Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 10, 2024 12:28 pm GMT
Corinthians vs. Juventude: A Pivotal Copa do Brasil Clash Awaits
On Wednesday, September 12, 2024, Corinthians will face Juventude at the Corinthians Arena for the second leg of their Copa do Brasil quarter-final. After a hard-fought first match in late August that saw Juventude edge Corinthians 2-1, the stakes are high as Corinthians must secure a win to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
A Shot at Redemption for Corinthians
Corinthians come into this match with their backs against the wall. Following their narrow defeat in the first leg, where they suffered their first loss in the Copa do Brasil this year, the team needs to overcome the odds to advance to the semi-finals. If they fail to win, it would mark their earliest exit from the tournament since 2021.
Recent Form and Historical Context
The Timao, as Corinthians are known, have had a mixed bag of results recently. They have managed one win and one draw in their previous two Copa do Brasil home matches this season. Historically, they have been hard to beat at the Corinthians Arena, with their last loss in this tournament there dating back to 2021.
Key Players to Watch
- Gustavo Henrique—scored a crucial late goal in the first leg, keeping Corinthians hopeful.
- Yuri Alberto and Caca—both players are eligible to play despite recent suspensions.
- New signing Memphis Depay—while not officially confirmed as available, his inclusion could spark creativity in the attack.
Injury Concerns
Corinthians will be without Ruan Oliveira, who is sidelined with an ACL injury, and Alex Santana due to a thigh issue. Hector Hernandez could also miss out after an early exit from the last match due to a thigh injury, adding to their injury woes as they prepare for this critical clash.
Juventude’s Quest for First Semi-Final Appearance
On the other hand, Juventude aims to achieve a milestone by advancing to their first-ever semi-final in the Copa do Brasil. Since a goalless draw in the first round, they have proven to be formidable, scoring multiple goals in five different matches.
Domestic Struggles
While they are thriving in the Copa do Brasil, Juventude’s domestic form has been shaky, claiming only one point from their last three league matches. The contrast between their Copa do Brasil success and domestic struggles could impact their morale heading into this crucial fixture.
Historical Advantage
Juventude have a psychological edge against Corinthians, having remained unbeaten in their last four encounters across all competitions. However, they have not defeated Corinthians at their home ground since the 2004 Brasileiro Serie A season.
Squad Fitness and Tactical Considerations
Juventude’s Injury List
For Juventude, the team is contending with a number of injuries. Caique Goncalves and Daniel Peixoto are both out due to ACL injuries, while several others are nursing various ailments. Despite these setbacks, Juventude has managed to maintain a competitive edge.
Expected Lineups
| Corinthians | Juventude |
|---|---|
| Souza | Gabriel |
| Matheuzinho | Lucas |
| G. Henrique | Boza |
| Torres | Ze Marcos |
| Hugo | Ruschel |
| Raniele | Oyama |
| Martinez | Vieira |
| P. Henrique | Marcelinho |
| Coronado | Nene |
| Garro | Carioca |
| Alberto | Carrillo |
What’s at Stake?
As Corinthians prepare to fight for their Copa do Brasil fate, the pressure is building. They are familiar with overcoming challenges in this tournament, having successfully advanced from trailing situations in the past. However, the stakes have never been higher as they face an opponent poised to capitalize on their moment of vulnerability.
Upcoming Matches and Implications
The winner of this match will not only advance to the semi-finals but will also gain momentum and confidence heading into the later stages of the tournament. Each team’s performance in this match could significantly influence their trajectory in both the Copa do Brasil and their domestic campaigns.
Recent Related Developments
In recent months, both clubs have experienced fluctuations in performance. While Corinthians maintained a strong home record, their struggles in recent league matches raise questions about their consistency. Conversely, Juventude has faced challenges in their regular season, but their Copa do Brasil success suggests they are finding their rhythm at the right time.
Conclusion
Get ready for an exciting game at Corinthians Arena this Wednesday! Both teams really want to make it to the semi-finals, so we can expect a hard-fought match full of action and determination. Will Corinthians use their home field to win, or will Juventude keep their great streak going? We’ll find out soon in this important Copa do Brasil showdown!
