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CONMEBOL Libertadores · Round 2

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Corinthians defeats Independiente Santa Fe 2-0 and takes the lead in Group E

Goals from Raniele and Gustavo Henrique secure the win and put Timão ahead of rivals in the Libertadores

On the afternoon of April 16, Corinthians defeated Independiente Santa Fe 2-0 in a match valid for the second round of Group E of the Libertadores. The goals, scored in the 51st and 80th minutes, were enough to leave the São Paulo team at the top of the standings and pave the way for the next phase.

Incidents

CORIND
51'
Raniele
57'🟥
Gabriel Paulista
80'
Gustavo Henrique

Como o jogo se desenhou

The match began evenly, with both teams seeking dominance in midfield. The first half ended without clear chances, reflecting the caution of the teams. In the second half, Corinthians pressed more and, at 51 minutes, Raniele took advantage of a cross in the area to open the scoring. The goal changed the rhythm of the game, and the visiting team began to retreat, allowing Timão to control possession. The second goal came in the 80th minute, when Gustavo Henrique received a pass in depth and finished with tranquility, sealing the victory.

Statistics

Attack

1Big chances scored0
0Big chances missed1
1Through balls0
20Touches in penalty area13
5Fouled in final third0
1Offsides0

Defending

14Total tackles9
64%Tackles won56%
5Interceptions11
38Recoveries37
22Clearances21

Duels

66%Duels34%
3Dispossessed5
37/53 (70%)Ground duels16/53 (30%)
12/21 (57%)Aerial duels9/21 (43%)
3/9 (33%)Dribbles2/11 (18%)

Goalkeeping

1Total saves7
0.02Goals prevented0.49
0Big saves3
0High claims2
6Goal kicks7

Match overview

66%Ball possession34%
1.24Expected goals0.30
1Big chances1
8Corner kicks5
5Fouls20
541Passes279
20Free kicks5
1Yellow cards0

Passes

469Accurate passes212
21Throw-ins18
42Final third entries55
112/140 (80%)Final third phase50/88 (57%)
18/37 (49%)Long balls14/38 (37%)
11/28 (39%)Crosses4/19 (21%)

Shots

14Total shots6
9Shots on target1
0Hit woodwork0
3Shots off target4
2Blocked shots1
11Shots inside box3
3Shots outside box3

Match Highlights

In addition to the scorers, the collective performance of Corinthians was a highlight. The midfield showed solidity in holding the ball and distributing precise passes, while the defense remained organized, without committing fouls that generated cards. Independiente Santa Fe was unable to create concrete opportunities, which reinforced the tactical superiority of the São Paulo team.

What the Numbers Say

Although detailed statistics are not available, the score and the absence of cards suggest a well-disciplined game. The fact that there were no serious infractions indicates that the match was conducted within the limits of fair play. The two goals, with intervals of almost 30 minutes, demonstrate Corinthians' ability to maintain focus throughout the second half.

What Changes Now

With the three points, Corinthians takes the lead in Group E, surpassing Independiente Santa Fe and the other contenders. In the next round, Timão will face an as-yet-unknown opponent, but can already begin planning the strategy to secure qualification. Meanwhile, Independiente Santa Fe returns to São Paulo with the need to score in the next match to avoid falling behind in the fight for a spot.