Rosario vs Corinthians – News and Probable Lineups

Rosario Central will take on Corinthians at the Gigante de Arroyito on Thursday in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores round-of-16 fixture.

The Argentine team aims to capitalize on their home advantage against a Corinthians squad arriving without two key attacking players, while Fernando Diniz’s side will strive to keep the tie competitive before heading back to Brasil for the second leg.

Match overview

Rosario Central has had a solid Copa Libertadores season, finishing second in Group H with 13 points after six matches, which included four victories, one draw, and one loss.

This result placed them ninth in the overall qualification standings and earned them a spot in Pot 2 for the round-of-16 draw.

However, their domestic form has fluctuated, with Jorge Almiron’s squad gathering seven points from their first four matches in Zone B of the Torneo Clausura.

Recently, Rosario Central’s results have been inconsistent, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Estudiantes and a 2-1 loss to Belgrano before drawing 0-0 with Racing Club. They then rebounded with a 1-0 away victory at River Plate and a 2-1 win at home against Aldosivi.

With over 41,000 fans anticipated at the Gigante de Arroyito on Thursday, the home advantage could be pivotal, particularly as Central has shown a capability of making their home fixtures difficult for rivals, winning two and drawing one during the group stage.

On the other hand, Corinthians also arrive after finishing top of their Libertadores group, securing 11 points from six matches in Group E, which included three wins, two draws, and one loss, finishing in seventh place overall, granting them a place in Pot 1.

However, they have been less convincing in their league campaign, currently sitting seventh in the Brasileirao with 32 points from 22 matches.

Diniz’s team drew their last two league fixtures against Bahia and Athletico-PR before securing a 2-0 win against Bragantino. Their season has faced interruptions due to a challenging schedule and an exit from the Copa do Brasil.

Corinthians were knocked out of the Copa do Brasil by Internacional in the quarter-finals, losing the tie 3-2 on aggregate, leaving them reliant on the Libertadores as their main chance for continental success.

Nonetheless, they confront a tough challenge in Argentina, especially in the absence of Yuri Alberto and with Memphis Depay having departed the club after failing to renew his contract.

Team News

Rosario Central will be missing defender Juan Gimenez, who is still recovering from a serious knee ligament injury sustained in August 2025.

Marco Ruben is currently a doubt, while Julian Fernandez and Ignacio Ovando are expected to be fit for selection.

Ovando, previously seen as a rotational option, has stepped up to become a regular starter since late July and is likely to keep his place against Corinthians.

Corinthians face a more extensive list of absentees, with Alberto sidelined due to a hamstring issue and not traveling with the squad. Depay has also left the club after failing to reach a new contract agreement.

Andre Luiz is ruled out with a grade-two hamstring injury, while Zakaria Labyad continues his recovery from significant knee problems.

Vitinho and Kayke are both unavailable following knee surgeries, and Alex Santana remains out of action as well.

Rosario Central probable starting XI:

Ledesma; Coronel, Ovando, Avila, Sandez; Ibarra, Pizarro; J. Fernandez, Di Maria, Campaz; Copetti

Corinthians probable starting XI:

Souza; Matheuzinho, Paulista, Henrique, Bidu; Allan, Raniele, Bidon; Garro; Cesar, Raul

Due to Rosario Central’s strong Libertadores performance and the advantage of playing at home, they are considered the favorites for the initial leg, especially with Corinthians missing both Yuri Alberto and Memphis Depay.

The Argentine club has demonstrated sufficient attacking prowess to challenge a Corinthians defense that could face considerable pressure at the Gigante de Arroyito.

Diniz’s squad will hope to maintain a respectable scoreline and return to Brasil with a viable chance of advancement, though their diminished attacking options may complicate that effort.

It is anticipated that Rosario Central will dominate a significant portion of the match and secure a 2-0 victory, granting them a valuable edge ahead of the second leg.