Derby Paulista

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The rivalry began on May 6, 1917, when Palestra Itália (now Palmeiras) defeated an unbeaten Corinthians 3–0 at the Palestra Itália Stadium, ending a 25-game streak. Tensions flared in March 1918 when Palestra players threw an ox bone inscribed with 'Corinthians is chicken soup for Palestra' into the Corinthians refectory; Corinthians kept the bone in their trophy cabinet thereafter. The third match ended 3–3 after a tie. In 1921, on Christmas Day at Parque Antarctica, Palestra won 3–0 against Corinthians in a title decider that handed the championship to Paulistano, consolidating the feud. In 1933, Palestra inflicted their largest victory, an 8–0 thrashing with goals from Romeu Pellicciari (4), Gabardo, and Imparato (3), causing fans to burn the club headquarters and overthrowing president Alfredo Schurig.

In Their Own Story

In the early years, social identities defined the clash: Corinthians represented the lower classes, while Palestra Itália was the voice of São Paulo's Italian community. The first match in 1917 saw Palestra striker Caetano score all three goals against a Corinthians side that had been unbeaten for three years. By 1929, during a split association period, Corinthians won a decisive 4–1 derby to secure the APEA title while Palestra played with ten men due to Heitor's injury. The rivalry reached new heights in 1936 when the teams met in their first final; after a 1–0 win for Palestra and a 0–0 draw, they decided the title in a third match where Palestra won 2–1. In 1942, during World War II, the club was forced to rename itself from Palestra Itália to Palmeiras. Despite the name change, Corinthians dominated, winning 4–1 and 4–2 before drawing 1–1. Palmeiras secured their first win under the new name on May 23, 1943, beating Corinthians 2–0 with goals by Lima.

Reader's Guide

For Corinthians fans, the Derby Paulista is a defining social conflict. A 2010 Datafolha survey revealed that 59% of Corinthians supporters view Palmeiras as their biggest rival. In February 2017, another Datafolha poll showed 35% of São Paulo's population considered this the state's greatest rivalry. The teams have decided numerous major titles, including the Campeonato Paulista, Torneio Rio-São Paulo, and Campeonato Brasileiro, alongside Copa Libertadores semi-finals and quarter-finals. No other Brazilian rivalry has seen so many decisive encounters in top tournaments. In 1938, a unique 'Jogo das Barricas' match ended 0–0 between Corinthians and Palmeiras, with Corinthians advancing on corner count before defeating Portuguesa in the final.

Did You Know?

• Journalist Tomás Mazzoni named the rivalry 'O Derby' in reference to the Epsom horse race.
• Corinthians keeps an ox bone in their trophy cabinet inscribed with a taunt from Palmeiras players after the March 17, 1918 match.
• The 8–0 defeat on November 5, 1933, caused fans to set fire to Corinthians' headquarters and led to the overthrow of club president Alfredo Schurig.
• In 1942, during World War II, the club was temporarily renamed 'Palestra de São Paulo' before adopting the name Palmeiras in September.
• The 1938 'Jogo das Barricas' ended in a 0–0 draw where Corinthians advanced to the final based on having more corners.