Corinthians’ 0.004% became two trophies, now attention turns to the final test | OneFootball

From near-impossible odds to two trophies, Corinthians overturned their season and now look to the Libertadores as the next test.

According to Meu Timao, in November 2024 the club were in chaos. They had fallen to Racing in the Sudamericana semi and sat 18th, with only 0.004% chance of reaching the 2025 Copa do Brasil.

Against forecasts, nine wins sparked an escape from relegation and a surge to seventh, securing pre-Libertadores and, in turn, a Copa do Brasil spot.

In the cup, Dorival Júnior’s side shed the league’s inconsistency and approached each tie with control and maturity. Novorizontino, Palmeiras, Athletico-PR and Cruzeiro fell before a final with Vasco at the Maracanã, 25 years on against the same opponent, at the same ground and in the same kit.

That triumph booked a Supercopa do Brasil date with the reigning Brazilian and Libertadores champions. At Mané Garrincha, Flamengo, recently bolstered by Lucas Paquetá and billed as the Americas’ most valuable squad, faced a Corinthians side fresh from a transfer ban, reliant on loans, opportunistic deals and their academy.

On the pitch, finances did not dictate the outcome. Gabriel Paulista, a cost-free arrival in economic rights, opened the scoring. In midfield, academy products André Luiz and Breno Bidon set the tempo, and in the final act loanee Kaio César backheeled for Yuri Alberto, who lifted the ball over a marker to seal it.

The improbable became real, and the run ended in silverware. Next comes the Libertadores.

Source: Meu Timao