Corinthians face must-win as G6 chase heats up | OneFootball

After last week’s exit from the Copa Sudamericana, Corinthians are shifting gears and turning their full focus to the Campeonato Brasileiro. With their continental hopes dashed for the season, Dorival Júnior’s side are aiming to capitalize on their encouraging league run as they host Vitória on Sunday in São Paulo.

Sitting eighth on 14 points ahead of this weekend’s 11th-round fixture, Corinthians are just on the cusp of the coveted G6 and eyeing quick redemption. Their odds against Vitória look strong, buoyed by a commanding recent record in the fixture: in the last 16 meetings over 15 years, Corinthians have lost just twice, winning eight and drawing six. While most clashes have come in league play, memories are still fresh from their Copa do Brasil tie in 2018, when Corinthians advanced to the quarterfinals.

The clubs renewed their rivalry last season after Vitória’s promotion, with Corinthians coming out on top in both encounters. At the Neo Química Arena, they edged a narrow 3-2 win, before overturning a deficit in Salvador to prevail 2-1. The latter victory saw notable attacking contributions from Rodrigo Garro and Memphis Depay, though their partner in that trio, Yuri Alberto, remains sidelined with a back injury. Both Garro and Depay are now fit for selection following recent knocks, offering Dorival Júnior a more varied attacking lineup as Corinthians chase points on home soil.

A home win is critical if Corinthians are to move into the G6 this round. Currently, direct rivals Ceará and Bahia sit just one point ahead on 15 each, occupying sixth and seventh respectively. If Corinthians beat Vitória on Sunday, they would climb to 17 points, but will need one or both rivals to drop points in their matches—Bahia visit São Paulo, Ceará host Atlético-MG. Anything less than a win, particularly given the home advantage, risks stalling Corinthians’ upward trajectory and could see them slip further down the table.

For Dorival Júnior, this match represents not only a chance to reaffirm Corinthians’ domestic ambitions but also marks him as the tenth different head coach to lead the team against Vitória over the past decade and a half—a testament to the club’s coaching turnover. As the club deals with turbulence off the pitch amid ongoing leadership uncertainty and administrative changes, on-field results have become even more important to restore confidence and steady the club’s direction.

With the league campaign wide open and the fight for continental spots intensifying, Corinthians find themselves at a pivotal moment. Sunday’s match is as much about reclaiming momentum as it is about keeping their supporters onside during an unpredictable season.

Source: UOL