Erika rues Paulista loss, praises Corinthians' spirit in final

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Central do Timão

·14. Dezember 2025

Erika rues Paulista loss, praises Corinthians' spirit in final

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians concluded their participation in the final of the Women's Paulista Championship at Canindé with a victory, but without the title. After a 5-1 defeat to Palmeiras in the first leg, the alvinegra team won the return match 1-0, a result insufficient to overturn the rival's advantage. At the end of the match, defender Erika assessed the team's performance in 2025 and commented on the transition period the group is experiencing.

When asked about the feeling after finishing as runners-up and the possible departures of players at the end of the season, the defender highlighted that the team leaves the year without regrets, due to the stance adopted in the second match of the decision.

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Photo: Rebeca Reis/Ag. Paulistão

“In reality, this happens every year. Change of squad, change of mindset, attitude, and so on... we wouldn't like to be in this situation, as runners-up. I'm not used to it and I don't want to get used to it. When we talk about Corinthians, we talk about victories, joy, we talk about grit and determination, that cannot be lacking. I believe we lacked a lot in the first game. We acknowledged it, took responsibility, and did things differently in this second game. I truly believe that today we leave here very sad, but with a lighter heart, in the sense that we didn't stop believing”, said the 37-year-old player in an interview with CazéTV.

After the thrashing suffered at Arena Barueri in the first leg of the final, Erika had pointed out the lack of attitude as one of the determining factors for the result. At Canindé, according to the defender, the team showed a more competitive stance, even though the score was not enough to win the title. The athlete also commented on the conversation with younger players after the final whistle.

“Looking at some girls, crying, I said ‘keep your head up’, that we have to work more and work right’. Sometimes it's not just about working hard, it's also about working right. We made many mistakes and from now on we will review all of this, who stays in the group, who doesn't, and do things differently next year. But understand that it was a year of pride for Corinthians, a year of titles”, she said.

Despite finishing as runners-up, one of the highlights of the match was the support from the Corinthians fans at Canindé. The match took place on the same day as the men's team decision for the Copa do Brasil and outside the Neo Química Arena, yet it still had a significant presence of supporters who cheered the team until the end. After the game, there were protests directed at coach Lucas Piccinato, but the fans also sang the club's anthem. Erika thanked the support received.

“Thank you so much to the fans, everyone who was here. Maybe it wasn't a very favorable result for us, but they believed, we believed, and we did things differently. Thank you to the Faithful, to the loyal supporter. Those who are here today, I thank you immensely”, she concluded.

The runner-up finish in the Women's Paulista Championship repeats the result of the previous season, when Corinthians also finished second against Palmeiras. Even so, the club ends 2025 with the titles of the Brazilian Championship and the Libertadores. The board, led by Iris Sesso, is already working on the planning for 2026, a season in which the team will compete in the Champions Cup and the unprecedented Women's Club World Cup.

Currently, seven players have contracts valid only until the end of this year: Kemelli, Mariza, Erika, Paulinha, Letícia Santos, Gabi Zanotti, and Eudimilla. Mariza has already confirmed her departure from the club, while Eudimilla and Letícia Santos have received offers from other Brazilian football teams. Corinthians is also considering the signing of specific reinforcements for the next season.

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