Palmeiras and São Paulo Clash in Paulistão Semifinal

São Paulo, Brazil — Palmeiras and São Paulo are set to face off in a highly anticipated semifinal of the Campeonato Paulista on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 9:35 PM (Brasília time) at Allianz Parque. The match is a pivotal clash, with both teams vying for a spot in the Paulistão final against Corinthians.

Palmeiras dominated São Bernardo in the quarterfinals, securing a 3-0 victory. The team will benefit from a passionate home crowd eager to support the club, especially after the recent signing of Vitor Roque, touted as the most expensive player in Brazilian football history. If successful, this match could mark the sixth consecutive final appearance for Palmeiras in the Paulistão.

Conversely, São Paulo experienced a tougher route to the semifinals, struggling to overcome Novorizontino with a narrow 1-0 victory. Coach Luis Zubeldía‘s squad took time to find their rhythm but ultimately advanced thanks to a key assist from Oscar and a goal from Lucas. São Paulo aims to return to the Paulistão final for the first time in three years.

Palmeiras will welcome back three crucial players for the semifinal. Gustavo Gómez and Piquerez are set to start after recovering from thigh injuries, while Vitor Roque could debut as a starter following a week of full training with the team.

Palmeiras’ probable starting lineup includes: Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, and Piquerez; Emiliano Martínez, Richard Ríos, and Raphael Veiga; with Facundo Torres, Estêvão, and Vitor Roque up front.

On the other side, São Paulo has reportedly found their ideal formation for this decisive match. After some turmoil during the group stage, Zubeldía’s tactical adjustments have yielded positive results, and they are expected to field the same eleven that won against Novorizontino.

São Paulo’s probable lineup features: Rafael; Ferraresi, Arboleda, and Alan Franco; Cédric, Alisson, Marcos Antônio, Oscar, and Enzo Díaz; with Lucas and Calleri as forwards.

This semifinal match, widely referred to as the Choque-Rei, has generated considerable buzz given the historical rivalry between the two clubs. It will be broadcasted live on Record and available for streaming on Caze TV on YouTube, PlayPlus, Max, and other platforms.

In the event of a draw, the match will proceed to a penalty shootout to determine the winner who will advance to face Corinthians on March 16 in the final.

The anticipation builds as both teams prepare for a clash steeped in historical significance and fan fervor.