Memphis' knockout record boosts Corinthians hope before Libertadores tie | OneFootball

Corinthians begin another knockout tie this season on Wednesday (9). At 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), the Alvinegro visit Estudiantes in La Plata for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. Amid a rough spell in the Brazilian Championship, with four straight defeats, Memphis Depay’s track record in knockout matches has emerged as one of the reasons for confidence ahead of the continental clash.

Since arriving at Parque São Jorge in September 2024, the Dutchman has played in 15 knockout ties for Timão. In 12 of them, the club advanced or finished as champions, which represents an 80% success rate in knockout matches with the No. 10 on the pitch.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Memphis’ individual performance also stands out when compared with his overall numbers at Corinthians. In 23 knockout matches, the forward has recorded four goals and nine assists, totaling 13 direct goal contributions.

Memphis increases his attacking impact in decisive matches

Considering all competitions since his arrival in Brazil, Memphis has registered 20 goals and 16 assists in 83 matches for Corinthians. That is 36 direct goal contributions, a figure equivalent to 43.3% of the matches he has played.

The rate rises when only knockout matches are considered. With four goals and nine assists in 23 games, the Dutchman has been directly involved in 13 goals, the equivalent of 56.5% of the matches in this sample.

In other situations, such as league rounds and qualifying or group stages, the proportion drops. He has 16 goals and seven assists in 60 matches, totaling 23 direct contributions, a rate of 38.3%.

The numbers help show a trait the No. 10 has built since arriving at Parque São Jorge: his attacking presence grows precisely in matches where Corinthians are fighting directly for survival or a title.

No. 10 has already delivered in different competitions

Memphis’ first season with Corinthians already featured important contributions in knockout clashes. In the 2024 Copa Sudamericana, the forward provided an assist in the 3-0 win over Fortaleza in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinal against Argentina’s Racing, he contributed again. Memphis recorded an assist in the 2-2 draw in Brazil and another in the 2-1 defeat in Argentina.

His leading role continued in 2025. In the preliminary stage of the Libertadores, he provided assists in both matches against Venezuela’s Universidad Central. After that, he played a direct role in the campaign that ended with the Campeonato Paulista title.

In the state championship quarterfinals, he scored and provided an assist in the 2-0 win over Mirassol. In the semifinal, he was involved in one of the goals in the 2-1 victory over Santos. In the final against Palmeiras, he set up Corinthians’ 1-0 win in the first leg.

The 2025 Copa do Brasil also featured key goals from the Dutchman. Memphis found the net against Palmeiras in the round of 16, against Cruzeiro in the semifinal, and against Vasco da Gama in the final.

Memphis assist helped put Corinthians into the quarterfinals

In 2026, the No. 10’s most recent knockout contribution came in the Libertadores. After drawing 0-0 with Rosario Central in the first leg of the round of 16 in Argentina, Corinthians hosted their opponent at Neo Química Arena needing a win to avoid a penalty shootout.

Memphis stepped up at the decisive moment. The Dutchman assisted Breno Bidon for the 1-0 winner, a result that confirmed Corinthians’ qualification and sent the team into the quarterfinals.

The contribution becomes even more relevant given the striker’s recent form. Memphis has played four matches since renewing his contract, but has not yet managed to reproduce the same attacking influence he had during other periods of his time at the club.

See Memphis’ goal contributions in knockout matches for Corinthians

Overall, Memphis has four goals and nine assists in 23 knockout matches since joining Timão. The 13 direct contributions came in the following games:

2024

2025

2026

Corinthians also have a strong record with Memphis

The individual numbers are matched by the team’s performances. Since the forward arrived, Corinthians have played 15 knockout ties with Memphis on the pitch and advanced or won the title on 12 occasions.

The 80% success rate in knockout rounds helps explain the confidence surrounding the No. 10 ahead of another decisive match. Even while going through a period of lower individual output, the Dutchman has already shown he can step up in games that define Corinthians’ future in competitions.

The next opportunity will be against Estudiantes. The first quarterfinal match takes place this Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. in La Plata. The semifinal spot will be decided on September 16, at the same time, at Neo Química Arena.

In contrast to their negative run in the Brazilian Championship, Timão are once again trying to find answers in knockout matches this season. And Memphis, with 13 direct goal contributions in 23 knockout matches, appears as one of the main pieces for Corinthians to keep their continental title hopes alive.

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