Corinthians share Women's Libertadores triumph behind the scenes

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Central do Timão

·23 October 2025

Corinthians share Women's Libertadores triumph behind the scenes

By Vinícios Cotrim | Central do Timão Editorial Team

For the sixth time in history, Corinthians were crowned champions of the Women's Libertadores, in a dramatic match with the title decided by the final penalty kick. Last Wednesday, the 22nd, the club released behind-the-scenes footage of the victory, starting with pre-game statements from three standouts of the tournament: Lucas Piccinato, Gabi Zanotti, and Nicole.

The coach was the first to speak. “A journey with a few extra challenges, in terms of very competitive opponents in the group stage; a group we thought would be very strong and, when faced here, turned out to be even stronger than we expected. We didn’t start the tournament well. We began with a bitter draw against Independiente del Valle, in a match where we couldn’t be efficient. But we showed a lot of composure to chase this title from the second game onward.”, said the coach.

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“We played two great knockout matches (against Boca Juniors from Argentina and Ferroviária), a rout against a local team, and another match against a Brazilian team, knowing how difficult that is.”, he added.

Photo: Reproduction/Corinthians TV

Gabi Zanotti was the top scorer for Corinthians and the tournament, highlighting the value of experience on the team. “The word that defines our journey in this Libertadores is ambition, because, without a doubt, this is the most special edition for Corinthians, since it guarantees a spot in the Club World Cup, and that has always been our mission since 2018, when we set some goals.”, emphasized the number 10.

Even with a positive record in penalty shootouts, Nicole didn’t need to make any saves during the match, but before the decision she spoke about the difficulty of the competition and the internal pressure within the squad.

“For me, the hardest game is always the debut. I think we feel the pitch, the weather, the opponents a bit. We’re in that initial adaptation phase to the competition. I think it’s always a tough game. This year was tough, last year was tough, but I think, with a lot of pressure and willpower from the girls, we didn’t let that shake us. That desire to keep winning made all the difference.”, emphasized the goalkeeper.

Photo: Staff Images Woman/Conmebol

The players arrived at the stadium in high spirits, singing songs from the black-and-white supporters. In the locker room, the atmosphere was relaxed, even with the focus that was soon demanded by Lucas Piccinato in his pre-match talk.

“Are you anxious? Me too! The moment we lose, that’s f***ed. It’s a good kind of anxiety! […] Reflect on everything we’ve already talked about in the competition, to close out this last match; everything we’ve already built with each one’s individual career here; everything we’ve been through to live moments like today. Each one of you has a beautiful f***ing story.”, began the coach.

“We have a lot of haters, a lot of people who hate us, and it’s a fact: the more we grow in the sport, the more we grow as players, the more people will want to be against us. But look at how many people love us, and it’s for them that we’re going to play today. It’s for the people we love, it’s for the people who were with us in our worst moments of the season. It’s for them, for the 30 million Corinthians fans cheering for us back in Brazil. That has to be the mentality!”, he added.

Next, he praised the unity of the squad this season in pursuit of all possible titles. “In Santana de Parnaíba (against São Paulo, in the Copa do Brasil), we formed a circle, and I said: ‘If we stick together, we’re going to win the Libertadores.’ And, in the last game, it proved that we are together. We left the field holding each other’s hands. When Jaque missed the penalty (against Ferroviária), everyone went there and gave her a hand, because we knew the next one would score. And that’s the spirit that will make us leave here as champions. If one makes a mistake, the other will fix it. Everyone running for everyone.”

Photo: Reproduction/Corinthians TV

Corinthians converted all their penalties, with Gabi Zanotti, Vic Albuquerque, Thais Ferreira, Mariza, and Jhonson, in that order. Deportivo Cali missed one of their kicks, hitting the crossbar, after pressure from goalkeeper Nicole on the opposing player.

Decisive throughout the championship, Gabi Zanotti was hailed as the best player of the tournament, winning the Queen of America award for the second consecutive time. Fan Valter Berg, who passionately follows the women’s team, praised the number 10.

“She deserves to be Queen of America again, she’ll be the top scorer, and we’re amazed by her. At 40 years old, running so much in the game against Boca, I said: ‘Calm down, Zanotti, you won’t make it.’ And it didn’t matter, she was everywhere on the field. It’s incredible, but she takes care of herself too, right? She really deserves it, she’s a lovely person and plays so much!”, said Valter Berg.

Check out the full behind-the-scenes footage:

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