Corinthians have strong record in Copa do Brasil openers, look back | OneFootball

Corinthians begin their 2026 Copa do Brasil campaign against Barra-SC this Tuesday (21) at 9:30 p.m. at Ressacada. As the reigning champions of the competition, Alvinegro want to maintain their strong record in tournament openers.

According to a survey by Meu Timão, the club from Parque São Jorge has recorded 16 wins, eight draws, and only six losses in its last 30 appearances in the competition, numbers that represent a 62.2% success rate. They have scored 49 goals and conceded just 19.

Photo: Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Corinthians have not lost a Copa do Brasil opener since 2023, when they were beaten 2-0 by Remo in Belém. In the return leg, however, Timão leveled the aggregate score and advanced on penalties.

First-ever meeting

As the current champions of the tournament, Corinthians begin the competition looking to repeat last season’s campaign. The clash against Barra-SC will be unprecedented and marks the first meeting between the two teams. For Tuesday’s match, head coach Fernando Diniz is expected to field a mixed lineup. Hugo Souza and André will be unavailable, and the main new feature is that Jesse Lingard should be among the starters.

See the probable lineup below: Kauê; Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique and Fabrizio Angileri (Matheus Bidu); Allan (Raniele), Matheus Pereira, Dieguinho (Rodrigo Garro) and Jesse Lingard; Kayke and Pedro Raul.

Despite taking part in the last training session, Memphis Depay, the team’s main star, remains out due to an injury to the back of his right thigh. Also in attack, Gui Negão remains sidelined with a muscle strain. Defensive midfielder Charles suffered an injury to his right heel and is also still in the medical department. Center-back João Pedro Tchoca is dealing with pubic pain and still has no timetable for a return to the pitch. Meanwhile, left-back Hugo Farias remains under treatment in the medical department after knee surgery.

The return leg is scheduled to take place at Neo Química Arena, on a date yet to be confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Until then, Corinthians will look to build an advantage away from home to put themselves in a strong position to advance to the next rounds of the Copa do Brasil.

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