In a thrilling encounter at the Neo Química Arena on March 28, 2025, Corinthians and Palmeiras faced off in the decisive second leg of the Campeonato Paulista final, resulting in a tense 0-0 draw. This outcome crowned Corinthians as champions, securing their 31st title in the storied history of the tournament.
The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stands, creating a vibrant backdrop for one of Brazil's most intense rivalries. With the first leg ending in a narrow 1-0 victory for Corinthians, the stakes were high for Palmeiras, who needed a win to either take the title or force a penalty shootout.
As the match kicked off, both teams struggled to find their rhythm early on. The first half was marked by confusion and a lack of clear scoring opportunities, highlighting the pressure on both sides. The best chance came from Corinthians' Garro, whose shot hit the post, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
The game saw its first major incident in the 51st minute when both Martínez from Corinthians and Marcelo Lomba from Palmeiras were sent off after a confrontation, escalating the tension on the field. Just moments later, VAR was called to review a potential foul, adding to the drama.
As the second half progressed, tempers flared, and the match was temporarily halted due to fireworks thrown onto the pitch, a testament to the passionate support from both fanbases. Despite the interruptions, the players remained focused, with Palmeiras' goalkeeper Weverton making a crucial save against a shot from Yuri Alberto.
In a game that saw a total of 16 minutes added time, both teams continued to battle fiercely. The match featured numerous yellow cards, with players from both sides receiving cautions for aggressive play. As the clock ticked down, it became clear that Corinthians were content to hold onto their lead, defending resolutely against Palmeiras' attempts to equalize.
Ultimately, the final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw, allowing Corinthians to lift the trophy after an aggregate score of 1-0 over the two legs. This victory not only secured their place as the champions of the Campeonato Paulista but also marked a significant achievement for the club, which had not won the title since 2019.
Corinthians' president, Augusto Melo, expressed his pride in the team's performance and the significance of the title. “This championship is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players and staff. It’s a crucial moment for us as we look forward to the upcoming season,” he said.
Palmeiras, on the other hand, will have to regroup after this disappointing outcome. Coach Abel Ferreira acknowledged the challenges his team faced throughout the match. “We fought hard, but sometimes the result doesn’t reflect the effort put in. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger,” he stated after the match.
This final was not just a battle for the title; it was a continuation of a fierce rivalry that has seen 383 matches played between the two clubs, with Palmeiras holding a slight edge in overall victories. However, Corinthians' recent form in this competition has proven decisive, particularly in high-stakes encounters.
As the dust settles on this dramatic final, both teams will shift their focus toward the future. Corinthians will savor their triumph, while Palmeiras will look to bounce back and reclaim their dominance in the state championship. With the next season on the horizon, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as these two giants of Brazilian football continue their storied rivalry.
The match showcased not only the competitive spirit of both teams but also the rich culture and passion surrounding Brazilian football. As fans left the stadium, the chants of “Vai Corinthians!” echoed through the streets, a fitting celebration for the new champions of São Paulo.
