​Men’s football: Timão go for Libertadores semi spot this Wednesday (16)Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência CorinthiansCorinthians face a decisive night this Wednesday (16). At 9:30 p.m., at Neo Química Arena, Timão will meet Estudiantes (ARG) again for the second leg of the CONMEBOL Libertadores quarterfinals. The match will be broadcast on Globo and on the GE TV and Paramount+ platforms.The Corinthians squad wrapped up preparations for the match on Tuesday afternoon (15) at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava. The team began the day’s activities with a tactical instruction video in the Flexform Briefing Room. After a gym activation session and a warm-up on the pitch, the squad carried out a ten-versus-ten tactical exercise under coach Fernando Diniz. Set plays and penalty kicks were also practiced.Fernando Diniz will once again be without defensive midfielder Raniele. Number 14 received a two-match suspension after being sent off against Rosario Central (ARG) in the quarterfinals and will serve the second match against Estudiantes (ARG).With a goal from Kaio César, Timão drew the first leg 1-1 in La Plata (ARG). To advance in the competition, Alvinegro needs a simple win in front of the Fiel. In the event of another draw, the spot will be decided on penalties.Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência CorinthiansFocused on the rematch with Estudiantes (ARG), forward Kaio César values the away draw and expects another very balanced match at Neo Química Arena.“I was very happy to help the team with a goal. I believe the goal will give us more confidence for the second leg. If we came back trailing 1-0, it would be a very difficult match. We would have to attack more. Now, with this goal, we’ll have to know how to manage the game. We’ll have to know when to attack and when to defend. I believe Estudiantes will come with that mindset as well. It will be a very balanced match, but we’re going in search of qualification,” said Kaio César, who is counting on the Fiel for a unique atmosphere at the People’s Home.“The Fiel is certainly our 12th player. They are the ones who support us, who make us run for the full 90 minutes and never give up. With the Fiel supporting us, we definitely have a better chance of going through,” said number 37.Corinthians come into this quarterfinal second leg with four wins, four draws, and just one loss, with ten goals scored and five conceded. Estudiantes (ARG) have three wins, five draws, and one loss, with 11 goals scored and seven conceded. The Argentine side got past Universidad Católica (CHI) in the round of 16 with a 1-1 home draw and a 3-0 away win.Corinthians and Estudiantes met in the quarterfinals of the 2023 CONMEBOL Sudamericana. In the first leg, at Neo Química Arena, Timão won 1-0 with a goal from center-back Gil. In the return match, in La Plata, Alvinegro lost 1-0 in regulation time and won 3-2 on penalties.Check out Timão’s CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 campaign:09/04 – Platense (ARG) 0 x 2 Corinthians – Goa