Corinthians aim to keep Libertadores record v Argentines after draw | OneFootball

Corinthians take the field this Wednesday (16) against Estudiantes in search of a spot in the Copa Libertadores semifinals. The match will be played at Neo Química Arena, and Timão head into the decider after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, played in Argentina.

Although the result left the tie completely open, Corinthians have a particular track record in Libertadores knockout rounds against Argentine clubs. On the three previous occasions when they drew the first leg of a knockout tie against an opponent from the country, the black-and-white side did not end up being eliminated.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

The first time came in the 2012 Libertadores final. At La Bombonera, Corinthians drew 1-1 with Boca Juniors. In the second match, played at Pacaembu, the team then coached by Tite won 2-0, with two goals from Emerson Sheik, and claimed the continental title for the first time in its history.

Ten years later, Corinthians and Boca Juniors met again in a knockout stage of the competition. In the 2022 round of 16, the teams played out 0-0 draws in both São Paulo and Buenos Aires.

With no aggregate advantage after the two matches, qualification was decided on penalties in Argentina. Corinthians won the shootout 6-5 and advanced to the quarterfinals.

The most recent case came in 2026, also in the round of 16. In the first leg, Corinthians drew 0-0 with Rosario Central away from home. In the return leg, in front of their fans, Timão won 1-0 and secured qualification for the next round.

Now, the team once again faces an Argentine opponent in a continental knockout tie. The 1-1 draw with Estudiantes in La Plata left the decision for Neo Química Arena, where Corinthians will have the chance to determine their future in the competition.

The scenario is different from the previous ties, but the history shows that the club has already gone through similar situations in three Libertadores knockout rounds against Argentine teams without being eliminated after drawing the first match. To advance in this edition, Corinthians need to beat Estudiantes in regulation time. In the event of another draw, the spot will be decided in a penalty shootout.

The match is scheduled for this Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena. The winner of the tie will secure a place in the Libertadores semifinals and will face the winner of the clash between Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle and Flamengo.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.