Corinthians bid to avoid equalling second-longest Copa Libertadores knockout drought | OneFootball

Corinthians host Rosario Central of Argentina in Thursday's Copa Libertadores last-16 second leg, aiming to avoid equalling their second-longest winless run in knockout ties. According to Meu Timao, they are trying to halt a barren sequence without a knockout win that dates back to 2018.

Their last success in such matches came in 2018, a 2-1 home win over Colo-Colo in the return leg, though they went out on away goals. Since then they have played five knockout games, drawing three and losing two.

That run began with a 0-0 draw at Boca Juniors in the 2022 last 16 and includes the 0-0 first leg at Rosario Central on 13 August 2026.

The club's previous second-longest drought lasted 10 years, comprising six straight defeats. It started with elimination by Palmeiras in the 2000 semi-finals and ended with a 2-1 win over Flamengo in the 2010 last 16, after which they again exited on away goals.

The longest sequence without a knockout win was seven matches between 2013 and 2018, ending with that Colo-Colo result. Unlike those spells, the current run did include a progression, as Corinthians eliminated Boca Juniors in 2022 after two 0-0 draws and a penalty shootout.

A similar scenario could unfold if Thursday's tie finishes level. The tie will be decided at Neo Química Arena, with kick-off at 21:30.

Source: Meu Timao

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