On Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 18:30 Brasília time, the city of São Paulo will witness one of Brazil’s most storied rivalries as Palmeiras and Corinthians clash at Allianz Parque for the first leg of the Campeonato Paulista final. This highly anticipated matchup showcases not just the intensity of local football but also the larger narratives of competition, historical pride, and season stakes.
Palmeiras enters the final after eliminating São Paulo in the semifinals, where they demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess on their home ground. Their victory over São Paulo was not without controversies, particularly around officiated decisions. Nonetheless, as the reigning champion, the Verdão is eager to defend their title and make history by achieving their fourth consecutive championship — something no team has accomplished since the inception of the professional era of the Paulistão.
Meanwhile, Corinthians come off a strong semifinal performance against Santos and boast the best campaign record leading up to the final. The Timão secured their spot with impressive performances, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion. Despite this, they are still grappling with the aftermath of their early elimination from the Copa Libertadores, which has cast doubt on their current form.
The last time these two giants faced off was on February 6, 2025, ending the match with a 1-1 draw. Since then, both teams have focused on their final preparations for the championship, with each side hoping to gain valuable psychological momentum. Statistics reveal the fierce competitiveness of this derby: historically, Palmeiras has slightly more wins, but the differential is minimal, and every game holds the potential to alter perceptions.
For the final, Palmeiras is expected to field their best 11. Coach Abel Ferreira is likely to start with Weverton as the goalkeeper, supported by defenders Marcos Rocha, Murilo, and Micael, with Piquerez returning from injury to fortify the left flank. The midfield will likely consist of Emiliano Martínez, Richard Rios, and Raphael Veiga, with Estêvão, Facundo Torres, and Vitor Roque leading the attacking front. Despite injuries to key players like Bruno Rodrigues, the team remains optimistic about their chances.
On the other side, under the guidance of Ramón Díaz, Corinthians will aim to neutralize their rivals and capitalize on any defensive slip-ups. Goalkeeper Hugo Souza will anchor the defense, flanked by Matheuzinho and Félix Torres. The midfield quartet will consist of Raniele, Carrillo, José Martínez, and Angileri, with forwards Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto posing consistent threats upfront. Though some concerns linger with injuries, particularly concerning Rodrigo Garro, the squad depth will be tested as the match progresses.
The atmosphere at Allianz Parque promises to be electric, with fans from both sides turning out en masse to support their teams. Broadcasts of the match will include options such as Record TV for traditional viewers and various streaming platforms like CazéTV and UOL Play for those preferring online access. This extensive coverage highlights the significance of this derby, with many fans anxiously awaiting to see who will seize the early advantage.
On statistical fronts, Palmeiras has scored 25 goals this season at an impressive rate of 1.79 per game, conceding only 10. Corinthians stands slightly behind with 23 goals and has shown resilience, conceding 14. With both teams having star players, the contest is expected to be closely contested and could hinge on moments of brilliance from either side.
Anticipation runs high as the match draws near, with pundits and fans predicting the possible outcomes. For many, this is not just another match; it is the embodiment of rivalry, passion, and the quest for glory. Current odds suggest Palmeiras, with their current form, could emerge victorious, but the unpredictability of football means anything can happen.
With the stakes so high, this first leg of the Campeonato Paulista final is set to be thrilling, leaving fans eager to see if Palmeiras can continue their dynasty or if Corinthians can upend expectations and take the upper hand early on.
