On Wednesday, we will discover who will be the first team to make the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil when Corinthians host Juventude in the second leg of that tie from Corinthians Arena.
When these sides met in late August, Juve held onto a narrow 2-1 triumph to remain unbeaten in the tournament this year.
Match preview
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Despite a late surge in the first leg of this tie, the Corinthians comeback came up short, as they suffered their first defeat at the Copa do Brasil this year.
As a result, they are in danger of exiting the quarter-finals should they fail to win this match, which would mark their earliest exit from this competition since 2021 (third round).
In their previous two Copa do Brasil home games this year, Timao have one win and a draw and have not lost a Copa do Brasil contest at Corinthians Arena since 2021 when Atletico Goianiense beat them 2-0.
While they are not in a favourable position heading into this match, it is one they are accustomed to, advancing from their previous four two-leg ties at this tournament when behind after the opening fixture.
Ramon Diaz's men have only claimed one victory in their previous six home matches across all competitions, and that triumph came in their last game played at Corinthians Arena versus Flamengo in league play earlier this month (2-1).
Timao have not been eliminated from a quarter-final tie at this tournament since Cruzeiro ousted them from the 2016 Copa do Brasil, 5-4 on aggregate.
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Another strong attacking display from Juventude has them on the cusp of their first-ever semi-final appearance in this tournament.
Since a 0-0 draw in their first-round match against Iguatu, Jair Ventura's men have been a lot sharper in the attacking third, netting multiple goals on five occasions.
Although they have been on an impressive run at the Copa do Brasil this year, it has been a different story for them domestically of late, with this side claiming just one point from their previous three domestic affairs.
Alviverde have not been eliminated from a Copa do Brasil tie after winning the opening leg since squandering a 2-0 lead versus Portuguesa in 2012, losing the second leg of that tie 4-0.
They have just one victory in their last seven competitive fixtures away from home, defeating Athletico Paranaense 2-1 in Brasileiro Serie A action last month.
Verdao are undefeated in their previous four meeting with Corinthians across all competitions but have not beaten them away from home since the 2004 Brasileiro Serie A campaign (2-1).
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Team News
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In the opening leg of this tie, Corinthians were missing Ruan Oliveira due to an ACL injury, while Alex Santana was sidelined with a thigh issue.
Hector Hernandez may be forced out of this game after being taken off within the opening seven minutes of their previous encounter with a thigh injury, while Yuri Alberto and Caca are eligible to play despite being red-carded in their most recent league fixture.
Corinthians have reportedly signed Memphis Depay to a two-year contract, though as of Sunday, the Dutch striker has not officially signed, which means he may not be available for selection on Wednesday.
Gustavo Henrique scored in the third minute of second-half stoppage time to put his side within one goal of Juve heading into this decisive encounter.
When these sides met last month, Juventude were without Caique Goncalves and Daniel Peixoto, each dealing with ACL issues, while Lucas Freitas has a shoulder injury.
Ewerthon remains sidelined because of a muscle strain, Gabriel Taliari has a sore knee, while Luis Mandaca and Thiago Conti are expected to sit out with thigh injuries.
Ronie Carrillo notched the first goal in the opening leg of this tie, with Danilo Boza netting what proved to be the winner three minutes before the 90.
Corinthians possible starting lineup:
Souza; Matheuzinho, G. Henrique, Torres, Hugo; Raniele, Martinez; P. Henrique, Coronado, Garro; Alberto
Juventude possible starting lineup:
Gabriel; Lucas, Boza, Ze Marcos, Ruschel; Oyama, Vieira; Marcelinho, Nene, Carioca; Carrillo
We say: Corinthians 1-0 Juventude (Corinthians advances on penalties)
Corinthians have been in this position many times recently at this tournament, and that experience should allow them to maintain their composure against a Juve side in unfamiliar territory at the Copa do Brasil.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Joel Lefevre
