. However, Hugo Souza had other plans; he dove to his right to deny Veiga, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Despite the setback, the drama didn't end there. In a controversial moment, Félix Torres received a second yellow card shortly after the penalty save, leaving Corinthians to finish the match with only ten players. The atmosphere became increasingly heated, culminating in a brawl sparked by Memphis Depay stepping on the ball near the corner flag. The incident led to further expulsions, including José Martínez from Corinthians and Marcelo Lomba from Palmeiras, as tensions boiled over.
Corinthians, however, held their ground. Even with one player down, they managed to maintain their composure and thwart Palmeiras' attempts to break through. The match concluded with both teams receiving multiple yellow cards, reflecting the fierce rivalry and high stakes of the encounter.
This championship marks a significant achievement for Corinthians, as it is their 31st Paulista title, extending their lead over Palmeiras, who has 26 titles. It also represents a return to glory for the club, having last lifted the trophy in 2019 against São Paulo. Coach Ramón Díaz celebrated his first title in charge, having successfully led his team through a challenging season.
For Palmeiras, the loss was particularly painful, as they were vying for a fourth consecutive title. Their hopes were dashed, reminiscent of the 2020 final when they defeated Corinthians to claim their third title in a row. The defeat stings even more given the history between these two clubs, which has seen numerous intense encounters over the years.
The match drew an impressive crowd of 48,932 fans, generating a revenue of R$ 4,638,125.50, showcasing the passionate support for both teams. As the dust settles on this heated final, both clubs will now turn their attention to the upcoming Brasileirão, with Palmeiras set to face Botafogo and Corinthians traveling to Bahia for their season openers.
The rivalry between Corinthians and Palmeiras continues to ignite the passions of football fans across Brazil, and this latest chapter only adds to the storied history of clashes between the two giants. With the season ahead promising more thrilling encounters, fans are eager to see how both teams will respond after this dramatic final.
