Corinthians ready, keeper eyes Libertadores last-16 second leg | OneFootball

On the afternoon of this Wednesday (19), at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava, Corinthians wrapped up preparations for their next match of the 2026 season. Throughout the evening this Thursday (20), at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), the Alvinegro will host Rosario Central-ARG at Neo Química Arena for the second leg of the Conmebol Libertadores Round of 16. In the first match, a week ago, the sides drew 0-0 in Argentina. If there is another draw, the team advancing will be decided on penalties.

The Corinthians squad began the day in the Flexform briefing room, where the coaching staff showed videos with tactical instructions. Later, after a gym activation session followed by a warm-up on the pitch, head coach Fernando Diniz led two tactical drills. Finally, set-piece plays and penalty kicks were practiced.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

For Thursday night’s match, Corinthians have one player at risk of suspension and seven absences. The main piece of news is striker Memphis Depay, who returns to the squad selected by Fernando Diniz after agreeing to a contract extension with Timão through July 2028. After training ended, goalkeeper Hugo Souza spoke to Corinthians TV, the club’s official YouTube channel, and praised the squad’s preparation for the match, highlighting the dream of staying alive in the international tournament and, consequently, winning it.

“Our preparation was very good, and we know exactly what we have to do. It’s our most important game so far. We’re approaching it in the best way possible. We’re very excited and, God willing, we’ll get this qualification in front of our fans, to bring them joy and keep this dream alive within us. It’s everyone’s dream, and we’ll fight for it until the end,” he began.

He then emphasized the quality of the opposing team, while also noting the instructions given by Fernando Diniz. The No. 1 said it will be crucial for Corinthians to exploit the Argentine side’s weaknesses in order to secure a place in the quarterfinals. In the matchup, the club from Parque São Jorge will look to level the historical record between the two sides.

“It’s an opponent whose strengths and weaknesses we already know. We’ll have to know how to defend against what they do best. Coach Diniz has already made everything very clear to us. We’ll also have to know how to exploit their weak points so we can put our best football into practice and get the qualification. Everything is very well prepared. We’re going there to do our best. We believe in that a lot. By doing our best, we’ll be closer to qualifying,” he said.

Corinthians reached the Round of 16 after finishing the group stage as leaders of Group E with 11 points — three wins, two draws, and one defeat — scoring eight goals and conceding four. Rosario, on the other hand, finished second in Group H with 13 points.

After facing Rosario Central in Itaquera in the second leg of the Libertadores Round of 16, Corinthians will turn their focus back to the Brazilian Championship. Next Sunday (23), at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time), the Alvinegro will visit Coritiba at Couto Pereira Stadium for the 24th round of the national tournament. Timão currently sit ninth with 32 points — eight wins, eight draws, and seven losses — with 25 goals scored and 22 conceded.

The importance of qualification for the club’s finances

If they qualify, Timão, who have already amassed just over R$ 16 million in prize money in the tournament, could pocket another $1.7 million (R$ 9 million) and would face Argentina’s Estudiantes. The Alvinegro are chasing their second title in the competition after their historic unbeaten triumph in 2012. Since then, the club from Parque São Jorge’s best campaign in the international competition came in 2022, when they were knocked out by Flamengo in the quarterfinals.

In 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2018, they were eliminated in the Round of 16. In 2020 and 2025, they were knocked out in the preliminary stage of the tournament. On the continental stage, Corinthians’ last title came in mid-2013. That year, Timão beat São Paulo 4-1 on aggregate in the Recopa Sudamericana final.

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