Corinthians and Estudiantes battle for a spot in the Copa Libertadores semifinals
On Wednesday, September 16, Corinthians host Estudiantes de La Plata at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinal second leg, with the tie level at 1-1 after the first match.
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What's at stake
Corinthians and Argentina's Estudiantes de La Plata meet on Wednesday at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo to decide who advances to the 2026 CONMEBOL Libertadores semifinals. The first leg in La Plata, Argentina, ended 1-1, with Alexis Castro scoring for Estudiantes and Kaio César equalising for Corinthians (according to beIN SPORTS). Should the second leg also finish level, the tie will be settled on penalties. Kick-off is set for 9:30 p.m. Brasília time, with domestic coverage from TV Globo, ge tv and Paramount+, and international coverage from beIN SPORTS.
Current form
Corinthians arrive under pressure after five straight defeats in the Brazilian Championship, sitting 13th with 32 points after round 27 (per ge.globo.com). Coach Fernando Diniz rested most of his starters in the 1-2 league loss to Flamengo, meaning the club's full-strength lineup is expected for this decisive Libertadores clash. Estudiantes similarly rotated their squad in their most recent Argentine league fixture against Platense, but still won 2-1, arriving in São Paulo with confidence despite playing away from home.
Probable lineups
Corinthians, under Fernando Diniz, are expected to field nearly the same XI as in the first leg: Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Gabriel Paulista, Gustavo Henrique, Matheus Bidu; Allan, André Carrillo, Breno Bidon, Rodrigo Garro; Kaio César and Memphis Depay. Injured forward Yuri Alberto remains unavailable, as does suspended midfielder Raniele, who was sent off against Rosario Central. Estudiantes, coached by Alexander Medina, are expected to make just one change from the first leg, with Eric Meza likely replacing suspended left-back Gastón Benedetti. The match will be officiated by Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela.
Historical stakes
The winner will face either Flamengo or Independiente del Valle in the semifinals. Corinthians are chasing their first Libertadores semifinal appearance since 2012, the year they won the title, while Estudiantes have not reached the last four since 2009, when they claimed their fourth continental crown.
