Corinthians’ reserves disappoint, draw in BH a lucky escape

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·26 February 2026

Corinthians’ reserves disappoint, draw in BH a lucky escape

The Corinthians took an alternative team to the Mineirão and managed a 1-1 draw with Cruzeiro last Wednesday, in the Brazilian Championship. The result achieved by the team in Belo Horizonte was better than their performance.

The decision to rest players due to high physical strain is more than fair. However, the football displayed by the mixed team left much to be desired.

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The Timão had enormous difficulties in neutralizing Cruzeiro and conceded a goal just eight minutes in. The team did not react and allowed more chances that were wasted by the Raposa.

With Dorival's changes, Corinthians slightly improved in the second half, but still couldn't do enough to equalize the match and rarely reached the attack. Until, at 34 minutes, William made a silly foul and was sent off for receiving a second yellow card.

The sending off gave a little "push" to Dorival Júnior's team, which equalized shortly after with a header from João Pedro Tchoca. The team even had space to turn the game around, but the truth is that Corinthians came out ahead with the point they earned for what they (didn't) do at Mineirão.

The result nonetheless keeps the Timão confident for the semifinal of the Paulista Championship. The team has only one loss in the last eight games. This Saturday, they face Novorizontino away for a spot in the grand final of the State Championship.

Standings Situation

The draw made Corinthians jump two positions in the Brasileirão standings, reaching third place with seven points. So far, Timão has two wins, one draw, and two losses in the tournament.