Sport Club Corinthians Paulista Runner-Up in the 2024 Paulista Feminino

Sport Club Corinthians Paulista Runner-Up in the 2024 Paulista Feminino

Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, affectionately known as “Timão,” secured the runner-up position in the 2024 Paulista Feminino Championship, a competition that brings together the best women’s football teams in the state of São Paulo. The “Brabas,” as the Corinthians Women’s team is called, displayed grit, talent, and dedication throughout the campaign but finished in second place after a hard-fought final against Palmeiras. This article explores Corinthians’ journey in the competition, the season’s highlights, the challenges faced, and the impact of the result for the club and its fans.

The History of Corinthians in Women’s Football

Corinthians Women’s team is one of the most successful in Brazil, with a history marked by achievements and resilience. Founded in 1997, the team faced periods of instability, including a hiatus between 2008 and 2009, but made a strong comeback in 2016 through a partnership with Grêmio Osasco Audax. Since 2018, under its own management, the club has established itself as a powerhouse, amassing titles such as five Copa Libertadores, six Brazilian Championships, one Copa do Brasil, and four Paulista Championships. In 2024, the team aimed for a fifth state title but ended as runner-up, reinforcing its competitiveness despite a challenging year.

The Start of the 2024 Paulista Feminino Campaign

The 2024 Paulista Feminino Championship was an intense competition, with 11 teams vying for the title in a format that included a group stage, semifinals, and finals. Corinthians, led by coach Lucas Piccinato, entered the competition as favorites, given their history of success and a squad filled with top-tier players, including members of the Brazilian national team.

In the group stage, the Brabas showed consistency, with convincing victories such as a 4-0 win over Red Bull Bragantino and a 3-0 triumph against Santos. These results highlighted the team’s offensive strength, with players like Gabi Portilho, Vic Albuquerque, and Duda Sampaio shining in creation and finishing. The team finished the first phase among the leaders, securing a spot in the semifinals with a solid campaign, though not without facing challenges such as injuries and the need for tactical adjustments under a new coach.

Challenges in the Season

The 2024 season was marked by significant changes for Corinthians Women. After a successful 2023, when the club won the Brazilian Championship, Libertadores, Supercopa do Brasil, and Paulista, the team saw key departures. Coach Arthur Elias, who led Corinthians to numerous titles since 2016, took over the Brazilian Women’s National Team, and technical coordinator Cris Gambaré also left to join the CBF. Lucas Piccinato took the helm, bringing new ideas but facing the challenge of maintaining the team’s high standards with a squad impacted by injuries.

Injuries were a constant hurdle. Key players such as Jaqueline, Jheniffer, Tamires, Yasmim, Erika, and Dayana Rodriguez faced physical setbacks throughout the competition, limiting Piccinato’s tactical options. Despite this, Corinthians showed resilience, with players like Millene, who returned to the club after a stint in Chinese football, and Duda Sampaio, who scored decisive goals, stepping up as leaders.

The Path to the Finals

The semifinals of the 2024 Paulista Feminino pitted Corinthians against rivals São Paulo in a clash known as the “Majestoso.” In the first leg, played on October 19, 2024, at Estádio do Canindé, Corinthians won 1-0, with a goal from Duda Sampaio, capitalizing on a solid performance and a well-organized defensive system. In the return leg on November 10 at Neo Química Arena, the Brabas drew 1-1, with Millene scoring from a penalty, securing qualification for the final with a 2-1 aggregate score. The crowd of 32,799 fans packed the stadium, creating a vibrant atmosphere that boosted the team.

The Final Against Palmeiras

The 2024 Paulista Feminino final was a classic “Choque-Rei” against Palmeiras, a rival also enjoying a strong phase in women’s football. The first leg, held on November 10 at Neo Química Arena, ended with a 1-0 victory for Corinthians, with a goal that showcased the team’s strength at home and the importance of the Fiel Torcida’s support. However, the second leg, played on November 15 at Estádio Jayme Cintra in Jundiaí, brought a different outcome. Palmeiras won 2-1, claiming the title on aggregate.

The loss in the final was a tough blow for Corinthians, who were aiming to maintain their state dominance. Despite the setback, the campaign was marked by moments of resilience, such as the victory over São Paulo in the semifinals and consistency in the group stage. The runner-up finish, while not the primary goal, underscores the team’s competitiveness in a high-level tournament.

Individual and Collective Highlights

Key Players

The 2024 Corinthians squad featured standout performers throughout the competition. Duda Sampaio was a protagonist, scoring crucial goals, such as the opener against São Paulo in the semifinal. Millene, with her international experience, was decisive in converting the penalty that secured qualification at Neo Química Arena. Gabi Portilho and Vic Albuquerque also shone, bringing speed and creativity to the attack, while goalkeeper Lelê, despite missing some matches, was vital in key moments.

Tactical Approach

Under Lucas Piccinato’s leadership, Corinthians adopted a playing style that prioritized possession and high pressing but struggled to adapt to tactical changes after Arthur Elias’ departure. The team showed defensive solidity, with players like Daniela Arias and Mariza, but suffered from occasional errors, such as those that led to a loss against São Paulo in the group stage. The ability to recover in tough matches, like the draw against São Paulo in the semifinal, highlighted the squad’s mental strength.

Impact of the Runner-Up Finish

For the Club

The runner-up finish in the 2024 Paulista Feminino does not diminish Corinthians Women’s stature. The club remains a benchmark in Brazilian women’s football, with a professional structure that includes contracts comparable to those of the men’s team, as emphasized by legal director Fábio Trubilhano. Despite the challenges of 2024, the season was marked by successes in other competitions, such as the third consecutive Supercopa do Brasil and the fifth Libertadores title. The second-place finish in the Paulista serves as motivation for adjustments and improvements in 2025.

For the Fans

The Fiel Torcida, known for its unwavering support, was present in full force during the competition, with a standout attendance of 32,918 fans in the semifinal against São Paulo. Despite the loss in the final, the fans’ passion remains unshaken, with chants and support turning Neo Química Arena into a cauldron. The fanbase acknowledges the Brabas’ effort and is already gearing up to support the team in upcoming competitions, such as the Brasileirão Feminino and Copa do Brasil.

Looking to the Future

Preparation for 2025

Corinthians Women are already planning for the 2025 season, focusing on reclaiming the state title and maintaining dominance in other competitions. The board, led by Iris Sesso, is seeking targeted reinforcements and the recovery of injured players to strengthen the squad. The club is also investing in its youth academy, with the U-20 team showing promise in competitions like the Paulista Feminino Sub-20.

Calendar and Expectations

The 2025 calendar includes key matches, such as the clash against Palmeiras on August 3 for the Paulista Feminino and Brasileirão Feminino games against Cruzeiro and Bahia. The team expects the return of players like Tamires and Jheniffer, as well as the integration of young prospects into the senior squad. The fans have already shown their support in events like the Teal Rising Cup, demonstrating their continued commitment to the Brabas.

The Brabas’ Legacy

The runner-up finish in the 2024 Paulista Feminino is just one chapter in the storied history of Corinthians Women. The Brabas continue to inspire new generations of players and fans, cementing the club as one of the greatest in South American women’s football. With a talented squad, a passionate fanbase, and a professional structure, Corinthians remains a model of dedication and excellence, ready for new challenges in 2025.

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