Corinthians draw with Estudiantes, extend historic Argentina KO drought | OneFootball

Corinthians will have to wait for another chance to end a long-standing taboo on Argentine soil. On Wednesday night (9), Timão drew 1-1 with Estudiantes at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium in La Plata, in the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores quarterfinals, reaching their 17th knockout-stage match played in Argentina without managing a win.

Before kickoff, Alvinegro had accumulated five draws and 11 defeats in this stretch. With the draw against Estudiantes, the record now stands at six draws and 11 defeats, along with 14 goals scored and 28 conceded, considering the 51 points that were up for grabs in those 17 matches.

Photos: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Despite not ending the streak, the result earned in La Plata kept Corinthians on level terms in the fight for qualification. The place in the next round will be decided next Wednesday (16) at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena.

Kaio César prevents another defeat in Argentina

Estudiantes opened the scoring early in the first half and once again put Corinthians in a disadvantageous position as visitors on Argentine soil. The black-and-white response came after the break.

Just in the opening minutes of the second half, Kaio César scored the equalizer and set the 1-1 final score in La Plata. The striker also ended a run of three consecutive knockout matches for Corinthians in Argentina without finding the net.

Before this Wednesday’s goal, Corinthians’ last goal in this stretch had also come against Estudiantes. In the 2023 Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals, the Argentine club beat Timão 1-0 in regular time after having lost by the same score in Itaquera. On that occasion, Corinthians advanced on penalties.

Since then, Alvinegro had gone scoreless against Racing in the 2024 Sudamericana and Rosario Central in the current edition of the Libertadores.

Draws have dominated the most recent meetings

Although the first win still has not come, Corinthians have managed to avoid defeat in a good share of their most recent visits to Argentina in knockout ties.

In the last six matches in this stretch, Timão have lost twice and drawn four. The draws came against Boca Juniors in 2022, Newell’s Old Boys in 2023, Rosario Central in 2026, and now Estudiantes. The defeats came precisely against the La Plata club in 2023 and Racing in 2024.

The most recent result also repeated a situation experienced in the round of 16 of the current Libertadores. At that stage, Corinthians visited Rosario Central and drew 0-0 at Gigante de Arroyito. They then won 1-0 at Neo Química Arena and advanced to the quarterfinals.

Now, the team led by Fernando Diniz will once again try to turn a draw earned in Argentina into qualification at home.

See Corinthians’ record in knockout ties in Argentina

The updated history therefore shows 17 matches, six draws, and 11 defeats, with 14 goals scored and 28 conceded. Corinthians still do not know what it is like to win a knockout match away from home against an Argentine team.

Overall Libertadores record is also updated

This Wednesday’s draw also changed Corinthians’ overall numbers against Argentine clubs in the Libertadores. Before the meeting with Estudiantes, there had been 26 matches, with seven wins, nine draws, and ten defeats.

Now, the record stands at 27 matches, seven wins, ten draws, and ten defeats, equivalent to a success rate of approximately 38.3% of the points contested.

The 2026 campaign marks the sixth time Corinthians have reached the quarterfinals of South America’s top club competition. The club had also reached this stage in 1996, 1999, 2000, 2012, and 2022. In the previous five appearances, they advanced twice and were eliminated three times.

The main chapter came in 2012. That season, Corinthians eliminated Vasco in the quarterfinals and went on to win their first Libertadores title unbeaten.

The taboo remains, but qualification will be decided in Itaquera

If the historic first win in Argentina did not come, the draw leaves the tie completely open for Neo Química Arena. Corinthians and Estudiantes will face each other again next Wednesday (16) at 9:30 p.m.

A win by any scoreline sends Timão to the semifinals. If there is another draw, regardless of the number of goals, the place will be decided on penalties.

Before the continental decider, Corinthians turn their attention back to the Brazilian Championship. On Sunday (13), at 4 p.m., Fernando Diniz’s team visit Flamengo at the Maracanã for the 27th round. Alvinegro currently sit in 12th place with 32 points, from eight wins, eight draws, and ten defeats.

So, the taboo on Argentine soil will last at least one more season. Corinthians failed to secure the long-awaited first win in a knockout tie in the country, but left La Plata with the chance to decide, in front of the Fiel, whether their Libertadores journey will continue.

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