Corinthians secured another victory in the Majestoso derby at the Neo Química Arena on Sunday, defeating São Paulo 3-2. Goals from Raniele, Matheuzinho, and Breno Bidon sealed the win for Timão, while Luciano and an own goal by Matheuzinho were the highlights for the Tricolor.
Despite the result, Fernando Diniz’s team remains in the relegation zone, while Roger Machado’s side stays in fourth place with 24 points in the Brazilian league.
**First half action**
The first major chance of the match came from São Paulo, as Ferreirinha controlled a pass at the edge of the box and struck a powerful shot toward the angle, forcing Hugo Souza into a brilliant save.
Corinthians responded through counterattacks, but the breakthrough came from a set piece. In the 16th minute, Raniele rose above the São Paulo defense to head the ball into Rafael’s net, opening the scoring.
GOAL FOR CORINTHIANS! RANIELE OPENS THE SCORING IN THE MAJESTOSO!
Corinthians continued to press and nearly doubled their lead four minutes later when Yuri Alberto went one-on-one with Rafael but was denied by the São Paulo defense.
However, Raniele’s heroics turned into a setback. In the 40th minute, the midfielder made a poor clearance, allowing Bobadilla to steal the ball and set up Luciano for the equalizer.
GOAL FOR SÃO PAULO! LUCIANO EQUALIZES THE MATCH!
**Controversy and VAR intervention**
During the goal celebration, Corinthians fans threw objects at São Paulo players celebrating the equalizer. Calleri fell to the ground after being hit by an electronic cigarette, sparking a scuffle between the two sides.
Another controversy emerged from a gesture made by Bobadilla during the celebration. The Paraguayan, who set up Luciano’s goal, appeared to cup his hand near his genitals while celebrating, prompting the VAR to alert referee Anderson Daronco.
After reviewing the incident, Daronco chose not to send off Bobadilla, explaining: “After reviewing, I see the São Paulo player celebrating the goal, and he does not touch his genitals with his hand. It’s a passionate moment, no card.”
This decision drew attention, as two Corinthians players, Allan and André, had been previously sent off for similar obscene gestures in recent matches.
**Corinthians dominate the second half**
Needing a win to escape the relegation zone, Corinthians came out strong in the second half. In the 51st minute, Matheuzinho received a pass on the right wing, left Ferreirinha on the ground, and struck a stunning shot into the top corner to restore the lead.
GOAL FROM MATHEUZINHO! HE DROPPED FERREIRINHA AND SCORED A BEAUTY!
Just 11 minutes into the second half, Garro launched a counterattack and passed to Breno Bidon at the edge of the box. The Corinthians midfielder controlled the ball and fired it into the right corner of the São Paulo goalkeeper, making it 3-1.
ANOTHER GOAL FROM TIMÃO!
São Paulo managed to pull one back late in the match, but Corinthians held on for the victory. The win keeps Corinthians in the relegation zone but provides a vital boost as they aim to climb the table.
