The black and white team visited Velo Clube for the 5th round of the State Championship and, with the star of Yuri Alberto, won 1-0, ending a streak of three games without winning
With attention divided between three competitions, nothing less than an alternative Corinthians team was to be expected this Sunday (25). Dorival Júnior’s decisions took a long time to take effect and almost worsened the team’s situation in Paulistão. The black and white team visited Velo Clube for the 5th round of the State Championship and, with the star of Yuri Alberto, won 1-0, ending a streak of three games without winning (two draws and one defeat).
Corinthians went into the game with at least two new features. Presented on Saturday (24), Uruguayan full-back Pedro Milans made his debut wearing the black and white shirt. Another ‘old novelty’ was the presence of Rodrigo Garro, who for the first time this season started among the starting 11.
Speaking of the coach, his decision to design a mixed team was initially well-founded. Corinthians faces Bahia on Wednesday (28) for the debut of Brasileirão 2026, while next weekend they face Flamengo, in Brasília, in the Brazilian Super Cup. The team will only return to the field for Paulistão on February 5th, when they host Capivariano.
The confrontation started hot from the beginning. Judge Flávio Rodrigues de Souza let the game run its course and after the first few minutes he had to impose himself so as not to lose control of the situation. There were four yellow cards in the first stage alone. Ynaiã could have been red in stoppage time for hitting the back of Vitinho’s knee. It was cheap.
In the first stage, the two teams bet on different strategies. Both found a strong sector on the opposite side. The visiting team practically did not step into the opponent’s area. So, it was up to Corinthians to exploit balls from outside the area. There were at least four shooting opportunities from outside the area, with Vitinho, André, Charles and Gui Negão. Goalkeeper Marcelo Carné had to work hard in this regard.
On the other side, the aerial ball threatened goalkeeper Hugo Souza a lot. Velo Clube’s best chances were in these situations, which won practically all of them from the top. Corinthians clearly missed Gustavo Henrique with his 1.96 height.
Both teams returned from the dressing rooms the same and little changed on the field, with few opportunities on both sides. The hydration break happened and Dorival Júnior was forced to change the team, as a draw would not be good.
The Corinthians coach promoted Yuri Alberto, Raniele and Matheuzinho to replace Matheus Pereira, Charles and Milans, respectively. Velo also changed and placed Karl and Adriano Júnior in the places of Luiz Otávio and Sillas. And it was precisely Adriano Júnior who got scared right after the stop, with a header after a free kick.
The best opportunity of the second half came with Gui Negão, who received a beautiful pass from Vitinho inside the area. The center forward made the save, turned on the defenders, but Marcelo Carné avoided the worst at the exact moment. More changes were made and the duel script remained unchanged until almost the end.
In the 47th minute, Yuri Alberto’s star shone. Vitinho again in an individual play filled his foot with almost no angle, making Marcelo Carné work. Velo’s archer hit the ball at the feet of the number 9, who only had the job of pushing it inside and avoiding a disappointing draw in Rio Claro.
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