Mendoza, ex-Corinthians, eyes Neo Química clash, hails Timão | OneFootball

By Mirella Ramos / Central do Timão Editorial Staff

Corinthians return to the pitch this Thursday (30), at 7:30 p.m., to face Athletico-PR at Neo Química Arena, in a match valid for the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship. The clash will mark forward Stiven Mendoza’s reunion with the club he played for between 2015 and 2016.

Now at Athletico-PR, the Colombian spoke about his expectations for facing his former team and highlighted how difficult it is to play in Itaquera. Despite his respect for Corinthians, the forward made it clear that the Paraná side will take the field looking for a positive result.

Photo: Disclosure/Athletico-PR

“We know it will be a difficult match. Corinthians have a good team and are playing at home, where they are very strong. So we will certainly face major difficulties in this game.”

Mendoza then said that the Rubro-Negro squad began preparing right after their previous match and stressed Athletico-PR’s ambition in the competition.

“Since the end of the match against Inter, we have already started focusing on this clash. The recovery time between games is very short, but we had a good period of preparation, and our team comes into this match very strong. We have great respect for Corinthians, but we have our own ambitions and we will be looking to pick up points.”

Mendoza played for Corinthians between 2015 and 2016. During his time at Parque São Jorge, he made 31 appearances, scored three goals, and was part of the squad that won the 2015 Brazilian Championship. After leaving the club, he continued his career with other teams in Brazilian football and also abroad.

Since arriving at Athletico-PR in 2025, the forward has become part of the first team and has been a regular presence among the starters for the Paraná club. The teams come into the match in different situations in the Brazilian Championship table. Corinthians sit in ninth place with 28 points, while Athletico-PR are in third with 36.

If they win at Neo Química Arena, Timão could close the gap to the leaders and still end the round in the G6, depending on other results.

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