In the Choque-Rei classic played on Saturday (24/1) at Arena Barueri, Palmeiras defeated São Paulo 3-1 and took the provisional lead in the Campeonato Paulista with 12 points. The Verdão goals were scored by Maurício, Flaco López, and Khellven, while Bobadilla pulled one back for the Tricolor. The win deepens São Paulo's crisis, as they have four points and sit 14th, outside the relegation zone by tiebreaker criteria.
Palmeiras, under Abel Ferreira, bounced back from a 4-0 loss to Novorizontino and dominated the classic against São Paulo. The match, part of the 5th round, started evenly, with São Paulo pressing early and Luciano nearly heading in. At the eighth minute, however, the Verdão scored first: after a high press steal, Flaco López passed to Maurício, who shot from outside the box.
Five minutes later, Bobadilla equalized for the Tricolor. The Paraguayan capitalized on Arboleda's header from a corner and shot through goalkeeper Carlos Miguel's legs. São Paulo had a chance to take the lead with Tapia but missed. At 31 minutes, Sosa lofted a pass to Flaco López, who chipped goalkeeper Rafael to put Palmeiras ahead again.
In the second half, at the fifth minute, Khellven made it 3-1 after his own run and a cross from Piquerez, heading in Flaco López's flick-on. Despite opportunities for both sides—like Vitor Roque hitting the post for Palmeiras and Calleri almost scoring late for São Paulo—the score held. The win puts Palmeiras provisionally top with 12 points, though Bragantino and Novorizontino could overtake them after their games.
For Hernán Crespo's São Paulo, the loss worsens the turmoil. With just one win in five matches, they tie on points with Noroeste (fourth in the relegation zone) but stay out due to more victories, per FPF rules. Off the field, the club grapples with ex-president Julio Casares' resignation after an impeachment approval on the 16th. Vice Harry Massis Junior took over interimly. Palmeiras faces Atlético-MG in their Brasileirão opener on Wednesday (28/1), while São Paulo meets Flamengo that day.
