Corinthians and Internacional set for tense Copa do Brasil battle

Internacional take a 2-0 lead to Corinthians in the Copa do Brasil round-of-16 second leg, but their poor away form could force them into a defensive approach. Corinthians are also struggling for form, making a draw a plausible outcome.

By 7MTHScore Staff

The Copa do Brasil round of 16 continues early on Friday, with Corinthians hosting Internacional. Internacional hold the upper hand after winning the first leg 2-0, but their recent away form has been poor. They are therefore likely to prioritise defence and avoid a comeback, with a draw an acceptable outcome.

Corinthians’ form has continued to decline. Since returning from the Club World Cup break, their only league victory has come against struggling Remo, followed by two draws and one defeat in their past three matches across all competitions. They have also failed to score in two consecutive games.

Adding to their concerns, Corinthians have recorded one draw and two defeats in their last three meetings with Internacional, with a combined goal difference of 1-4. Given those trends, the defending Copa do Brasil champions face a difficult task in overturning the deficit.

Goals from captain Alan Patrick and combative midfielder Matheus Santos gave Internacional a convincing first-leg victory over Corinthians. Alan Patrick has contributed one goal and two assists in this season’s Copa do Brasil, directly contributing to a goal in every appearance as Internacional won all three matches.

However, Internacional are winless in their last four away matches in the Brazilian Serie A and have lost the last three, posting a combined goal difference of 1-7 during that run. Against a Corinthians side unbeaten in their last seven domestic home fixtures, Internacional may need to sit deep and defend their first-leg advantage to secure qualification.