Moroccan midfielder celebrates goal in Corinthians win, eyes place | OneFootball

On Sunday night (24), Corinthians faced Atlético-MG at Neo Química Arena in a match valid for the 17th round of the 2026 Brazilian Championship and won 1-0. The goal for the São Paulo black-and-white side was scored by Zakaria Labyad. The result lifted Corinthians out of the relegation zone and up to 16th place, with 21 points. In an interview with the broadcast rights holders after the match, still on the pitch, the scorer of the black-and-white team’s goal spoke about the emotion of scoring and celebrated his personal moment at the club.

“An incredible feeling, scoring for the people here. My second goal in three days, important goals. It’s a childhood dream. I scored two goals in three days, I’m happy for the fans, they deserve it. I was hoping to get some minutes today, and I got about 20, I think. I’ll always give my best to repay the trust and support I receive from the team. The last three months were very difficult, but I waited and got my chances. Hopefully today I managed to earn more chances,” the Moroccan commented.

Photo: Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images

Now, after facing Atlético-MG at home in the Brazilian Championship, Corinthians turns its focus back to the sixth and final round of the Conmebol Libertadores group stage. Next Wednesday (27), at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time, Timão will host Platense of Argentina, also at Neo Química Arena.

Already guaranteed a place in the round of 16 and top of Group E with 11 points — three wins and two draws, with eight goals scored and two conceded — Corinthians heads into the final round aiming to secure the best overall record of the qualifying stage. If they do, they will be able to play all of their knockout matches in Itaquera through the semifinals, since the final is a single match at a neutral venue.

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