Corinthians midfielder eyes final Libertadores group-stage clash | OneFootball

On the afternoon of this Tuesday (26), Corinthians wrapped up its preparations for its next fixture of the 2026 season. That is because on Wednesday night (27), at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), Alvinegro will host Platense-ARG in the sixth and final round of the Conmebol Libertadores group stage. Timão, with 11 points, has already secured first place in Group E and is still chasing the best overall record in this stage of the tournament.

The Corinthians squad began the training day with a tactical instruction video in the Flexform Briefing Room, covering aspects of the opponent as well, in addition to an activation session in the gym. Later, the players carried out two tactical exercises under the command of coach Fernando Diniz. Finally, set-piece plays were also practiced.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

After training ended, defensive midfielder Allan, on loan from Flamengo to Corinthians until the end of this season, gave an interview to the club’s official channel and spoke about his expectations for the match. Since arriving at Alvinegro, the midfielder has made 20 appearances, with nine wins, six draws, and five losses, battling Raniele for a starting spot as the team’s primary holding midfielder.

“We know how important this game is for the overall standings. We want to bring all the decisive matches home with the support of our fans. That will be very important for us to reach the final and, who knows, win the title. The coach highlighted the opponent’s strengths and vulnerabilities. The preparation was the best possible. Now it’s time to put it into practice. We’re ready,” he said.

Corinthians is aiming to win the Libertadores for the first time since 2012, the year of its only title in the international tournament so far. Since then, its best run in the continental competition came in 2022, when it was eliminated by Flamengo in the quarterfinals. In 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2018, meanwhile, it was knocked out in the Round of 16. In 2020 and 2025, it fell in the preliminary stage.

It is worth remembering that securing the best overall record would be crucial for Corinthians, as it would allow the team to play all of its knockout-stage second legs at Neo Química Arena through the semifinals. The final, meanwhile, is held at a neutral venue and played as a single match.

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