Gabriel Paulista: improvements, goal and hopes for Corinthians’ run

In partnership with

Central do Timão

·13 February 2026

Gabriel Paulista: improvements, goal and hopes for Corinthians’ run

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians defeated Red Bull Bragantino 2-0 last Thursday (13), at Neo Química Arena, in the third round of the Brazilian Championship. The score was opened by defender Gabriel Paulista, once again taking advantage of a set-piece play, just like in the Brazilian Super Cup against Flamengo.

In the mixed zone of the stadium after the victory over the Bragança Paulista team, the defender commented on the team's difficult start, detailed the corrections made throughout the match, and celebrated the second goal scored in the black and white jersey.

OneFootball Videos

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

“At the beginning, we had difficulties in ball distribution, but with a lot of personality, we tried to find some way through the middle, outside, along with the two full-backs (Matheuzinho and Bidu), which is where we were finding more space, and they had some dangerous plays. One that Hugo saved at the beginning of the game. But then we started to have more control of the game. Coach Dorival also corrected some details that were missing for us to get closer to their goal, and thank God, we managed to score from a set-piece, in which I scored another goal. I'm very happy about that, happy to be able to help my teammates. The main goal is to defend, but when the opportunity arises, we're ready to try to score a goal”, he began in an interview in the mixed zone.

In the first minutes, Bragantino pressed and posed a threat, requiring good interventions from Hugo Souza. Over time, however, Corinthians adjusted, balanced the actions, and built the result in the final stage, with goals from Gabriel Paulista and Matheus Bidu. Before that, there was still Hugo's penalty save from Isidro Pitta's shot.

The first goal came after a corner taken by Rodrigo Garro from the right. Free at the near post, Gabriel headed firmly into the net. The defender highlighted the specific work developed by the technical staff on set-pieces, led by assistants Pedro Sotero and Lucas Silvestre.

“It's a joint effort by the staff and the players. We try to focus a lot on this work, which can decide games, so along with Pedro (Sotero, assistant coach), Lucas (Silvestre, assistant coach) is also one of the guys who always insists on set-pieces. So, we're getting stronger and stronger. Gustavo Henrique has already been showing since last season that he's a player with a lot of offensive strength. So now I'm arriving and trying to adapt as quickly as possible to all of this, and I believe I'm managing to adapt and help Corinthians win”, he commented.

The script repeated itself in the final of the Brazilian Super Cup, against Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. In a rehearsed corner play, Matheuzinho crossed into the area, Gustavo Henrique deflected, and Gabriel finished for the goal in the 2-0 victory.

Signed at the beginning of the season, Gabriel gained space precisely in that decision, surpassing André Ramalho and forming a duo with Gustavo Henrique. The partnership has been established both in defensive solidity and offensive presence. The number 3 explained how the synergy between the two works.

“We hope to continue all of this. We know that in football you have to seize the moments, so we're living a very good moment. And yes, we talk a lot in training, day by day. I always try to adapt as quickly as possible to the defensive line that Dorival asks for, but they are two defenders with a lot of experience. Gustavo also has experience, I already have a consolidated career as well, I've been abroad for many years, but I'm managing to adapt as quickly as possible. So, I think that's it: adaptation is day by day, in training. We know we train little due to the many games, so we don't have that time. So, it's more about talking and trying to adjust some details, which sometimes we also make many mistakes during the game, but we try to make as few mistakes as possible to try to be better and continue to grow”, he explained.

Since the duo was consolidated, Corinthians defeated Flamengo and Bragantino but was defeated by Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras. In this period, the team conceded only one goal, precisely in the Derby.

Gabriel also commented on the performance of other defensive system teammates, such as Hugo Souza, Matheuzinho, and Matheus Bidu, and stated that all have the potential to receive opportunities in the Brazilian National Football Team, with a special mention to the goalkeeper.

“I believe so, that Bidu deserves an opportunity in the National Team. He has been doing well, especially last season. He grew a lot during the season, Corinthians went through some difficulties, but he managed to stay on track. But I think he deserves it, I think he really does. Before arriving here, I already followed Corinthians a lot and saw his evolution. So, I think he deserves it, as does Matheuzinho, who for me also deserves a great opportunity. Hugo has already had his opportunities and I believe he will go to the World Cup. So, I think that's it. He has to maintain this focus, continue growing with the Corinthians jersey, and surely an opportunity will arise for him”, he concluded.

Gabriel Paulista finished the match as the main highlight on the Sofascore app, specialized in statistics. He scored a goal, made 59 accurate passes out of 64 attempts (92% accuracy), won three duels out of three, made five clearances (game leader), three interceptions (game leader), and eight defensive actions (game leader), maintaining a rating of 8.4.

Corinthians will play again on Sunday at 8:30 PM against São Bernardo Futebol Clube, at Estádio Primeiro de Maio, in the last round of the initial phase of the Paulista Championship. To advance to the quarter-finals without depending on other results, Timão needs to win.

See more: