Corinthians defender eyes Paulistão semi-final, talks fatigue

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Central do Timão

·23 February 2026

Corinthians defender eyes Paulistão semi-final, talks fatigue

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians faced Portuguesa on the evening of this Sunday (22), at the Canindé Stadium, in a match valid for the quarter-finals of the 2026 Campeonato Paulista. After a 1-1 draw in regular time, the Alvinegro won 8-7 on penalties and advanced. After the duel, defender Gustavo Henrique projected the semifinal against Grêmio Novorizontino.

“The projection is for a very difficult game, we know that playing there is very complicated. We played last year and saw how difficult it is. It’s no wonder they are having a great campaign. We will study their team, we will train so that we can have a great game and seek another final for Corinthians”, said the defender.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

Being one of the athletes who played the most for Corinthians this season, Gustavo Henrique also spoke about his physical condition and revealed that he felt “heavier” in this Sunday’s match due to the short recovery time after the 1-0 victory over Athletico-PR, achieved at Arena da Baixada, in Curitiba.

“Today I confess that I was even a little heavier than usual. I think because of the game at Arena da Baixada, we had very little recovery time, we faced a very tough game, a very complicated field, it takes a little more time to recover the body. I tried to rest as much as possible, eat well, sleep well, but it’s very little rest time from one game to another”, he commented.

“But I’m feeling good, I’m actually used to sometimes entering a game a little tired. But it’s something that is part of it, our schedule has no other option, it’s play and play. But I try to be as professional as possible, so that I’m well on the field, to help my teammates and Corinthians”, concluded the number 13.

Now, after eliminating Portuguesa on penalties, away from home, in the Paulistão quarter-finals, Corinthians shifts focus back to the Brazilian Championship. Next Wednesday (25), the Alvinegro visits Cruzeiro at 8 PM at Mineirão, for the fourth round of the national competition.

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