Part 4/8:
Some believe that state championships, including the Paulista, are vital for nurturing local rivalries and providing a platform for clubs to establish themselves early in the season. Comparisons have been made to other regional championships across Brazil, noting that while these tournaments are often seen as less competitive, they can still yield significant financial benefits akin to larger tournaments.
Paradoxically, while clubs like Bahia and Vitória vie for regional titles, the expectations on a team like Palmeiras are magnified due to a larger budget and historical legacies. Palmeiras must navigate expectations of triumph in every segment of the game.