On March 9, 2025, Corinthians secured their spot in the finals of the Campeonato Paulista by defeating Santos 2-1 at the Estadio Neo Química Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This victory was significant for Corinthians, especially after suffering a crushing 3-0 defeat to Barcelona SC just days earlier.
Corinthians came out strong, needing to redeem themselves not only for their recent performance but also under pressure from their fan base and the expectation of their coach, Ramón Díaz, who faced scrutiny after the loss to Barcelona. At the 12-minute mark, Corinthians made their mark on the scoreboard when Yuri Alberto opened the scoring with a well-placed shot, thanks to an assist from Memphis Depay.
Despite the early goal from Corinthians, Santos was not to be overlooked. They managed to equalize just before halftime at the 36-minute mark when Tiquinho Soares capitalized on some defensive lapses by the Corinthians team. The match was tightly contested, with both teams showcasing their attacking capabilities.
After the break, the game took an exciting turn when Rodrigo Garro scored the decisive goal for Corinthians 11 minutes later. This moment proved to be pivotal, as Garro's strike was not only beautifully executed but also came after his initial free kick had been parried away by Santos' goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão. The rebound fell perfectly for Garro, who skillfully placed the ball just inside the post, giving Corinthians the lead once again.
The match grew tenser as Santos found themselves down two players when Zé Ivaldo and Gonzalo Escobar received red cards, reducing Santos to nine men and effectively sealing their fate. With two players sent off, Santos struggled to regroup and mount any substantial attacks, leaving Corinthians to manage the game comfortably as they approached the final whistle.
The absence of Neymar from the Santos lineup due to muscular discomfort also marked a significant factor in the match. Neymar, who had only recently returned from injury and had shown promise with his regular contributions, was left on the bench—a decision raised eyebrows considering the stakes of the semifinal. While his absence wasn’t considered serious, it deprived Santos of their key offensive weapon when they needed creativity and energy.
Corinthians' victory means they will face either Palmeiras or Sao Paulo, who are set to contest the other semifinal. The anticipation builds as this victory not only restores confidence within Corinthians after their previous setbacks but also sets the stage for the finals, with dates slated for March 16 and 27.
Corinthians led Group A of the Campeonato Paulista with 27 points after 12 matches, showcasing their strong performances throughout the tournament. Santos, after entering the semifinals as the winners of Group B, fell short of clinching their first title since Neymar’s return to the Brazilian club.
This momentous match marks yet another chapter of the fierce rivalry between Corinthians and Santos, known for their history and dramatics. With more than 311 encounters between the two clubs, having been directed mainly by Corinthians, they have now grabbed 122 wins to Santos’ 99 wins. This history adds weight to every meeting, making each encounter exciting for fans and players alike.
Enhancing their chances at redemption after being eliminated from the Libertadores, Corinthians is now focused on the upcoming final and the goal of securing the Campeonato Paulista title, which would be significant both for the team and its dedicated supporters.
Overall, this thrilling match encapsulates the passion and competition inherent within Brazilian football, with both teams battling not just for glory on the pitch but also for bragging rights within one of South America's most storied rivalries. The pressure was palpable, and as Corinthians celebrate their victory, they look forward to the final challenge awaiting them.