Corinthians lead South America in defence under Fernando Diniz | OneFootball

Corinthians have posted standout defensive numbers since Fernando Diniz took charge of the team in early April. In 24 matches played under the coach, Timão finished 13 games without conceding a goal, a figure that puts the club at the top in this category among South American teams in the period. The data comes from SofaScore.

The defensive success rate represents 54.1% of the matches played since the coach’s arrival. Independiente del Valle of Ecuador also reached 13 clean sheets in the same span, but needed 26 games to hit the mark, two more than Corinthians.

Photos: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Defensive solidity was present from Fernando Diniz’s very first matches at Parque São Jorge. The coach began his spell at the club with a run of seven straight matches without conceding. The streak started in a 2-0 win over Platense in the Libertadores on April 9 and only ended on May 3, when Corinthians were beaten 2-1 by Mirassol in the Brazilian Championship.

Since then, the performances have fluctuated, but the defensive system has continued to rack up clean sheets. In total, Timão have conceded 17 goals in 24 matches under Diniz, an average of approximately 0.7 goals per game.

The numbers also represent an improvement compared to the earlier part of the season. Dorival Júnior, Fernando Diniz’s predecessor, managed Corinthians in 21 matches and finished eight of them without conceding, equivalent to 38.1% of the games. During his stint, the team conceded 19 times.

Recent run reinforces defensive numbers

Corinthians have once again shown defensive consistency in their most recent matches. In three of their last five games, the team left the field without conceding. Timão drew 0-0 with Athletico-PR, beat Red Bull Bragantino 2-0 and, most recently, held Rosario Central to another scoreless draw in Argentina.

The latest result came on Thursday (13) at Estádio Gigante de Arroyito in the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores round of 16. Even playing away from home and going down to 10 men during the match, Corinthians managed to keep the Argentinians off the scoresheet and took the fight for qualification back to São Paulo.

In addition to the defensive numbers, Fernando Diniz’s time in charge has also been marked by the team’s recovery in the Brazilian Championship and its Libertadores group-stage campaign. Corinthians finished top of Group E and secured their place in the round of 16 ahead of time.

Libertadores decider

Now, Timão are looking to turn that defensive consistency into qualification for the quarterfinals of the continental tournament. Corinthians and Rosario Central will face each other again next Thursday (20) at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time at Neo Química Arena.

As the first leg ended 0-0, whoever wins in Itaquera will advance directly to the quarterfinals. If there is another draw, regardless of the score, the place will be decided in a penalty shootout.

Before the continental decider, however, Corinthians have a Brazilian Championship fixture. This Sunday (16), Fernando Diniz’s side host Cruzeiro at 7:30 p.m. at Neo Química Arena in the 23rd round of the national competition.

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