📹 Diniz’s Libertadores debut, Corinthians win in Argentina

In Argentina, Corinthians beat Platense 2-0 this Thursday (9), in the first round of the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores.

The match marked not only Timão’s debut in the continental tournament, where it hopes to repeat the glory of 2012, but also the first game under coach Fernando Diniz.

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With the new manager, Corinthians ended a run of nine matches (two in the Paulista + seven in the Brasileirão) without a win.

And, before talking specifically about the match, it is worth noting that Argentine Ramón Díaz, former Corinthians coach, was present at Estadio Ciudad de Vicente López to watch the game.

⚽ The match

The first half was frightening for the Fiel Torcida.

Corinthians managed just one shot on target, already in stoppage time, and saw Hugo Souza pull off a miracle by saving Lencina’s header.

After the break, however, everything changed for Timão.

And the star of the second half was Rodrigo Garro.

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The Argentine midfielder provided a beautiful assist for young Kayke to open the scoring for Corinthians.

The 21-year-old forward, one of the “Crias do Terrão,” is Fernando Diniz’s first big bet, after identifying the need for a winger in the team.

Shortly after Hugo Souza made another great save, from another header by the Argentine side, Garro played the ball into the box for Yuri Alberto to make it 2-0.

Finally, when Saborido was sent off for stomping on Matheus Bidu’s ankle, Corinthians’ win was simply a matter of letting the clock run until the final whistle.

🚦 Standings

The away win puts Corinthians at the top of Group E, which also includes Santa Fe vs. Peñarol in Colombia, scheduled to finish in the early hours of the morning in Brazil.

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Timão return to action next Sunday (12), when they face Palmeiras in the derby at Neo Química Arena, in the 11th round of the Brasileirão.

📅 Timão’s schedule in the group stage

• Matchday 2 – 15/04 – Corinthians vs. Santa Fe

• Matchday 3 – 30/04 – Corinthians vs. Peñarol

• Matchday 4 – 06/05 – Santa Fe vs. Corinthians

• Matchday 5 – 21/05 – Peñarol vs. Corinthians

• Matchday 6 – 27/05 – Corinthians vs. Platense

Highlights coming shortly

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.