Lelê saves penalty, Jhonson brace as Corinthians beat São Paulo

In partnership with

Central do Timão

·22 November 2025

Lelê saves penalty, Jhonson brace as Corinthians beat São Paulo

By Daniel Keppler / Central do Timão Editorial Team

On the evening of this Saturday (22), Corinthians returned to the field for the Paulista Women's Championship. In the first leg of the semifinals, at Arena Barueri, the Brabas visited São Paulo and, in a match where Lelê saved a penalty from the opponents, Timão secured a 2-1 victory. Both Corinthians goals were scored by Jhonson.

With this result, the People’s Team gained an important advantage in the head-to-head clash. Now, the Alvinegro can even draw in the second leg and still qualify for the final of the state tournament. If they lose by one goal, there will still be a penalty shootout to fight for the spot.

OneFootball Videos

Photo: Agência Paulistão

Corinthians Lineup

For the Majestoso, coach Lucas Piccinato could not count on Nicole, who is recovering from hand surgery, and Ellen, who is in the final phase of rehabilitation after an elbow injury.

Given this, the Brabas started with the following eleven: Lelê, Thaís Ferreira, Erika, Mariza, Gi Fernandes, Dayana Rodriguez, Duda Sampaio, Vic Albuquerque, Tamires, Gabi Zanotti, and Jhonson. On the bench, the following were available: Rillary, Letícia Teles, Thaís Regina, Gisela Robledo, Andressa Alves, Eudimilla, Ivana Fuso, Juliana Passari, Letícia Monteiro, Juliete, Jaqueline, and Ariel Godoi.

São Paulo Lineup

Coach Thiago Viana lined up the team with: Carlinha, Serrana, Anny, Kaká, Carol Gil, Camilinha, Maressa, Karla Alves, Aline, Crivelari, and Isa.

Refereeing

The referee was Gustavo Holanda Souza, assisted by Anna Beatriz Scagnolato and Weber Venancio da Silva, while Leonardo Delfino de Abreu Lima served as fourth official. The VAR was operated by Adriano de Assis Miranda.

First Half

Corinthians started the match controlling possession, but soon faced some scares. Within two minutes, Duda Sampaio lost the ball in midfield and Crivelari launched a dangerous counterattack for São Paulo, but the shot went wide. Shortly after, Serrana tried to surprise the Corinthians defense and Jhonson had a strong challenge with the opposing goalkeeper.

At 11 minutes, Lelê had to intervene with a great save after Timão failed in the final third and allowed another attack from Serrana, who passed to Aline Milene for a powerful shot. But it didn’t take long for Corinthians to respond and, at 12, Dayana Rodríguez found Duda Sampaio free, and the midfielder turned beautifully, setting up Jhonson in a great position between the defenders. The striker outmuscled defender Anny and opened the scoring, after VAR confirmation!

São Paulo tried to grow into the game, mainly on the right with Serrana causing danger. At 21 minutes, Timão attacked again and almost scored with Jhonson in a cross shot. Minutes later, Isa created another chance for São Paulo, but was blocked by Mariza. The Brabas responded with a play where Gabi Zanotti also threatened, but couldn’t finish.

Then, in stoppage time, the equalizer came when Carol Gil crossed, Serrana made an effort and touched it to Crivelari, who finished with the tip of her boot. The rivals still had a chance to turn it around at 52 minutes, after a penalty was awarded, but Lelê saved the shot with her feet, keeping the score level at halftime.

Second Half

Corinthians came back from the break more offensive and pressing hard. In the first dangerous play, Tamires took a corner to Erika’s head, who almost scored, but Aline cleared off the line. Duda Sampaio also forced a spectacular save from the São Paulo goalkeeper with a dangerous shot in the opening minutes.

At 17 minutes, Zanotti tried a long-range shot, forcing Carlinha to work again. As time went on, Timão lowered the intensity but remained dominant in attack while São Paulo closed up. New substitutions on both sides made the game more locked, with few risky plays, until at 32 minutes Duda Sampaio almost surprised the goalkeeper with a first-time shot that curved.

Already in the final part of the game, Corinthians’ persistence was rewarded: at 37, Duda Sampaio anticipated a pass, crossed, and Jhonson appeared opportunistically to push the ball into the net and put the Brabas ahead once again!

São Paulo still responded with a corner kick, but Lelê performed a miracle on Anny’s header. After this play, Corinthians just had to control the opponents’ momentum to secure the win and the advantage in the knockout stage.

Next Fixture

Now, Corinthians return to the field only after the FIFA date. On December 4th, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), the Brabas host São Paulo at Neo Química Arena in the second leg of the Paulista semifinals.

See More: