Corinthians struggle at the back without their first-choice centre-back duo

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Central do Timão

·18. Januar 2026

Corinthians struggle at the back without their first-choice centre-back duo

By Vinícios Cotrim | Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians was defeated by Bragantino in the second round of the Paulistão, leaving the field with a 3-0 score after Dorival Júnior chose to start the match with an alternative lineup. One of the main changes was in the center-back pairing. André Ramalho and Gustavo Henrique did not play, making way for Gabriel Paulista and João Pedro Tchoca in the first half, and Cacá in the second half.

The starting duo gained confidence after the Copa do Brasil title, finishing with only two goals conceded. They also started the season against Ponte Preta, keeping a clean sheet. The average with the duo on the field is much lower than when they are not. Since August 2024, when André Ramalho was signed, they have played together 27 times, conceding 27 goals in that period.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

Although the average of 1 goal per game is not considered ideal, since it means the attack needs to work harder, the numbers without them are even worse. In the mentioned period, Corinthians played 73 times without the duo on the field, conceding 103 goals. This results in an average of 1.4 goals conceded per game when André Ramalho and Gustavo Henrique are not paired together.

Since they were rested in the match against Massa Bruta, the tendency is for them to be starters in the classic against São Paulo. Corinthians plays this Sunday afternoon (18), at Neo Química Arena, in the first Majestoso of the season. The match kicks off at 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time).

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