Lelê on the derby, Brazil call-up and overcoming tough times at Corinthians

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Central do Timão

·23 November 2025

Lelê on the derby, Brazil call-up and overcoming tough times at Corinthians

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians defeated São Paulo 2-1 at Arena Barueri in the first leg of the Women's Paulista Championship semifinal. Jhonson scored both goals for the black and whites, but Lelê also shone by making great saves and preventing a goal from a penalty kick. In the mixed zone, the Brabas' goalkeeper commented on the match.

Asked about the penalty and if she was upset with her teammates for allowing the play that led to the penalty, Lelê replied: “No, not really. I think it's a big game where both teams will certainly create a lot. It will generate some difficulty, but the important thing is for us to be ready, prepared for when the ball comes, so we can do our best there.”

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The penalty was awarded at 48 minutes of the first half. Day tried to kick the ball but hit Isa, who put her body in front and ended up being fouled. Without hesitation, the referee awarded the penalty. Karla Alves took the shot, and Lelê saved it with her feet, preventing the tricolor from equalizing at that moment.

The goalkeeper also took the opportunity to criticize the timing of the match, held at 11 am. According to her, the intense heat combined with the synthetic turf affected the technical performance of the teams.

“Even during the warm-up, we were already suffering. There's no way to play a game at 11 in the morning in this heat. It's definitely absurd. The feet burn, blisters start to form, and fatigue sets in very early. The intensity of the game changes a lot because you end up dehydrating a lot, you get more tired. The heat doesn't help. So, for sure, this timing was a bit lacking. Especially because if we played at another time, the game could be faster, more contested. But it's fun to play,” she pointed out.

Lelê also commented on the reunion with São Paulo, a frequent opponent in 2025. The teams have already faced each other eight times this year, including in the Copa do Brasil, when Tricolor eliminated Corinthians. For the goalkeeper, the match carries a feeling of revenge.

“Certainly, especially because it's a classic. São Paulo, for several years, we've been meeting in semifinals, in finals. So, for sure, it will always be a big game, and we like this duel, so there's always that taste of revenge,” she said, before talking about the main classics of women's football in São Paulo. “Us and Palmeiras, right? Those are the two classics we hear a lot about, where we don't even say it's a game, it's a war. They're two great classics to play.”

The goalkeeper also emphasized the importance of deciding the match at Neo Química Arena in the second leg of the semifinal. “It's important for us to play at home. We know that inside Neo Química, the fans become the 12th player for us, they always fill the stands and are with us, always motivating. So, we were very happy to be able to decide the second game at home,” she celebrated.

Lelê is going through a good phase at Corinthians and was called up again to the Brazilian National Team after almost two years away from the list. “Very happy. I think everything happens at the right time. I went through some ups and downs, injuries, and everything else. I think the most important thing now is to take advantage of every opportunity, every moment,” she stated.

Besides her, Mariza, Thais Ferreira, Duda Sampaio, and Gabi Zanotti were also called up. The National Team faces Norway on November 28 and Portugal on December 2. The return match between Corinthians and São Paulo is scheduled for the 4th, and Lelê believes she will be able to play normally.

“I believe so, because the game is on the 4th, it was moved to the 4th, 9:30 pm, and we will be returning on the 3rd. So, all this leads to us being ready on the 4th at Neo Química,” she concluded.

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