Kaio César relieved after scoring v Estudiantes for Corinthians | OneFootball

Corinthians drew 1-1 with Estudiantes on Wednesday night (9) at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium in La Plata in the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores quarterfinals. Scorer of the black-and-white side’s goal, Kaio César spoke after the match about the importance of finding the net again, the confidence gained from the goal, and his preparation for the rest of the season.

The forward scored early in the second half and secured Timão’s draw on Argentine soil. In the mixed zone, Kaio did not hide his satisfaction with the moment and said he had been feeling the need to contribute with goals again.

Photos: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

“It’s a reason for great happiness. First of all, I thank God. Only God and I knew how much I needed this goal. I had been going through a tough moment, with chances I needed to finish, and to score at such an important stage of the Libertadores. I had gone a long time without scoring here in Argentina, so I was able to be happy. Very grateful to God, but I have to stay focused, because we have a very difficult second leg.”

Kaio explains his finishing decision

In addition to the weight of the goal for the result, Kaio César detailed how he noticed the opposing goalkeeper’s positioning before finishing. The forward said he saw the space left open in one corner and made his decision as the play developed.

“I saw that Muslera closed off the far corner really well, and I saw that he left a gap in the open corner. So when he moved, I was able to see the opening there and I was happy to score the goal.”

The goal also ended a period of personal pressure for the player. Asked about Corinthians’ attacking production and the need for the forwards to contribute more goals, Kaio acknowledged that he is working to improve his numbers.

“We put a lot of pressure on ourselves. I put a lot of pressure on myself to score more goals, because that not only helps me, it helps Corinthians, it helps the whole group. I work every day to improve in that area. As I’ve said in other interviews, I’m a forward for a huge club like Corinthians, so I need to improve when it comes to scoring goals. I got rid of the jinx today, and I hope many more are on the way.”

Goal brings relief to the forward

Kaio also admitted that going through a spell without scoring increased the pressure on his performances. For the forward, the goal against Estudiantes could bring him more calmness in future finishing chances.

“It definitely brings relief because, as I said, I had gone a while without scoring, and of course when you go a long time without scoring, you feel more pressure and it feels like things just won’t happen. And when you score, you relax more. I believe that in the next opportunities, I’ll be more confident to score more goals.”

The player also commented on his physical condition. Since arriving at Corinthians, Kaio has dealt with medical issues that at times prevented him from putting together a longer run. Now, the forward believes he is in better shape to remain available to the coaching staff.

“Yes, when I arrived, I struggled with injuries, but I’ve already had a very good run. So I believe the injuries won’t get in my way anymore. I’m feeling very good physically and I’m 100% ready to help Corinthians.”

Corinthians will have little recovery time before Flamengo

Before focusing exclusively on the Libertadores again, Corinthians will have another important commitment ahead. Next Sunday (13), at 4 p.m. (Brasília time), the team visits Flamengo at the Maracanã for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship.

The short gap between matches was also addressed by Kaio. The forward highlighted the intensity of the match played in Argentina, but said he is available if Fernando Diniz chooses to use him in Rio de Janeiro.

“Man, we played a very intense game here in Argentina, with little time to recover, but I believe everyone is in good shape and it will depend on what coach Diniz says. If he says we have to play, we’ll play, and we’re here to help Corinthians, regardless of the competition.”

In the Brasileirão, Timão currently sit in 12th place, with 32 points, earned through eight wins and eight draws, along with ten defeats. The team have scored 27 goals and conceded 27.

Semifinal spot will be decided in Itaquera

After the Brazilian Championship match, Corinthians will turn their attention to the Libertadores quarterfinal decider.

With the 1-1 draw in La Plata, neither team takes an advantage into the second meeting. A win by any scoreline sends Timão straight to the semifinals. In the event of another draw in regulation time, the spot will be decided on penalties.

Corinthians and Estudiantes will face each other again next Wednesday (16), at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Neo Química Arena. After scoring again and securing the draw in Argentina, Kaio César will have the chance to step into a leading role once more in the clash that will determine Corinthians’ continuation in the continental competition.

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