Corinthians look to end 39-year hoodoo to reach Copa do Brasil; here's why | OneFootball

Defeated by Internacional 2-0 in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16, Corinthians will face a tough task in the return match. To secure direct qualification to the quarterfinals, the black-and-white side will need to beat the team from Rio Grande do Sul by three or more goals, something it has not managed against this opponent since 1987.

Corinthians’ last win over Internacional by a margin greater than two goals came in the Campo Grande Quadrangular Tournament, a friendly competition featuring Corinthians, Internacional, Palmeiras, and Operário-MS. On that occasion, Timão won 4-1, with goals from Edson Abobrão, Biro-Biro, and Cristóvão Borges, who scored twice.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Throughout the history of this matchup, results of that magnitude have been rare. In more than a hundred matches between the teams, Corinthians have recorded only three wins over Internacional by a margin of three or more goals. The first came in 1945, when the São Paulo club won 4-1 at Pacaembu. The other was in 1971, also at the São Paulo stadium, in a 3-0 victory in the Torneio do Povo.

Now, Corinthians need to repeat one of those historic scorelines to advance in regular time. If they win 2-0, the place will be decided on penalties. A win by only one goal, however, will not be enough to overturn the aggregate deficit. The decisive clash will be played at Neo Química Arena.

Head-to-head record

All told, the teams have faced each other 102 times in official competitions. The black-and-white club has 33 wins, compared with 27 victories for Colorado, as well as 42 draws. In terms of goals scored, Corinthians also hold the edge: 112 to their opponent’s 107.

At Neo Química Arena, the balance is tighter, but Corinthians still have the advantage. Since the stadium opened, the clubs have played 13 matches there, with five wins for Timão, six draws, and two wins for Internacional.

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