Matheuzinho recalls altitude test, backs Corinthians' Libertadores dream | OneFootball

Corinthians continue to enjoy a positive spell in the Copa Libertadores and have already secured an early spot in the competition’s round of 16. One of the standout players in the team’s campaign, Matheuzinho spoke about the challenges the squad faced during the group stage and highlighted the tournament’s importance for the club this season.

One of the toughest matches so far came against Independiente Santa Fe in Colombia, when Timão had to deal with Bogotá’s altitude. On that occasion, the right-back played a direct role in Corinthians’ draw by providing the assist for Gustavo Henrique to score in the final minutes of the match.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

According to the No. 2, the team struggled mainly at the start of the match, but managed to adapt as the game went on.

“In Wednesday’s match, things were a little complicated at the beginning, but then we gradually got used to it. Now everything is fine, everything is back to normal. From my point of view, when the ball left my foot, I felt it hadn’t gone with that much power, but the trajectory ended up being perfect for Gustavo Henrique.”

The defender also praised the squad’s mindset throughout the continental campaign. For Matheuzinho, Corinthians have approached every Libertadores match as a final, a factor that helped the club confirm qualification before the last rounds.

“It was very important. Since the opening round, we’ve treated every game like a final. That helped us secure qualification with two matches to spare, which was very positive for the group. I’m sure that, with the effort we’re putting in and the work of the coach, we won’t lose that identity of treating every matchup as decisive. That mentality helps a lot.”

Even though Timão have already qualified, they are still fighting to finish the group stage with the best overall record in the competition. Internally, the squad understands that playing the knockout ties’ second legs at Neo Química Arena could be a major advantage in the title race.

“Our focus is to finish first in the overall standings so we have the advantage of deciding at home. Playing in front of our fans doesn’t make things easier, but the support from the stands helps a lot. Of course, the ultimate goal is the title. We know the road there is still long, but we’re going to work to give this gift to the Fiel, since Corinthians haven’t won this competition in quite a long time.”

Matheuzinho also emphasized the weight the Libertadores carries for South American players and admitted that the continental competition is being treated as the squad’s top priority in 2026.

“Every competition is very important to us, but the Libertadores has a different feel to it — and I think that’s how every player sees it. Personally, I see the Libertadores as the pinnacle of South American football. I’m sure any player who has the opportunity to compete in this tournament will want to win it. That’s why it is our main goal this season.”

The full-back also commented on the possibility of going down in the club’s history if Corinthians win South America again. To this day, Timão have only one Libertadores title, won in 2012.

“We’re totally focused on that, because we have the chance to make history again. Corinthians have only won the Libertadores once; so if we secure this title for the club, I’m sure we’ll be remembered forever.”

Corinthians’ next match in the continental competition will take place on May 21 against Peñarol in Uruguay. After that, the club will close out its group-stage campaign against Platense at Neo Química Arena.

Before that, however, the squad led by Fernando Diniz will turn its attention to the Copa do Brasil. This Thursday, at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time), Timão host Barra-SC in Itaquera in the second leg of the fifth round of the national tournament.

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