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Corinthians and Rosario Central Battle for a Quarterfinal Spot

Corinthians host Rosario Central this Thursday, August 20, at Neo Química Arena in the second leg of the 2026 Copa Libertadores Round of 16. A 0-0 draw in the opening match left the tie completely up for grabs, with both teams still fighting for a place in the quarterfinals.

Timão now have the advantage of deciding the tie in front of their home supporters after surviving a difficult first leg at Gigante de Arroyito, where they finished the match with 10 men following Allan's second-half red card.

Rosario Central, meanwhile, travel to Brazil knowing they must find away from home what they could not produce in Argentina. If the aggregate score remains level after 90 minutes, the quarterfinal spot will be decided by a penalty shootout.

How Corinthians Enter the Match

Corinthians head into the decisive clash after suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Cruzeiro in the Brasileirao, where they currently sit in the middle of the standings.

Their recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five competitive matches. Their Copa Libertadores group-stage campaign was more impressive, however, as they finished top of their group with 11 points, eight goals scored and four conceded.

Pedro Raul will be one of Corinthians' main attacking threats, while Rodrigo Garro is expected to carry much of the creative responsibility. Kaio César could also play an important role as the Brazilian side attempt to break down a Rosario Central defense that has been extremely difficult to beat.

Rosario Central Arrive Unbeaten in Their Last Five Matches

El Canalla enter the game in considerably better form. Rosario Central are coming off a 1-0 away victory over Barracas Central in Argentina's Torneo Clausura and currently sit third in Group B.

Jorge Almirón's side are unbeaten in their last five competitive matches, recording three wins and two draws. Even more impressively, they have conceded only once during that stretch.

Central's defensive strength was also evident during the Copa Libertadores group stage. They finished top of their group with 13 points, scoring nine goals and conceding just once.

Ángel Di Maria Leads Rosario Central's Quarterfinal Push

Angel Di Maria's experience will be one of Rosario Central's biggest weapons as they prepare for the hostile atmosphere at Neo Química Arena.

The World Cup winner will be expected to provide creativity and leadership in attack, while Jáminton Campaz offers pace and the ability to create problems in transition. Enzo Copetti provides another important attacking option.

Corinthians will look to control the game through Garro while using Pedro Raul's presence inside the box. With the aggregate score still level, the opening goal could completely transform the tie.

The Scoreless First Leg Left Everything to Play For

The opening match of the series ended 0-0 on August 14 in Rosario, although there was no shortage of tension between the two sides.

Central attempted to use home advantage to put the Brazilian side under pressure, while Corinthians managed to protect the draw even after going down to 10 men in the second half.

The scenario will now be very different. Timão are expected to take greater control in front of their supporters, while Rosario Central could look to exploit the spaces left behind and secure a memorable result on Brazilian soil.

Match Info: Corinthians vs. Rosario Central

• Match: Corinthians vs. Rosario Central
• Competition: 2026 Copa Libertadores – Round of 16, second leg
• Date: Thursday, August 20
• Time: 8:20 PM ET
• TV: beIN SPORTS
• Stadium: Neo Química Arena
• City: São Paulo, Brazil
• First-leg result: Rosario Central 0-0 Corinthians