João Pedro Tchoca shines as Corinthians clinch Paulista quarter-final spot with 1-0 win at São Bernardo | OneFootball

On Sunday night, Corinthians beat São Bernardo 1-0 at Estádio Primeiro de Maio to book a Paulista quarter-final place. Centre-back João Pedro Tchoca impressed in a clean sheet.

According to Meu Timao, starting again and playing all 90 minutes, the 22-year-old completed 84 of 86 passes, 98% accuracy, won all five duels, plus seven defensive actions and four tackles.

It was only his second outing since a proposed Torino loan fell through, despite clearing initial tests. Further assessments flagged a bone issue described as arthritis, and the Italian club withdrew. The player’s representatives criticised the process and suggested Corinthians take the matter to Fifa.

Tchoca has overcome significant setbacks. In 2019 he suffered knee cartilage damage that sidelined him for a year and four months, and in 2023 an ankle problem cost him a Brazil Under-20 call. Despite that, he has looked assured when called upon.

The aborted loan was set to be worth €1.5 million, about R$ 9.5 million, potentially rising to €7 million with a permanent move. He joined Corinthians in 2019 from Deportivo Brasil, spent 2024 on loan at Ceará, then returned to earn more minutes.

For the senior side he has 35 appearances, 28 starts, one goal and one assist, and featured in title-winning Paulista and Copa do Brasil campaigns in 2025, plus the Supercopa in 2026. He could add to those totals on Thursday 19 February at 19:30 when Corinthians visit Athletico Paranaense at Arena da Baixada in a rescheduled round two Brasileiro fixture.

Source: Meu Timao