Corinthians looking for the last vacancy in the rooms
According to Sports.
Context
Corinthians, one of the most traditional clubs in Brazil, is fighting for its position in the Copa Libertadores, where it has already won the title in previous editions. The presence of players like Memphis Depay, even if on the bench, indicates the depth of the squad and the club's ambition to advance in the competition.
Why this matters
This game is crucial for Corinthians, as the victory not only guarantees passage to the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores, but also reinforces the team's confidence after a draw in the 1st leg and a recent defeat in the Brasileirão. The possibility of playing at home in the next phase could be a decisive factor, as Neo Química Arena has been a strong ally for Timão in this competition.
Main conclusions
- Corinthians is looking for the last place in the quarterfinals.
- Timão decides to qualify for the quarterfinals of Conmebol Libertadores 2026 at home, after 0-0 in the first leg, with a change in the starting lineup and Memphis Depay on the bench.
- 📋 Corinthians named to chase final Libertadores quarter-final spot - Yahoo Sports.
Corinthians enters the field this Thursday, 20th, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at the Neo Química Arena, to face Rosario Central in the 2nd leg of the round of 16 of the Conmebol Libertadores 2026. After the 0-0 draw in the 1st leg, in Argentina, the tie is decided in Itaquera: whoever wins goes through to the quarter-finals.
The competitive scenario has already been outlined: the winner will face Estudiantes in the next round. If Timão progresses to the quarters, the 2nd leg of this tie will be played again at the Neo Química Arena, a relevant detail that reinforces the weight of the home advantage for the São Paulo team. Looking further into the pairing, a possible semi-final could put Flamengo or the winner of the Tolima/Independiente del Valle match in Corinthians' path, historically demanding opponents in this continental competition.
On a sporting level, there is continuity in the Corinthians lineup in relation to the previous match, with just one change promoted by coach Fernando Diniz in light of the 2-1 defeat against Cruzeiro, in the Brasileirão: Raniele takes Allan's place in midfield. It is a specific adjustment that seeks to provide greater balance to the team without changing too much a base that has sought to establish itself in this decisive cycle of the season.
Another highlight concerns Memphis Depay, who starts on the bench after the change in his contract renewal dossier. The forward is an option to come off the bench if the game requires it, offering the coach a quality alternative for the final third and to explore different offensive solutions against a Rosario Central team that showed defensive solidity in the first leg.
The Neo Química Arena, in Itaquera, is once again the stage where Corinthians seeks to transform the energy in the stands into a competitive advantage. After a goalless draw in Argentina, the margin for error is minimal and concentration will have to be maximum from the opening whistle. Rosario Central, disciplined and compact, should once again rely on a cohesive block strategy and quick transitions, forcing Timão to circulate with patience and be effective in moments of creation and definition in the final third.
With the prospect of securing the last available place in the quarter-finals of the Libertadores, Corinthians knows that a victory at home clears the way for a phase of the competition where demands increase and every detail weighs heavily. Not only continental continuity is at stake, but also the mental and competitive momentum for the remainder of the season, in an intense calendar with high ambitions.
What happens next
If Corinthians manages to beat Rosario Central, they will face Estudiantes in the next round, an opponent that promises to be challenging. Furthermore, a possible passage to the semi-finals could put them face to face with Flamengo or the winner of the duel between Tolima and Independiente del Valle, increasing the intensity of the competition and the impact of the next matches.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the game between Corinthians and Rosario Central in the first leg?
The game ended in a 0-0 draw.
When will Corinthians' next game be in the Libertadores?
Corinthians' next game in the Libertadores will be on October 20th, at 9:30 pm, against Rosario Central.
What will be the impact on the table if Corinthians beats Rosario Central?
If Corinthians wins, they will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Estudiantes.
Who is Corinthians coach?
Corinthians coach is Fernando Diniz.
Who replaced Allan in the game against Rosario Central?
Raniele took Allan's place in midfield.