Vitinho’s drama, Hugo Souza celebrated: Corinthians’ Paulistão joy

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Central do Timão

·24 February 2026

Vitinho’s drama, Hugo Souza celebrated: Corinthians’ Paulistão joy

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Almost 24 hours after securing a spot in the semifinals of the Paulista Championship, Corinthians released, on its official YouTube channel, the behind-the-scenes of the victory over Portuguesa at Canindé Stadium. The video starts with images of the black-and-white fans and the celebration for the qualification. Following the intro, scenes from the locker room and the arrival of the delegation in the northern zone of São Paulo's capital are shown. Moments of the warm-up, both indoors and on the field, are also displayed.

Before the match started, names like Rodrigo Garro, Dorival Júnior, and Gustavo Henrique gave words of encouragement to the group. Two speeches, however, stood out: those of Renan Bloise, the club's market manager, and midfielder Raniele.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

“If it doesn't happen today, there's nothing more to do. It's just one game, folks. Let's show respect to the Portuguesa team by doing our best,” Renan began.

“We are the current champions. Another thing: being a champion is freaking awesome. The Paulista has had 31 editions with different champions, but there are far fewer two-time champions. We have the opportunity to climb one more step, to reach an even higher level. The title is ours, and we need to defend it, guys,” pointed out the midfielder.

Then, the production shows the main highlights of the match, including the equalizing goal scored by Vitinho and, later, the penalty shootout. During the penalties, Hugo Souza saved two shots and secured Corinthians' qualification. After the final whistle, the video captures the athletes' celebration and the statements from the goal scorer and the decisive goalkeeper.

“It took a little while, but it came at an important moment. I think the play was very fitting. I had another opportunity that ended up being good to finish. And the opponent made a move that allowed me to have time to control the ball and shoot. Considering the last minutes of the game, there wasn't much to do; it was the moment we had to finish and see what would happen, and thank God, it was a beautiful finish, and we managed to get back into the game,” commented Vitinho.

“I think there's no better secret than being with Jesus to keep me calm in these moments. Even if it went wrong, I think I would remain calm, with my head, because I am guided by Him, I am with Him, He is the one guiding me. But, within that, it's a lot of work, a lot of daily dedication, both inside and outside the club. I'm very happy to be living this moment,” pointed out Hugo.

“And I always say this: every time I'm the protagonist, if it's to help Corinthians, then yes, I want it. But I prefer the protagonists to be my attackers, who score the goals. But God chose it to be this way today, and I'm very happy to help the club reach another semifinal. And we, God willing, will go strong to seek the two-time championship,” concluded the goalkeeper.

In the locker room, the atmosphere mixed celebration and internal demands for improvement in pursuit of the state title. Forward Memphis Depay started the conversation, praising the players who came off the bench and exalting Hugo Souza. Then, the goalkeeper himself, Gustavo Henrique, and finally, Vitinho also spoke to the group, with the player who scored the goal very emotional for scoring for the first time in the black-and-white jersey.

“It showed that the team is strong. The people who came into the game changed the match. Thanks to Hugo, because everyone knows the kind of goalkeeper he is, you're winning titles for us,” said Memphis.

“It's really nice to see you celebrating my victory. I know how you were rooting for me and how we root for each other, that changes everything. I think when we need something extra, even when things aren't going right, this friendship changes everything and makes things work out. Just knowing that you're by my side, love me, want to do something for me, that makes us conquer. Last year was like that, against Flamengo it was like that, and if it continues this way, it won't be different. No one here is better than anyone else, ego doesn't exist,” celebrated the goalkeeper.

With the qualification, Timão added another point in the overall competition standings and ended the phase with the fourth-best campaign among the semifinalists. Thus, they will face Novorizontino in the battle for a spot in the final. The match will be held this Saturday, at the opponent's home. Before that, the team turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship. This Wednesday, at 8 PM, Corinthians faces Cruzeiro at Mineirão, for the fourth round of the national competition.

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