Corinthians 3 x 2 São Paulo | Highlights | Round 15 | Brasileirão 2026
São Paulo’s loss in the Majestoso on Sunday goes far beyond the 3-2 scoreline, which might suggest a balanced game against Corinthians at the Neo Química Arena. For coach Roger Machado, the result prevents the kind of affirmation he has been seeking early in his tenure at Tricolor, precisely on the day he completed two months in charge.
The team finished the match with the same possession stats as their rivals – 50% each – but in reality, they were closer to a heavier defeat than a draw. Corinthians took the lead through Raniele amid a suffocating start that forced goalkeeper Rafael to make two crucial saves.
Watch Roger Machado’s post-match interview after Corinthians 3 x 2 São Paulo
When São Paulo finally managed to control the game, they struggled to create chances but pushed higher up the pitch and capitalized on an opponent’s mistake in building from the back. After an error on a goal kick, Bobadilla stole the ball and set up Luciano, who had a free path to score. The equalizer felt like a stroke of luck given Corinthians’ superiority – the hosts had nine shots in the first half compared to São Paulo’s three.
After the break, São Paulo again saw the home side come out with more intensity in the opening minutes. This time, Corinthians’ early blitz paid off. Ferreira lost a sprint to Matheuzinho, and the full-back scored in the sixth minute. Shortly after, with 11 minutes on the clock, Bidon converted Garro’s pass to extend the lead.
By the time Roger decided to make changes, in the 21st minute of the second half, the situation was already dire. With six absences, the coach struggled to alter the team’s profile and brought on Luan and Cauly. São Paulo managed to balance the game somewhat but still found it hard to create chances. The goal only came in the 42nd minute, when the substitute midfielder took a corner and Matheuzinho inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
The result keeps Tricolor in fourth place in the Brasileirão with 24 points, but also renews scrutiny over performances in “big matches.” This was Roger Machado’s second classic since arriving – the other was a 1-0 defeat to Palmeiras at Morumbis.
“Do I feel pressure? I don’t, but I know I’ve been under pressure since before I arrived. These two months have been about daily focus on improvement and showing the football São Paulo fans want, with more consistency in games and less instability in a competition that throws circumstances sometimes beyond your control,” the coach said in his post-match press conference.
São Paulo now aims to turn that reaction into a practical answer in the Copa do Brasil. On Wednesday at 7 PM, they face Juventude at Alfredo Jaconi, with a place in the round of 16 at stake.