Corinthians Dominate the Ball, But Need Late Yuri Alberto Strike to Win

Key Points

• Yuri Alberto scored at 90+1 off the bench to give Corinthians a 1–0 win at Velo Clube.
• Corinthians had 67.9% possession and 14 shots, but needed a late rebound to decide it.
• The win lifted Corinthians to fourth on eight points before Bahia and Flamengo.

Corinthians looked headed for a damaging draw in Rio Claro, until a stoppage-time rebound rescued them. On Sunday, January 25, they beat Velo Clube 1–0 in the fifth round of the 2026 Paulista Série A1 at Estádio Benito Agnelo Castellano.

Yuri Alberto, introduced from the bench, scored at 90+1. Vitinho hit a tight-angle shot, goalkeeper Marcelo Carné saved, and the ball spilled to the No. 9 for a tap-in.

The match mixed dominance with frustration. Corinthians finished with 67.9% possession, 14 shots, and six on target, yet much of the danger came from outside the area.

Velo defended compactly and attacked mainly through set pieces and aerial balls that tested goalkeeper Hugo Souza. Carné made five saves and kept Velo alive until the final minute.

The temperature stayed high. Referee Flávio Rodrigues de Souza issued nine yellow cards, four before halftime. A late first-half tackle sparked calls for a red card.

Another flashpoint came when defender André Ramalho was struck in the face during a crowded sequence, with Corinthians supporters arguing for a penalty and firmer VAR scrutiny.

Dorival Júnior’s rotation also mattered. Corinthians open the 2026 Brasileirão against Bahia on Wednesday, January 28, then face Flamengo in Brasília the following weekend in the Supercopa do Brasil.

He used a mixed lineup with debutant right-back Pedro Milans and a first seasonal start for Rodrigo Garro as he is managed back after surgery.

Memphis Depay remains in physical transition, midfielder José Martínez was away handling passport paperwork, and defender Cacá was unavailable.

Velo began 13th with four points, missing suspended defender Gabriel Mancha and injured Lucas Duni, and were seconds from a statement draw. The late goal lifted Corinthians to eight points and fourth, while Velo stayed on four in 13th.

The celebration spread online, including teammates playfully tugging at Yuri Alberto’s shorts. In a congested season, discipline beat romantic improvisation.

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