On February 3, 2025, Novorizontino is set to face off against Corinthians at the Estádio Jorge Ismael de Biasi, marking the opening of the 11th round of the Campeonato Paulista. The match kicks off at 21:30 Brasília time, and both teams bring competitive spirits as they vie for important points.
Corinthians, currently the vice-leader of Group A, occupies their spot with 15 points accrued from six matches—boasting five victories and just one loss. Their recent performance included a hard-fought 2-1 win against Noroeste, which they played just 48 hours prior to this match. To manage fatigue within the squad, head coach Ramón Díaz has chosen to field a rotated lineup, ensuring his players remain fresh for their upcoming classic against Palmeiras.
Meanwhile, Novorizontino sits second in Group C, having earned 9 points through two victories, three draws, and one defeat. They come off the back of their own win, having triumphed 2-1 over Red Bull Bragantino, which celebrated their first victory against the Bragança Paulista side.
The significance of this match extends beyond just points. With the Copa Libertadores phase preliminaries approaching on February 19, both teams are strategizing. Keeping their players healthy and rested is key as they navigate through this densely packed schedule. "Vamos deixá-lo para recuperar, ele vinha com uma dor no joelho. Vamos deixar que ele se recupere para estar 100% contra o Palmeiras," articulated Ramón Díaz, alluding to sidelined star Memphis Depay's injury which is being carefully managed.
For Novorizontino, head coach Eduardo Baptista notes the value of entering this match with momentum. “Vencemos uma grande equipe, talvez tenha sido o jogo mais difícil dessa sequência que tivemos... Conquistamos pontos importantes,” he remarked after the recent victory against Bragantino which solidifies their attempt to reach the 12-point mark, ensuring their stay within the elite status of the league.
Both squads are expected to display their strengths on the field. For Novorizontino, they have the luxury of fielding their complete squad, raising spirits and fostering confidence. The lineup will include Jordi, Rafael Donato, César Martins, Patrick, and others, with Baptista's strategy aimed at maximizing their home advantage. Conversely, Corinthians will rely on their depth; players like Pedro Raul will step up along with José Martínez returning from suspension. Yet, several key players—Gustavo Henrique, Maycon, and Garro—are still on the injury list, reflecting the challenges of the current season.
Fans can catch all the action live via various platforms—Paulistão+, Nosso Futebol, and Zapping TV—with coverage starting before kickoff. Commentary will enrich the viewing experience, highlighting key moments and strategies as they evolve throughout the match.
It's more than just another chapter in the Campeonato Paulista; it's pivotal for both teams' aspirations as they approach their respective ambitions early this season. Anticipation builds as Novorizontino prepares to host the formidable Corinthians, with the outcome sure to impact the standings within their respective groups.
With historical precedence favoring Corinthians, who have claimed victory five times out of their last encounters, Novorizontino aims to challenge this record and assert their growing presence within one of Brazil's most competitive leagues.