Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo, witnessed an electrifying start to the match in this 38th round of the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, between Corinthians and Aos 22 minutos do primeiro tempo, o volante José Martínez marcou um golaço, colocando o Timão em vantagem por 1 a 0. O confronto ocorre em um momento decisivo para o time paulista, que busca confirmar sua vaga na Copa Sul-Americana.
On the other hand, Juventude is already relegated to Série B, but seeks to end its participation in the elite with dignity and a good performance. The match, which started at 4pm local time on Brasília, had Corinthians fans filling the stands, creating an intense atmosphere from the opening whistle.
Initial highlight at Neo Química Arena
The ball rolled in the late afternoon sun at Itaquera, with the national anthem echoing before kickoff. Corinthians started the match with possession of the ball, exchanging passes in the defensive field to heat up the pace and look for spaces in the opponent’s marking.
Just two minutes in, a foul on Talles Magno alerted the black and white defense, indicating the intensity that the game would quickly gain. The battle in midfield became fierce, with both teams seeking to control possession and create opportunities.
Helmet strategies and absences
Corinthians, under the command of Dorival Júnior, entered the field with a mixed team, facing important absences due to injuries to key players. Entre absences include Memphis Depay, who deals with knee edema, Rodrigo Garro, with a calf strain, and Yuri Alberto, who suffers from adductor overload.
Despite the losses, the São Paulo team demonstrated competitiveness and tactical organization. The starting lineup featured Hugo Souza in goal and Matheuzinho on the wing, seeking to maintain defensive solidity and the ability to create offensive plays.
Youth seek dignity in farewell
Juventude, with its relegation to Série B already confirmed, arrived at Neo Química Arena with the mission of ending the season in an honorable way. Sob the leadership of Thiago Carpini, in their farewell match for the club, the Rio Grande do Sul team demonstrated a combative stance.
The visiting team’s bid to surprise Corinthians included the experience of Nenê in midfield, responsible for articulating the plays, and Jandrei in goal, with the difficult task of containing the black and white attack. The objective was clear: fight for a positive result for the fans, despite the situation in the table.
The construction of Martínez’s goal
The highlight of the first stage occurred at 22 minutes, with the opening of the scoring. The play started on the left wing, where Kayke advanced with determination, dribbling the opponent’s marking and creating a gap in Juventude’s defense.
Kayke then made a precise assist for José Martínez, who finished first time. The Corinthians midfielder’s powerful and accurate shot went straight into the right corner of Jandrei, with no chance for the goalkeeper. The goal made Neo Química Arena explode in celebration, celebrating Timão’s advantage.
Crucial moves and game dynamics
The confrontation continued with moments of tension and opportunities for both sides. Aos 10 minutes, Félix Torres intervened forcefully, fouling Taliari and generating complaints in the visiting area, but the referee kept the game flowing.
Juventude almost surprised in the sixth minute, with a low cross from Hermes that found Taliari, but the shot was cleared by Tchoca on the goal line. Aos eight, Kayke responded to Corinthians, finishing with a cart after a cross from Hugo, but Luan Freitas managed to clear the danger.
The Corinthians pressure continued, and in the 18th minute, Talles Magno had a great chance, finishing in the area after a pass behind the defense, but Jandrei made the save. On the rebound, Romero tried, but shot out, frustrating the fans who were waiting for the score to increase.
Refereeing and control of the match
The refereeing team, led by Felipe Fernandes from Lima, from Minas Gerais, with assistants Fernanda Nandrea and Brígida Cirilo, maintained control of the game. Apesar Despite some initial complaints from the players, the refereeing ensured the fluidity of the match, avoiding excessive stoppages.
The VAR, commanded by Gilberto Rodrigues Castro Júnior, from Pernambuco, monitored the most controversial moves, such as the entry of Dorival Júnior, in turn, continued to adjust the positioning of his mixed team, thinking about possible future commitments.
Partial first half statistics
In the first 25 minutes of the game, Corinthians recorded 55% possession of the ball, demonstrating greater control of the midfield. The São Paulo team finished five times against three from Juventude, indicating a greater offensive initiative.
The corners favored Timão, with two to one for the home team. The number of fouls was balanced, with four for each side, reflecting the intensity of the disputes. Cartões yellow cards had not yet been distributed, but the aggressiveness of the bids suggested that punishments could be imminent.
Main moments of the initial stage
The game continues with Corinthians controlling the pace of the match, while Juventude seeks a draw with quick counterattacks. Aos 25 minutes into the first half, the score remains at 1-0 for Timão, and the match continues in progress at Neo Química Arena, promising more emotions for the fans present.