Big Teams Advance to the Quarterfinals of Paulista and Avoid Direct Confrontations
The Paulista Championship concluded with the qualification of four teams for the next phase and the relegation of Velo Clube to the second division.
On Sunday, the Paulista Championship finalized its quarterfinal lineup, confirming Corinthians, São Paulo, Santos, and Capivariano as the last four teams to move forward, while Velo Clube faced relegation after a heavy 6-0 defeat against Santos. This loss saw them join Ponte Preta in the drop to the second division, highlighting the competitive nature of the league as teams strive for better standings and survival.
Corinthians secured their advancement with a narrow 1-0 victory over São Bernardo, illustrating their form in crucial moments. Similarly, São Paulo's 2-1 win against Ponte Preta confirmed their place in the next round, showcasing their resilience. Capivariano completed the quartet of advancing teams by narrowly defeating Botafogo de Ribeirão Preto, marking a season filled with ups and downs for the team.
The upcoming knockout stage will feature exciting matchups, including Novorizontino against Santos, which will start the quarterfinal clashes. With Neymar returning to the field for Santos after recovering from surgery, anticipation builds for the teams' performance, as they aim for glory in one of Brazil's premier state championships.