Five reasons Corinthians can reach the Libertadores semi-finals | OneFootball

Corinthians host Estudiantes on Wednesday at 21:30 Brasília time for a place in the Conmebol Libertadores semi-finals. After a 1-1 draw in Argentina, any win in São Paulo would take Timão through to the last four in 2026.

According to Globo.com, Fernando Diniz kept his regulars fresh at the weekend, with only goalkeeper Hugo Souza featuring against Flamengo, and some starters did not even travel to Rio de Janeiro.

Diniz has settled on Hugo Souza in goal, a back four of Matheuzinho, Gabriel Paulista, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bidu, a midfield of Allan, André Carrillo, Breno Bidon and Rodrigo Garro, and a front pairing of Kaio César and Memphis Depay. Midfielder André has recovered from a muscle injury, will be on the bench and could feature if required. Yuri Alberto remains sidelined.

The coach is yet to lose a Libertadores knockout match, with 10 games yielding six wins and four draws. This season he set the competition’s longest unbeaten run at 19 matches, 12 wins and seven draws, a streak ended by Platense at Neo Química Arena in the final group fixture.

To boost the atmosphere, the club obtained a licence for 1,537 extra seats in the south stand. Capacity rises to 50,582, although 49,984 tickets are on sale due to segregation, and a sell-out is anticipated.

History also helps. Corinthians have progressed in seven of eight Libertadores ties when drawing the first leg away, including Emelec, Vasco and Boca Juniors in the 2012 title run. The exception was Nacional in 2016 under the old away-goals rule, now scrapped by Conmebol.

Despite five straight league defeats, a reserve XI impressed at the Maracanã with industry and togetherness. Diniz believes defensive solidarity is essential to turn performances into results over time.

Source: Globo.com

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