Midfielder sent off, out for Corinthians in Libertadores quarters opener | OneFootball

On Thursday night (20), Corinthians hosted Rosario Central of Argentina in the second leg of the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores round of 16 at Neo Química Arena and defeated the opponent 1-0. Midfielder Breno Bidon, late in the second half, scored the goal that secured Timão a place in the next round of the tournament, which also earned the club more money.

Despite advancing, Corinthians will have an important absence in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the international competition, which should take place in the week of September 8, against Estudiantes. Defensive midfielder Raniele, who was already on a yellow card, was sent off in the 17th minute of the second half after catching forward Copetti’s left knee with his studs.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Initially, referee Alex Herrera did not call a foul, but he was summoned by VAR to review the play. After the review, the official ultimately sent him off. On the other hand, he should be available for the second leg, scheduled to take place in the week of the 15th of next month. For the position, Corinthians currently have the following options in the squad: Allan, Charles, Alex Santana, André Carrillo, Matheus Pereira, Luiz Gustavo Bahia, and André Luiz – the latter is recovering from a grade 2 muscle injury in his right thigh.

Raniele is an undisputed starter under Fernando Diniz and has scored two goals in 38 matches this year. Overall, he has five goals and two assists in 148 appearances (132 as a starter) for the club from Parque São Jorge. Signed in January 2024 after standing out for Avaí and Cuiabá over the previous two seasons, the defensive midfielder quickly became one of the pillars of the current Corinthians squad.

In his first season, he was an important piece in the team’s surge in the previous Brasileirão campaign (from the relegation zone to the Libertadores qualifying stage – seventh place with 56 points), in addition to being part of the title-winning squads in the Campeonato Paulista (2025), Copa do Brasil (2025), and Supercopa do Brasil (2026), against Palmeiras, Vasco da Gama, and Flamengo, respectively.

With Raniele available for the Brazilian Championship, Corinthians now turn their attention to the domestic competition. On the evening of next Sunday (23), at 7:30 p.m. Brasília time, Alvinegro will visit Coritiba at Couto Pereira Stadium for the 24th round of the league. Currently, Timão sit ninth with 32 points – eight wins, eight draws, and seven defeats – with 25 goals scored and 22 conceded.

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