Record champions, Corinthians boast strong opening form in the Paulistão

In partnership with

Central do Timão

·11 Januari 2026

Record champions, Corinthians boast strong opening form in the Paulistão

By Mirella Ramos / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians begins its journey in the Paulista Championship this Sunday at 4 PM (Brasília time), when it hosts Ponte Preta at the Neo Química Arena. On the eve of the match, the Central do Timão recalls the club's recent history of debuts in the state championship, which shows a favorable record for the Alvinegro.

Considering the editions of the Paulistão since 2016, the club from Parque São Jorge has accumulated five wins, three draws, and only two losses in debut matches – check all the games in the table below. Last season, for instance, Corinthians started the competition with a 2-1 victory over Red Bull Bragantino. In 2017, the year of its 28th state title, it overcame São Bento 1-0 away from home.

Video OneFootball

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians and Alan Morici/Agência Corinthians

However, not all recent debuts have been positive. In 2018, Timão was defeated by Ponte Preta itself by 1-0. The following year, it drew 1-1 with São Caetano, while in 2022 and 2021, it ended in a goalless draw against Ferroviária and Red Bull Bragantino, respectively.

If they secure three points this Sunday, Corinthians could achieve a rare streak of victories in Paulistão debuts. The club hasn't strung together three consecutive wins in opening games since the period between 2014 and 2016, when they defeated Portuguesa, Marília, and XV de Piracicaba, respectively.

The specific record against Ponte Preta in debuts also shows a slight advantage for Corinthians. In four matches played under these circumstances, Timão won twice, drew once, and was defeated once. The most recent encounter between the teams in a Paulistão debut occurred in 2018, with a victory for the Campinas team. Before that, Corinthians won in 2007, drew in 1970, and prevailed again in 1952.

In a broader historical context, considering all of Corinthians' debuts in the Paulista Championship, the numbers reinforce the Alvinegro's favoritism. In 112 opening games, the club has 67 wins, 24 draws, and 21 losses, with 254 goals scored and 116 conceded.

In this scenario, Timão seeks to maintain its positive record and start the 2026 edition of the Paulistão with a favorable result in front of its fans.

Check out all of Corinthians' results in Paulistão debuts since 2016:

Corinthians 1 x 0 XV de Piracicaba – 31/01/2016São Bento 0 x 1 Corinthians – 04/02/2017Corinthians 0 x 1 Ponte Preta – 17/01/2018Corinthians 1 x 1 São Caetano – 20/01/2019Corinthians 4 x 1 Botafogo SP – 23/01/2020Red Bull Bragantino 0 x 0 Corinthians – 28/02/2021Corinthians 0 x 0 Ferroviária – 25/01/2022Red Bull Bragantino 1 x 0 Corinthians – 15/01/2023Corinthians 1 x 0 Guarani – 21/01/2024Red Bull Bragantino 1 x 2 Corinthians – 16/01/2025

See more: