In a thrilling encounter at the Neo Química Arena, Corinthians turned the tables on Internacional, clinching a remarkable 4-2 victory on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This match, part of the seventh round of the Brasileirão Betano, marked the first home game for coach Dorival Júnior with Timão, and it certainly did not disappoint.
The star of the night was none other than Yuri Alberto, who showcased his prowess by scoring a sensational hat-trick against his former club. Alberto opened the scoring early in the match, putting his team ahead before Internacional struck back. Brian Aguirre leveled the score for the visitors, and Thiago Maia then turned the tide, putting Internacional in the lead before halftime.
However, the second half belonged to Corinthians, as Alberto netted two more goals, and Igor Coronado added another to seal the deal. This victory was crucial for Corinthians, propelling them up five places in the standings to seventh, with ten points, while Internacional remained stagnant at nine points.
The stakes were high going into this match, as Corinthians was sitting in 12th place with only seven points before the game. A win was essential not only for the morale of the team but also to improve their position in the tightly contested league. The atmosphere was electric, with fans filling the stands, creating a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement.
Before the match, the implications of the game were clear. A victory could see Corinthians leapfrog several teams, including Vasco, Ceará, Botafogo, São Paulo, and even Internacional itself. The team needed to win by at least four goals to reach the sixth position, which added an extra layer of pressure and urgency to the encounter. The match was seen as a pivotal moment for the squad, especially with the risk of slipping into the relegation zone looming large.
As the game progressed, it became evident that the players were determined to rise to the occasion. Despite a shaky start, they rallied back with impressive teamwork and resilience. Coach Dorival Júnior's strategies were put to the test, and it was clear that his presence had a positive impact on the squad. After the match, he expressed pride in his team's performance, saying, "The players showed incredible character and determination to come back from behind. This is just the beginning of what we can achieve together."
Yuri Alberto, reflecting on his hat-trick, stated, "It feels great to score against my old club. But this victory is about the team, and we needed it to climb the table. We’ll keep pushing forward and aim for more wins in the upcoming matches." His sentiments echoed the team’s collective goal to continue improving as the season progresses.
With this victory, Corinthians temporarily found themselves in a more secure position in the league. However, the fight is far from over. They now look ahead to their next challenge, facing América de Cali on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in the fourth round of the Copa Sul-Americana. Currently sitting in third place in Group C with four points, this match is crucial for their aspirations in the continental competition.
Following the América de Cali match, Corinthians will have two more fixtures against local rivals. On Saturday, May 10, they will travel to face Mirassol, and then on May 18, they will host Santos in what promises to be an intense derby match. These upcoming games are vital for maintaining momentum and securing points in both the league and cup competitions.
As the league continues, the standings remain tight, with several teams vying for position. Currently, Flamengo leads the pack with 14 points, followed closely by Palmeiras and Red Bull Bragantino, both at 13 points. The competition is fierce, and every match counts. With the likes of Bahia and Botafogo also in contention, Corinthians will need to keep their focus and intensity high to maintain their upward trajectory.
This match against Internacional not only showcased the talent within the Corinthians squad but also served as a reminder of the unpredictability of football. With the season still young, anything can happen, and teams will continue to battle for supremacy in the league.
As fans celebrate this hard-fought victory, the Corinthians squad knows that they must keep their feet on the ground and prepare for the challenges ahead. The road to success is long, and with a mix of determination, skill, and teamwork, they are ready to face whatever comes next.
In conclusion, this thrilling victory against Internacional has set the tone for the rest of the season. With a renewed sense of purpose and confidence, the Corinthians are poised to make a significant impact as they aim for higher honors in the Brasileirão and beyond.
