Corinthians need win over Pato to seal LNF play-off spot | OneFootball

Corinthians need a win over Pato at 20:00 on Saturday to clinch an LNF play-off berth without relying on others. They have steadied after a shaky season.

According to Meu Timao, the 16-team league sends the top four to the quarter-finals, with 5th to 12th contesting two-leg play-offs, 5th v 12th, 6th v 11th, and so on. If ties are level after two legs and extra time, the better regular-season record prevails.

Corinthians are 11th on 13 points, four behind 10th-placed Umuarama, already through and out of reach. The final two play-off spots are contested by Minas in 12th with 12 points, Tubarão in 13th with 12, plus Marreco and São José on 9.

All games are simultaneous. While Corinthians host Pato, Minas face leaders Joinville and Tubarão meet Carlos Barbosa, who are still pushing for home advantage. Marreco play São José, a match that could settle the second relegated club alongside Santo André or determine a last play-off berth.

Victory sends Corinthians through. If they stay 11th they would meet the current 6th, Jaraguá, for a quarter-final place, a repeat of the 2025 final won by the Santa Catarina side.

A draw would require Minas or Tubarão not to win, and defeat leaves the same reliance on rivals. Corinthians currently lead every LNF tiebreak against the other clubs chasing the final berths.

Form is improving, with five matches unbeaten across the Paulista and the LNF. So far they have three wins, four draws and seven defeats from 14 games.

Source: Meu Timao

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”