Neo Química Arena

Corinthians will take the field next Thursday, 27th, in yet another major São Paulo State Championship (Paulistão). The decisive derby against Palmeiras, which will crown the competition’s champion, is set to kick off at Neo Química Arena at 9:35 PM.

The House of the People will once again serve as the stage for a high-stakes title-deciding clash. Since its inauguration, the soccer stadium has hosted 20 finals across men’s football, women’s football, and youth categories, from 2014 to the presents, howing Corinthians’ strength at home

Men’s Football Finals for Corinthians

The upcoming classic against Palmeiras in men’s football will mark the seventh final played at the House of the People. The first occurred in 2017, when Corinthians overcame Ponte Preta in the Paulistão final—securing a 1-1 draw at home after a first-leg victory in Campinas.

In 2018, two finals were held in front of the Faithful at home. The first, in the Paulistão, saw Corinthians suffer a setback in the opening derby but ultimately claim the title after defeating their rivals in the return leg. Later that year, Corinthians fell short in the Copa do Brasil final, losing to Cruzeiro. However, in 2019, the team celebrated another title at home by defeating São Paulo 2-1 in the Paulistão final.

The most recent men’s finals were first-leg matches, both ending in goalless draws: a 0-0 stalemate in the 2020 Paulistão final against Palmeiras and another 0-0 draw against Flamengo in the 2022 Copa do Brasil final.

Women’s Football Dominance at Neo Química Arena

Women’s football has seen the most finals played at the House of the People, with a remarkable 12 appearances and a near-perfect record. The Brabas have won every final played at Neo Química Arena, lifting the trophy in 11 of their 12 opportunities.

Their first final, like the men’s team, came in the Paulistão: a commanding 3-0 victory over São Paulo in 2019. Since then, the team has continued to dominate:

• 2020: Corinthians 4-2 Avaí-Kindermann – Brasileirão
• 2021: Corinthians 3-1 Palmeiras – Brasileirão and Corinthians 3-1 São Paulo – Paulistão
• 2022: Corinthians 1-0 Grêmio – Supercopa do Brasil and Corinthians 4-1 Internacional – Brasileirão
• 2023: Corinthians 4-1 Flamengo – Supercopa do Brasil, Corinthians 2-1 Ferroviária – Brasileirão, and Corinthians 4-1 São Paulo – Paulistão
• 2024: Corinthians 1-0 Cruzeiro – Supercopa do Brasil, Corinthians 2-0 São Paulo – Brasileirão, and Corinthians 1-0 Palmeiras – Paulistão

Youth Team Achievements

The Corinthians U-20 men’s team has also made its mark at Neo Química Arena, playing two finals with one title and one runner-up finish.

The stadium hosted its first youth final in 2022, during the Brasileirão U-20 championship. In a derby clash, Corinthians narrowly lost 1-0.

However, in 2024, the Filhos do Terrão (Sons of the Soil) gave the Faithful reason to celebrate. In the final of the prestigious Copinha, Corinthians defeated Cruzeiro 1-0 to claim their 11th title in the tournament, solidifying their legacy in youth football.

As the Faithful prepare to pack the stands once again, the House of the People stands ready to witness another chapter in Corinthians’ storied history.

(Top Photo: José Manoel Idalgo/Agência Corinthians)