Vitinho on chances: explains Corinthians goal, downplays starting hopes

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Central do Timão

·1 December 2025

Vitinho on chances: explains Corinthians goal, downplays starting hopes

By Vinícios Cotrim | Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians couldn't defeat Botafogo at the Neo Química Arena, managing a draw after conceding a comeback. The highlight of this second goal was Vitinho, who came on in the second half and set up the play for Gustavo Henrique's goal. In the mixed zone, he talked about the playing time he received and explained the play.

“Throughout my career, I've always tried to be ready for opportunities. Of course, everyone wants to always be playing. I think when we're young, we tend to get a bit frustrated when we want to play and end up not starting the game. But that's not my reality,” the forward began.

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Photo: TV Central do Timão

“I've been playing for a long time to understand this and I know that God prepares these opportunities this way, so we can always be prepared and ready. Thank God, today was a day that worked out and I was able to help the team not leave defeated. I'm very happy with my individual performance, for the play working out and us managing to score a goal,” he added.

Corinthians opened the scoring early in the game, after a mistake in Botafogo's ball exit. Despite the good performance in the first half, Timão didn't extend the lead and saw the opponent turn the match around in the final stage. With Vitinho's play, the draw happened and ignited the game in the final minutes.

“So, everything happens very quickly. We end up getting used to creating some patterns within the game. A play there where I went to the end line and the first option is to play the ball in front of the defenders, as they were closed, it's to roll the ball back and Gustavo was also very smart in his movement and appeared where he needed to be and I just placed the ball. In this play, we end up having to do our part and hope that our teammate does the rest,” he explained.

Vitinho also commented on whether the play might influence a possible starting position in the Copa do Brasil. “No, I don't see it like that. We do have wingers, there's Dieguinho, there's Talles. So I think it was an opportunity, this is one of the plays I have as characteristics and I managed to execute it well in the game. Of course, we need to not only live off this, but when needed, have it. So it's about working to be ready and when the opportunity comes, make it happen“

Before the decisive matches against Cruzeiro, Corinthians still has two rounds to play in the final stretch of the Brasileirão. The team led by Dorival Júnior focuses on the next one, which takes place against Fortaleza, at Arena Castelão, this Wednesday (3), at 7 pm (Brasília time).

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