Corinthians Defeats Internacional 2-1, But Colorado Advances in Copa do Brasil
In a thrilling encounter at Neo Química Arena on Thursday (6), Corinthians triumphed over Internacional with a score of 2-1 in the second leg of the 2026 Copa do Brasil round of 16. Despite the loss, Colorado secured their place in the next round after winning the first leg 2-0, keeping alive their aspirations for a second title, having previously claimed the trophy in 1992.
⚽ The match
The first half showcased a dominant display from Corinthians, characterized by a relentless “attack versus defense” dynamic. Even with strong possession and attacking maneuvers, Timão relied heavily on crosses—totaling 10 attempts—to find center-forward Pedro Raul in the box. This approach bore fruit as Corinthians opened the scoring with a well-executed set piece just before halftime.
Rodrigo Garro delivered a free kick into the area, where Gustavo Henrique managed to head it despite a save from goalkeeper Matheus Cunha, who could not stop Henrique from converting the rebound.
Following the break, Internacional made a comeback, equalizing through a well-placed strike. Alan Patrick set up Bernabei, who found the net with a left-footed shot under the crossbar, leaving Hugo Souza without a chance.
In pursuit of two goals in just over 30 minutes, Corinthians intensified their offensive efforts, yet continued to employ their previous strategy. It paid off when left-back Matheus Bidu delivered a cross that Pedro Raul capitalized on at the far post, reigniting hope among the Fiel Torcida.
In the closing moments, Matheuzinho nearly equalized again, striking from the edge of the box and hitting the left post.
🚦 What it means
With qualification confirmed, Internacional now awaits the draw from the CBF, scheduled for next Tuesday (11) at 11 a.m. (Brasília time), to identify their opponent for the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Corinthians shifts focus to the Brasileirão, currently sitting in ninth place with 29 points. They will face RB Bragantino next Sunday (9) in the São Paulo countryside, while Colorado will visit Palmeiras on the same day at Nubank Parque.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
At Neo Química Arena, Corinthians beat Internacional 2-1 this Thursday (6) in the second leg of the 2026 Copa do Brasil round of 16.
However, because they won the first leg 2-0, Colorado secured a place in the next round of the tournament and remains alive in the dream of a second title (they lifted the trophy in 1992).
⚽ The match
The entire first half was practically one big “attack versus defense” battle.
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However, even with their attacking dominance and control of possession, Timão relied on crosses (10 in total) to try to find center-forward Pedro Raul in the box.
The strategy worked to some extent, after all, it was through the air that Corinthians opened the scoring.
At the end of the first half, Rodrigo Garro sent a free kick into the area, Gustavo Henrique won it in the air, goalkeeper Matheus Cunha made the save, but the defender himself pounced on the rebound.
After the break, however, Inter found the equalizer when Alan Patrick provided the assist for Bernabei to strike left-footed, just under the crossbar, leaving Hugo Souza with no chance to save it.
Needing two goals in a little over 30 minutes, Timão fully committed to the attack, but kept prioritizing the same strategy.
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And it worked: left-back Matheus Bidu crossed from the left, and Pedro Raul appeared at the far post to restore hope for the Fiel Torcida.
In the final minutes, Matheuzinho hit it first-time from the edge of the box and struck Matheus Cunha’s left post.
🚦 What it means
With qualification secured, Internacional now awaits the CBF draw, which will be held next Tuesday (11) at 11 a.m. (Brasília time), to find out their quarterfinal opponent.
Corinthians, meanwhile, now turns its attention to the Brasileirão, where it sits in ninth place with 29 points.
Timão will face RB Bragantino next Sunday (9) in the countryside of São Paulo state, for the 22nd round of the national league.
Colorado will play on the same day, when they visit Palmeiras at Nubank Parque.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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