This Thursday, Corinthians secured a 2-1 victory over Internacional at Neo Química Arena in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil 2026 round of 16, despite the away team equalizing in the game. However, Internacional still advanced to the next round following their 2-0 win in the first leg. The victory moves the Colorado team closer to its long-standing goal of capturing a second Copa do Brasil title, which they previously won in 1992.
From the start, the game unfolded as a classic back-and-forth battle between defense and attack. Corinthians aimed to break through with a focused aerial approach, delivering 10 crosses in search of Pedro Raul, who was stationed in the penalty box. Their plan saw some success when Rodrigo Garro sent in a free kick just before halftime. Gustavo Henrique won the header, but the ball was initially saved by Matheus Cunha, with the defender reclaiming it and putting the ball into the net to give Timão the lead.
The second half changed the tone of the match when Internacional leveled the score. Alan Patrick provided a precise assist to Bernabei, who struck a left-footed shot just under the crossbar, leaving Hugo Souza with no chance to stop it. With only a handful of minutes left, Corinthians pushed hard for a second goal. A cross from left-back Matheus Bidu found Pedro Raul at the far post, who headed in the equalizer, rekindling hopes for the Fiel Torcida. In stoppage time, Matheuzinho tried to seal the result but his powerful strike from outside the box struck the left post and bounced away.
Implications for both teams
Now that Internacional has secured its place in the quarterfinals, the team will await the CBF draw, scheduled for next Tuesday at 11 a.m. Brasília time, to determine its next opponent. Meanwhile, Corinthians shifts focus back to the Brasileirão, where it currently holds ninth place with 29 points. The team will face RB Bragantino on Sunday in the 22nd round of the league, a match being played in the interior of São Paulo.
Internacional also has a key fixture on Sunday as it travels to Nubank Parque to take on Palmeiras. With both sides having played a taxing midweek match, they will now look to regroup and prepare for the challenges ahead in the domestic season.