Corinthians v Athletico Paranaense: Libertadores contenders meet Sudamericana chasers | OneFootball

Corinthians host Athletico Paranaense in the Brasileirão on Thursday, 30 July 2026 in São Paulo, with the visitors defending a top three spot and the hosts looking to push on within the Sudamericana places.

Corinthians have enjoyed the recent head to head, winning away in February 2026 and sweeping a 2025 cup quarter final, while also hitting five in a 2024 league meeting. Athletico Paranaense arrive third in the table, with Corinthians ninth.

Timão come in unbeaten in two league outings after a 3-0 win over Remo and a 1-1 draw at Bahia, while Furacão have won four of their last five in all competitions, including at São Paulo and at home to Internacional, with only a friendly defeat at Boca Juniors interrupting the run.

Selection could matter. Timão are without suspended left back Fabrizio Angileri and injured quintet Vitinho, Alex Santana, Hugo, Matheus Bidu and Kayke. Athletico-PR list Bruno Zapelli, Renan Viana and goalkeeper Mycael as injured.

Coringão tend to control games, averaging 54% possession with 84.04% passing accuracy and eight clean sheets, and they deliver plenty of open play crosses at 23.35% accuracy, which could test the visitors' back line. Athletico-PR have scored 28 league goals, with 26 from inside the box, and post 48.19% shot accuracy. Joint top scorer Kevin Viveros has 12 league goals, while Gaston Americo Benavidez and Lucas Esquivel supply from wide. Rodrigo Garro leads the hosts' creativity with six assists.

Furacão could strengthen their grip on a Libertadores place by moving to 39 points. Coringão would climb to 31 points with a win and could edge further up the Sudamericana race.