Corinthians trio feature in Libertadores team of the week | OneFootball

Corinthians’ performance in the 1-1 draw with Estudiantes in Argentina earned individual recognition for three players from the black-and-white squad. Hugo Souza, Rodrigo Garro, and Kaio César were chosen by Conmebol to be part of the Copa Libertadores Team of the Week, released after the first-leg quarterfinal matches.

All three played an important role in the result achieved last Wednesday (9) at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium in La Plata. While Hugo Souza was crucial in preventing the Argentinians from building a bigger lead, Garro and Kaio César combined for the goal that kept the tie open for the return leg at Neo Química Arena.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca / Corinthians Agency

Corinthians also shared with Fluminense the spot as the club with the most representatives among the 11 selected, with three players each. Palmeiras and Flamengo had two names each, while Estudiantes completed the lineup with one player.

Hugo Souza withstands Argentine pressure

Even after conceding in the opening minutes, Hugo Souza delivered an important performance throughout the match. The goalkeeper made saves that kept Corinthians alive in the game, including one in the closing minutes.

The recognition comes in a special week for the number 1. Hours before taking the field in the Libertadores, Hugo was called up by Carlo Ancelotti to represent the Brazilian National Team in the upcoming friendlies.

The goalkeeper was not the only Corinthians player called up. Matheuzinho and Breno Bidon also appeared on the national team list, giving Timão three representatives among those selected.

Garro and Kaio César build the draw

If Hugo played an important defensive role, Rodrigo Garro and Kaio César were the main men in attack. Early in the second half, the Argentine found space in Estudiantes’ defense and played the ball through to number 37, who got in behind the marking and finished past Fernando Muslera to level the score.

The assist extended an important milestone for Garro in the competition. The number 8 reached five assists in the 2026 Libertadores and took sole possession of the lead in that category in this edition.

Kaio César, meanwhile, ended a run of 12 matches without scoring. After the match, the forward admitted he had been putting pressure on himself over the lack of goals and highlighted his relief at finding the net again in such a decisive stage of the continental tournament.

The decision will take place at Neo Química Arena

After the 1-1 draw in La Plata, Corinthians and Estudiantes will meet again next Wednesday (16), at 9:30 p.m., at Neo Química Arena, in the match that will decide one of the Libertadores semifinalists.

The scenario is simple for Timão: a win by any scoreline guarantees qualification. If the match ends in another draw, the place will be decided in a penalty shootout.

Before turning full attention to the continental decider, Corinthians have a Brazilian Championship commitment. This Sunday (13), at 5:30 p.m. Brasília time, Fernando Diniz’s team visit Flamengo at the Maracanã for the 27th round of the national competition.

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