Corinthians' Libertadores exit draws over 47,000 to Neo Química Arena | OneFootball

The Fiel turned out in force at Neo Química Arena for the decisive match between Corinthians and Estudiantes on Wednesday night (16), in the quarterfinals of the Conmebol Libertadores. Despite Corinthians’ elimination, the match ended with the second-highest attendance recorded at the stadium in 2026 and ranked among the five biggest crowds since the Corinthians home was inaugurated.

In total, 47,026 paying fans watched Timão lose 1-0 to the Argentine side. The match also generated revenue of R$ 4,729,905.00, the highest among Corinthians’ five best-attended games in Itaquera this season.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

The figure was just 73 people short of the year’s record. On August 30, 47,099 paying fans were present at Neo Química Arena for the derby against Santos in the Brazilian Championship, which also ended in a 1-0 defeat for Corinthians.

Libertadores accounts for two of the year’s top three crowds

The continental campaign also appears in third place in the Arena’s attendance ranking in 2026. On August 20, Corinthians hosted Rosario Central in the Libertadores round of 16 and drew 46,552 paying fans. On that occasion, Timão beat the Argentines 1-0 and secured qualification for the quarterfinals.

Next come two matches against Palmeiras. The 0-0 draw in the Brazilian Championship in April brought in 46,263 paying fans, while the 1-0 defeat in the Paulista Championship in February drew 45,209.

The clash against Estudiantes also featured a change in the capacity available to Corinthians fans. For the decisive match, the club obtained specific authorization to sell a larger number of tickets in the South Stand, an area where the seats had been removed during the stoppage for the World Cup.

Crowd makes the Arena’s all-time top 5

Besides ranking second among the biggest attendances of 2026, the 47,026 paying fans put Corinthians vs. Estudiantes in fifth place among the highest attendances in Neo Química Arena history.

The record still belongs to the 2025 Paulista Championship final. On that occasion, 48,196 paying fans watched the 0-0 draw between Corinthians and Palmeiras that confirmed Timão’s state title.

Interestingly, the five biggest crowds in the stadium’s history were recorded between 2025 and 2026. Three of them came in matches against Santos, while Palmeiras and Estudiantes complete the list.

Big crowd ends in frustration

On the field, the fans’ mobilization did not end in qualification. After a 1-1 draw in Argentina, Corinthians lost the second leg 1-0 and exited the Libertadores with a 2-1 aggregate defeat.

Estudiantes scored in the 42nd minute of the second half through Alexis Castro. In stoppage time, Memphis Depay still had the chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but shot over the goal.

With their continental elimination, Corinthians now turn their attention to the Brazilian Championship. Their next match will be on Sunday (20) at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) against Fluminense, again at Neo Química Arena, in the 28th round. It will be Corinthians’ last match before the FIFA international break.

Check out Corinthians’ five biggest crowds at Neo Química Arena in 2026

The five biggest crowds in Neo Química Arena history

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