In fine form, Corinthians defender highlights his set-piece impact

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Central do Timão

·11 de enero de 2026

In fine form, Corinthians defender highlights his set-piece impact

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

On the afternoon of this Sunday (11th), Corinthians hosted Ponte Preta at the Neo Química Arena for the first round of the 2026 Paulista Championship and won by a score of 3 x 0. The goals for the Alvinegro were scored by defenders Gustavo Henrique, André Ramalho, and midfielder André.

Right after the match, still on the field, defender Gustavo Henrique, who was named the player of the match by the broadcast, gave an interview to TNT Sports and commented on his decisive power in set pieces, his trademark with the Corinthians jersey, especially since the 2025 season. The number 13 also spoke about the importance of starting the season with a win, aiming for greater tranquility in the more decisive stages.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

“I am very happy, it's a play we work on a lot. We study our opponent a lot, we work hard on this play. Due to my height, and the height of my teammates who also have good timing with the ball, I think I'm happy with the victory. It's very important to start winning. We finished winning and started winning. It's important for us to accumulate as many points as possible so that we can have an advantage later on,” he began.

Signed at the beginning of 2024 after stints in Turkish and Spanish football, Gustavo Henrique is considered one of the pillars of the current Corinthians squad. The defender was crucial in the team's surge in the 2024 Brasileirão and a key player in the victories of the Paulistão and Copa do Brasil, both in 2025.

For Corinthians, he has seven goals and two assists in 76 matches (72 of them as a starter), with 38 wins, 13 draws, and 25 losses – a 55.7% success rate. Throughout the 90 minutes, according to Sofascore, the defender had the following stats: 2/2 tackles won, 8/8 aerial duels won, 4/6 ground duels won, three clearances, 89 ball actions, 2/2 successful dribbles, 10/11 accurate long passes (91%), and 73/76 accurate passes (96%). His rating on the app was 8.9.

Later, he talked about André Ramalho's goal, his defensive partner, already in stoppage time, after a powerful shot from the offensive midfield. The number 5 had previously only scored once for the club from Parque São Jorge.

“Ah, I'm happy for him, he's a guy who battles a lot, he was lucky with the shot. I think this ball is a drier ball, I think we need to take more chances on goal. He was very lucky with the shot. We're happy about that,” he said.

Now, after defeating Ponte Preta in Itaquera, Corinthians remains focused on the Paulistão competition. Next Thursday (15th), at 6:30 PM (Brasília time), the Alvinegro faces Red Bull Bragantino at Cícero de Souza Marques for the second round of the state championship.

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