Vitinho faces his first club, aims to haunt them for Corinthians | OneFootball

The Corinthians faces a challenging commitment in this final stretch of the season. The São Paulo team will go head-to-head against Botafogo this Sunday, starting at 4 PM (Brasília time), at the Neo Química Arena, for the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship.

The match is important for Corinthians, but it will be doubly special for forward Vitinho. Currently with Timão, the player will reunite for the first time, since returning to Brazil, with the club that revealed him and gave him his first professional opportunities: Botafogo.

Vitinho took his first steps in football in Botafogo's youth categories and quickly stood out for his skill with the ball at his feet. As a youngster, he debuted in the professional team of Glorioso in 2011, while dividing his attention between the two teams.

In 2013, in his first full season with the main team, Vitinho debuted in the Carioca Championship and scored a volley goal in the classic match against Flamengo, taking the spotlight. That season, Botafogo lost important players, and the forward took on the responsibility.

That season, Vitinho played a significant role at Botafogo, scoring ten goals and providing three assists. His performance caught the market's attention, and he was sold to CSKA Moscow, Russia. For Glorioso, he played 41 matches, scored 11 goals, and provided three assists.

Attempt of ‘former player law’ by Corinthians

After stints with clubs like CSKA Moscow, Internacional, Flamengo – Botafogo's historical rival –, Al Ettifaq, and Al Shabab, both from Saudi Arabia, Vitinho returned to Brazilian football to play for Corinthians. He was announced in August this year.

Vitinho joined Timão to strengthen the attacking lineup, which includes names like Yuri Alberto, Memphis Depay, Gui Negão, Romero, and Talles Magno. The first two, considered starters, have struggled with some physical issues this season.

The forward began his journey as a substitute but managed to play three matches as a starter for Corinthians. He has yet to score and is looking to achieve the famous ‘former player law’ to, perhaps, score his first goal wearing Timão's jersey. In 12 games, he has contributed with one assist.

Vitinho, in fact, recently recovered from an injury. The player underwent arthroscopy on his right knee after suffering an injury against Mirassol, in the Brazilian Championship. He became available again on November 20.

Now, Vitinho is competing for a spot in the starting lineup against Botafogo, but he faces competition from Gui Negão, who has won over coach Dorival Júnior. The two are vying for Memphis Depay's spot, who will be absent due to a bone edema in his left knee.

Vitinho's numbers with Corinthians

Standings situation

Both teams approach the match in different moments of the season. In the G7 scenario, Corinthians no longer has a chance to qualify for the Libertadores through the Brasileirão. Timão is in 11th place in the standings, with 45 points – ten less than Fluminense, who is in seventh place.

On the other hand, Botafogo is already qualified for next season's Libertadores. Glorioso is in fifth place, with 58 points. The Rio de Janeiro team is in good form and defends an unbeaten streak of seven matches, with four wins and three draws.

Upcoming Corinthians matches

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