Paola García and Rhaizza Sthefani debut as Corinthians beat Atlético Mineiro 1-0 | OneFootball

Corinthians beat Atlético Mineiro 1-0 at Arena MRV in the Brasileirão opener, as Paola García and Rhaizza Sthefani made their debuts.

According to Meu Timao, Rhaizza started, saw limited impact, was booked for a robust challenge and withdrawn eight minutes into the second half. Paola came on at 40 minutes for Vic Albuquerque, quickened play and created openings, with Lucas Piccinato praising her contribution.

Aged 27, Rhaizza came through at Vasco, moved to Real Brasília in 2020, then joined Flamengo in 2022 but had few chances.

She then headed to Europe, featuring briefly for Albania's KF Murlani before Beylerbeyi in Türkiye's top tier. There she scored 10 goals, led the club's charts and set a single season record for a Brazilian, then moved to China's Changchun Dazhong.

Back in Brazil in 2025, she hit 12 in 28 for Bahia and netted in the Campeonato Baiano final to secure the title over Vitória.

Regarded as one of Colombia's most experienced players, Paola spent three years at Real Santander before joining Junior Barranquilla. In 2021 she moved to Libertad in Paraguay, then to Venezuela's Yaracuyanos FC, later featuring for Peru's Alianza Lima. She joined Santa Fé in 2023, won three straight national titles, one with Santa Fé then two with Deportivo Cali, stood out in the 2025 Libertadores final against Corinthians and signed for 2026.

Next Friday, Corinthians face Fluminense at 21:30 at Neo Química Arena in round two of the Brasileirão.

Source: Meu Timao