Tricolor Paulista

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The rivalry began on May 6, 1917, when Palestra Itália (now Palmeiras) defeated Corinthians 3–0, ending a three-year unbeaten streak for Corinthians. In March 1918, during the third match, Palestra players threw an ox bone into the Corinthians refectory with a message calling them chicken soup; since then, Corinthians has kept that bone in their trophy cabinet. The first Corinthians victory came on May 3, 1919, with goals from Américo, Garcia, and Roverso in a 3–0 win at Estádio da Floresta. A pivotal moment occurred in December 1921 when Palestra defeated Corinthians 3–0 on Christmas Day at Parque Antarctica, handing the state title to Paulistano; this match is considered by many to have consolidated the rivalry.

In Their Own Story

In 1929, during a championship organized by two associations, Corinthians won the APEA title after defeating Palestra 4–1 while they played with only ten players due to an injury. The most traumatic early chapter happened on November 5, 1933, when Palestra Itália defeated Corinthians 8–0 at their own stadium; goals came from Romeu Pellicciari (four), Gabardo, and Imparato (three). This thrashing overthrew club president Alfredo Schurig and caused fans to set fire to the headquarters. The first final between the two occurred in 1936, decided in a three-game series played in April and May 1937. Palestra won the decider 2–1 at their stadium to claim the title. In 1942, after changing its name from Palestra Itália due to World War II laws, the club adopted the name Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras.

Reader's Guide

During the transition period in 1942 when the rival changed names to Palestra de São Paulo, Corinthians dominated with four victories or draws. They won 4–1 on March 28 in the Quinela de Ouro Tournament and thrashed them 4–2 on July 15 for the Taça Cidade de São Paulo. The first match under the new name 'Palmeiras' ended in a 3–1 Corinthians win on October 4, 1942, preventing Palmeiras from being crowned undefeated champions. Palmeiras finally secured their first win under the new name on May 23, 1943, defeating Corinthians 2–0 at Pacaembu with an attendance of 63,344 people. The two clubs have since decided state, regional, and national championships, plus Copa Libertadores semi-finals and quarter-finals.

Did You Know?

• Journalist Tomás Mazzoni named the rivalry 'O Derby' in reference to the Epsom horse race.
• An ox bone thrown by Palestra players in 1918 is kept in the Corinthians trophy cabinet.
• The 8–0 defeat on November 5, 1933, caused fans to set fire to the club's headquarters and led to the president being overthrown.
• In February 2017, a Datafolha survey showed 35% of respondents rated the Derby Paulista as the biggest rivalry in the State of São Paulo.