Remember Corinthians’ last outing in the Conmebol Libertadores

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Central do Timão

·26 de dezembro de 2025

Remember Corinthians’ last outing in the Conmebol Libertadores

By Mirella Ramos / Central Editorial Team of Timão

Corinthians returned to compete in the Conmebol Libertadores in 2025 after securing a spot in the preliminary phase of the competition. However, the campaign was short and ended before the group stage, with elimination in the third stage of the Pre-Libertadores. Corinthians' participation in the continental tournament was under the command of coach Ramón Díaz and took place even before the final of this year's Campeonato Paulista, in which Timão was crowned champion.

Despite the early elimination in the third preliminary phase of the tournament, the coach remained in charge and, weeks later, won the state title with the club. Currently, the team's technical command is under the responsibility of Dorival Júnior. Check below how Timão's journey was in the most recent edition of the tournament.

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Photos: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Draw away and open decision in Venezuela

The alvinegra journey began in the second preliminary phase, against Universidad Central from Venezuela. In the first leg, played at the Olympic Stadium in Caracas, Corinthians drew 1-1. The Corinthians goal was scored by André Carrillo, while the hosts' equalizer came from an own goal by João Pedro Tchoca.

Despite having more game volume, Timão couldn't turn the dominance into an advantage on the scoreboard and left the decision open for the return match in Itaquera.

Dramatic victory in Itaquera secures qualification

In the decisive match at Neo Química Arena, Corinthians defeated Universidad Central 3-2 and secured a spot in the third preliminary phase. Yuri Alberto opened the scoring, Cuesta equalized, and Matheus Bidu put Timão back in the lead still in the first half. Before the break, Martínez leveled the score again.

In the second half, the alvinegra team pressed and once again counted on Yuri Alberto, who scored in the final minutes and sealed the victory. With an aggregate score of 4-3, Corinthians advanced to the next stage of the competition.

Defeat in Ecuador complicates the tie

In the third phase of the Pre-Libertadores, Corinthians faced Barcelona de Guayaquil. In the first leg, played at the Monumental in Guayaquil, Timão was defeated 3-0. After a first half with few offensive actions, the team conceded a penalty goal in the stoppage time of the initial stage. In the second half, Rivero and Corozo extended the Ecuadorians' advantage.

Insufficient victory and elimination at home

Needing to overturn the large score, Corinthians defeated Barcelona 2-0 at Neo Química Arena, with goals from Félix Torres and André Carrillo. Despite pressure for much of the match and having an extra player after Leonai's expulsion, Timão couldn't score the third goal that would take the decision to penalties.

With an aggregate score of 3-2 for Barcelona de Guayaquil, Corinthians was eliminated still in the preliminary phase of the Libertadores and did not reach the group stage.

With the elimination in the Pre-Libertadores, Corinthians was directed to compete in the Copa Sudamericana. However, the alvinegra team couldn't advance to the playoffs and ended up eliminated in the group stage of the continental tournament.

Now, with the conquest of the Copa do Brasil against Vasco, at Maracanã, Timão secured a spot in the group stage of the 2026 Libertadores. Scheduled to start on February 3, the tournament will feature seven other Brazilian representatives. Timão seeks the continental bicampeonato 14 years after the last conquest, in 2012.

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