Corinthians seek home win to avoid unwanted mark not seen since 2024 | OneFootball

Corinthians have an important decision ahead this Thursday (20). Timão will host Rosario Central of Argentina in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16, with two goals at stake: securing a place in the next round and celebrating a win again at Neo Química Arena.

The team led by Fernando Diniz heads into the match after a negative result in Itaquera. Last Sunday, Corinthians lost 2-1 to Cruzeiro in the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship. Gustavo Henrique scored for the home side, while Bruno Rodrigues and Wanderson found the net for the team from Minas Gerais.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca / Ag. Corinthians

A new defeat against Rosario Central would have even heavier consequences. In addition to knocking Corinthians out of the Libertadores, the result would give the club its longest run of consecutive home defeats in more than two years.

The last time Timão lost two straight matches at Neo Química Arena was between late January and early February 2024. During that stretch, Corinthians were beaten by São Paulo and Novorizontino, both in the Campeonato Paulista, by scores of 2-1 and 3-1, respectively.

A draw would also not be enough to end the uncomfortable spell at home. Since the first match against Rosario Central ended 0-0, another draw would send the tie to penalties. At the same time, Corinthians would once again go through a four-month stretch without a win at their stadium.

The last run like that came between March and April 2026. On that occasion, Timão drew with Flamengo and Palmeiras, in addition to losing to Coritiba and Internacional. The 1-0 defeat to Colorado carried even more weight behind the scenes and ended up contributing to the departure of coach Dorival Júnior.

To advance without depending on penalties, Corinthians will also have to overcome a not very favorable record against Argentine clubs at home. Since the opening of Neo Química Arena in 2014, there have been 13 matches against teams from the neighboring country in continental competitions. The record in those meetings is balanced, but without much of an advantage for the black-and-whites: four wins, five draws, and four losses, for a total of 43.59% of the points contested.

The scenario for this Thursday, however, is simple. After the goalless draw at the Gigante de Arroyito, a win by any scoreline will send Corinthians into the Libertadores quarterfinals. Their opponent in the next round has already been decided: Estudiantes, also from Argentina.

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