On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the stage is set for an exciting showdown as Corinthians takes on América de Cali at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo at 21:30 (Brasília time). This match, part of the group stage of the Copa Sul-Americana, holds significant implications for both teams as they vie for a spot in the knockout phase of the tournament.
Corinthians enters this clash with a recent surge in form, having secured two consecutive victories, including a 4-2 triumph over Internacional in the Brasileirão on May 3. Yuri Alberto was the star of that match, netting three goals, while Igor Coronado added another to seal the win. Under the guidance of coach Dorival Júnior, the team is looking to build momentum and solidify their position in the group.
Currently, Corinthians sits in third place in Group C with four points after three matches, just one point behind América de Cali, who occupies the second spot with five points. The stakes are high, as the leader of the group will advance directly to the round of 16, while the second-placed team will face a club that finishes third in the Copa Libertadores group stage to secure a place in the Sul-Americana knockout rounds.
In their previous encounter in this edition of the Sul-Americana, Corinthians managed to draw 1-1 with América de Cali in Colombia, with Matheuzinho scoring for the Brazilian side. Both teams paid tribute to the late Freddy Rincón, a legendary figure for both clubs, who passed away in April 2022. Rincón's legacy looms large as he was a pivotal player for Corinthians, winning two Brazilian Championships and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2000.
As the match approaches, the excitement is palpable. The referee for the upcoming game will be Paraguay's Juan Gabriel Benítez, officiating his first match involving Corinthians. In 2025, he has already refereed three Série A matches involving Brazilian clubs and was in charge of Atlético-MG's impressive 4-0 victory over Iquique in the Sul-Americana.
Benítez will be assisted by Eduardo Cardozo and José Villagra, with Ulises Mereles overseeing the VAR. The officiating team is expected to play a crucial role in what promises to be a tightly contested match.
Corinthians' recent form has seen them rise to eighth place in the Brasileirão, with a total of 10 points. The team is looking to improve their performance in the Sul-Americana after a rocky start, which included a victory, a draw, and a loss. The home advantage at Neo Química Arena could be pivotal in their quest for qualification.
On the other hand, América de Cali arrives in São Paulo with a solid record of four matches unbeaten, including two wins and two draws. Their most recent performance was a draw against Huracán in Argentina, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Historically, Corinthians and América de Cali have faced each other three times, with one win for Corinthians, one for América de Cali, and one draw. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as both teams seek to assert their dominance.
As the teams prepare to take the field, fans can expect an intense atmosphere, with both sides eager to secure a vital three points. The match will be broadcast live on SBT, ESPN, and Disney+, allowing supporters to follow the action closely.
In terms of lineups, Corinthians is expected to deploy a 4-4-2 formation, with Hugo Souza in goal, supported by Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Cacá, and Angileri in defense. The midfield will feature Raniele, Bidon, Carrillo, and Coronado, while the attacking duo will consist of Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto, both of whom will be looking to find the back of the net.
América de Cali, under the management of Jorge Da Silva, will likely field Soto in goal, with a defensive line comprising Candelo, Bocanegra, Pestaña, and Mina. Their midfield will include Balanta, Carrascal, and Quintero, while the forward line features Romero, Barrios, and Holgado, all of whom have shown the ability to score in crucial moments.
The match is not only about securing points; it’s also a testament to the legacy of Freddy Rincón, whose contributions to both clubs are fondly remembered. His journey from América de Cali to becoming a Corinthians legend serves as an inspiration for players and fans alike.
As the kickoff approaches, both teams are aware that a win could significantly alter their trajectories in the tournament. With the pressure mounting and the stakes high, fans are in for a thrilling encounter that promises to deliver excitement and drama.
In conclusion, the clash between Corinthians and América de Cali is set to be a defining moment in the group stage of the Copa Sul-Americana. With both teams eager to secure their place in the next round, the match is sure to be a highlight of the tournament.
