Dorival Júnior eyes perfect run as Corinthians reach Paulista semis

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Central do Timão

·28 February 2026

Dorival Júnior eyes perfect run as Corinthians reach Paulista semis

By Mirella Ramos / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians takes the field this Saturday night (28th) at 8:30 PM (Brasília time) against Grêmio Novorizontino at Estádio Doutor Jorge Ismael de Biasi for the semifinals of the Campeonato Paulista. The match represents another knockout challenge under the command of Dorival Júnior, who has maintained a positive record in such contests since taking charge of the team.

So far, the coach has led Timão in 12 knockout matches, accumulating nine wins, two draws, and only one loss, resulting in an 80.56% success rate. During this period, Corinthians scored 15 goals and conceded four, maintaining an average of less than one goal conceded every three matches.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Besides the numbers, the noteworthy statistic is the success rate in advancing: in all knockout competitions under the current coaching staff, the club has progressed to the next stage.

The streak began in the 2025 Copa do Brasil, a tournament in which Corinthians overcame Novorizontino, Palmeiras, and Athletico-PR in the initial stages. Later, they surpassed Cruzeiro and Vasco da Gama, a campaign that ended with the national title victory.

In 2026, the performance in decisive matches was maintained. Timão defeated Flamengo 2-0 in the Supercopa do Brasil final, held at Estádio Mané Garrincha. In the Campeonato Paulista, they secured a spot in the semifinals after a draw against Portuguesa at Canindé and a victory in the penalty shootout.

Against Novorizontino, Dorival aims to maintain the positive rate and lead Corinthians to another state final. If they advance, they will face São Paulo or Palmeiras in the final.

Corinthians' Knockout Matches with Dorival Júnior

Campeonato Paulista 2026

Semifinal: Novorizontino vs. Corinthians – Estádio Jorge Ismael de Biasi – 28/02/2026
Quarterfinals: Portuguesa 1 x 1 Corinthians – Canindé (advanced on penalties) – 22/02/2026

Supercopa do Brasil 2026

Final: Corinthians 2 x 0 Flamengo – Mané Garrincha – 01/02/2026

Copa do Brasil 2025

Final – Second Leg: Vasco 1 x 2 Corinthians – Maracanã – 21/12/2025
Final – First Leg: Corinthians 0 x 0 Vasco – Neo Química Arena – 17/12/2025
Semifinal – Second Leg: Corinthians 1 x 2 Cruzeiro – Neo Química Arena – 14/12/2025
Semifinal – First Leg: Cruzeiro 0 x 1 Corinthians – Mineirão – 10/12/2025
Quarterfinals – Second Leg: Corinthians 2 x 0 Athletico-PR – Neo Química Arena – 10/09/2025
Quarterfinals – First Leg: Athletico-PR 0 x 1 Corinthians – Arena da Baixada – 27/08/2025
Round of 16 – Second Leg: Palmeiras 0 x 2 Corinthians – Allianz Parque – 06/08/2025
Round of 16 – First Leg: Corinthians 1 x 0 Palmeiras – Neo Química Arena – 30/07/2025
Third Round – Second Leg: Corinthians 1 x 0 Novorizontino – Neo Química Arena – 21/05/2025
Third Round – First Leg: Novorizontino 0 x 1 Corinthians – Estádio Jorge Ismael de Biasi – 30/04/2025