Matheuzinho backs Corinthians prep for Santos, eyes Brasileirão upturn | OneFootball

Corinthians wrapped up their preparations on Saturday afternoon for the clash against Santos. The derby will be played this Sunday at 4 p.m. at Neo Química Arena, for the 25th round of the Brazilian Championship. After going the week without official matches, the squad had more time to work before the game. Matheuzinho highlighted the importance of the training period, especially given Timão’s need to get back to winning ways in the competition.

“It was a very good week, in which, unfortunately, we didn’t get a good result in the last match. But we know how important this derby is for us, for our run and for the rest of the season as well,” he said in an interview with Corinthians TV after training at the club’s training center.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Corinthians are trying to end a run of two straight setbacks in the Brasileirão. The team’s last victory came on August 9, when Timão beat Red Bull Bragantino 2-0.

Since that result, the club from Parque São Jorge has played twice and lost both matches. The defeats came against Cruzeiro and Coritiba, both by a 2-1 scoreline. The negative run caused the team to drop places in the standings. Corinthians currently sit 10th with 32 points, while Santos are in 14th place with 26.

A win in the derby could move Timão up as many as two places in the table. For that to happen, besides beating their rivals, the team will also depend on the other results of the round involving Atlético-MG and Coritiba. Aware of the importance of the match for the team’s recovery in the league, Matheuzinho emphasized the value of the three points and called on the Corinthians fans to support the team at Neo Química Arena.

“We know these three points are also very important for the Brazilian Championship. So we are well prepared. It will be a great game, and I hope the Fiel, as always, will be there at the Arena to support us so that we can get the win,” added the full-back.

Besides looking to bounce back in the Brazilian Championship, Corinthians are also trying to secure their first win over Santos this season. The two rivals have already faced each other twice in 2026, and both derbies ended in 1-1 draws. The first meeting took place in January in the Campeonato Paulista, while the second was played in March in the Brasileirão. On both occasions, the match was held at Vila Belmiro.

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