Corinthians Faces UCV in Crucial Libertadores Showdown Tonight

SÃO PAULO, Brazil — Corinthians will host Universidad Central (UCV) in a must-win match for the team in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores preliminary round on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, beginning at 9:30 p.m. local time. The match, taking place at the Neo Química Arena, follows a 1-1 draw from the first leg, making this an essential contest for both teams.

Corinthians is looking to shake off a three-game winless streak after their last outing, a 2-2 draw against Guarani in the Campeonato Paulista. Despite the recent struggle, the team secured the best performance in the Paulista group stage.

“We need to return to our winning ways and take advantage of playing at home,” said coach Ramón Díaz. “The pressure is on us to perform and not let our fans down.”

On the other side, Universidad Central comes without the burden of expectations. Having held Corinthians to a draw in Caracas, the Venezuelan team aims to secure a historic upset in its first-ever Copa Libertadores participation amidst a backdrop of modest performance in the Venezuelan Apertura league.

The last few weeks have been promising for UCV, who are unbeaten in their last three matches, including two victories. Currently ranked sixth in their national league, they head into the contest feeling confident.

Should Corinthians manage to defeat UCV, they will face the winner of another preliminary match between Ecuador’s Barcelona and El Nacional in the next round. Barcelona has an advantage after winning their first leg 1-0.

Corinthians is expected to field a modified squad for the match, with Matheus Bidu likely replacing Hugo in the starting lineup for a more offensive approach. The attacking trio of Rodrigo Garro, Memphis Depay, and Yuri Alberto will look to break through UCV’s defensive structure.

Raniele is the only player confirmed to be sidelined due to injury; he sustained a setback during the first leg.

Expected Line-up for Corinthians: Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, João Pedro, and Matheus Bidu; José Martínez, Breno Bidon, Andre Carrillo, and Rodrigo Garro; Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto.

UCV’s plan revolves around a solid 4-5-1 formation, likely focusing on speed and counter-attacks, deploying Zapata and Cuesta on the wings and Samuel Sosa functioning as the playmaker.

Expected Line-up for Universidad Central: Miguel Silva; Kendrys Silva, Adrián Martínez, Simarra, and Cumana; Alexander González, Sole, Samuel Sosa, Zapata, and Juan Cuesta; Ortiz.

This matchup is drawing significant attention, and fans anticipate a tightly contested game that could potentially lead to penalty shootouts if the teams draw again.

“The pressure is on but we are ready to give our all,” UCV’s coach, Daniel Sasso, stated. “We know the challenge ahead but we are not afraid to seize this opportunity.”

The game will be broadcast live on TV Globo in São Paulo, alongside streaming options on Globoplay, ESPN, and Disney+. As both teams prepare for what promises to be a thrilling encounter, they know the stakes and the reward for victory: progression in one of South America’s most prestigious tournaments.