Athletico-pr Vs Corinthians: Line-ups Confirmed as Old-Guard Caravan Heads to Restricted Arena
The postponed fixture Athletico-pr Vs Corinthians kicks off at 7: 30 PM ET on Thursday, with line-ups confirmed and a special caravan of veteran supporters travelling to the Arena da Baixada despite strict attendance restrictions.
Athletico-pr Vs Corinthians: confirmed line-ups and tactical notes
Coaches for both sides have finalised their probable starters. Athletico arrive unbeaten in the season, having won their two previous league matches and carrying a six-game invincibility run in all competitions; a victory would allow them to move to the top of the table. Their likely XI includes Santos in goal, a back four of Terán, Arthur Dias, Esquivel and Benavídez, midfield options with Portilla listed but possibly replaced by Luiz Gustavo if not fully fit, Zapelli and Léo Derik, and an attack featuring Mendoza, Julimar and Viveros. The club will be without Renan Peixoto, Isaac and Alejandro García as they continue physical transitions back to play.
Corinthians enter the game off two straight wins across competitions and are mid-table in the national league with three points. Their probable selection leans to a three-man midfield and pace on the flanks, with Hugo Souza in goal; a back line of Matheuzinho, Gabriel Paulista, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bidu; midfield options including Raniele (with Allan as an option), Matheus Pereira and Carrillo (Rodrigo Garro an alternative); and an attacking trio of Kayke, Memphis Depay and Pedro Raul (with Gui Negão an option). Corinthians are missing several players through injury and recovery, including Hugo, Kaio César, Breno Bidon and Yuri Alberto; Raniele is listed as one player suspended by accumulation.
The match officials have been appointed: referee Rodrigo Jose Pereira de Lima will take charge, supported by assistants Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa and Schumacher Marques Gomes, with Anderson Ribeiro Goncalves as fourth official and Wagner Reway on VAR.
Caravan of veterans and crowd limits shape the away support
A distinct travelling contingent will follow the Corinthians squad: a special caravan organised by long-standing members and led by the group’s old guard is making the trip to Curitiba for the 7: 30 PM ET kick-off. The travelling party includes notable figures from the supporters’ circle, highlighting the convoy as a celebration of decades of loyalty. The samba school affiliated with the group recently finished as Special Group runners-up in a major carnival event earlier this year, and a composer and interpreter are among those in the party.
The Arena da Baixada will host a restricted crowd: entry is limited to women, children up to 12, older supporters and people with disabilities after a sanction tied to fan violence in a previous derby. The disciplinary decision also included a loss of venue for a match and a R$ 15, 000 fine. Legal efforts by club-linked legal teams to overturn the measure were unsuccessful. Even with the restrictions, roughly 4, 000 away tickets have sold out, ensuring a notable contingent of travelling fans will be present.
Broadcast, stakes and what to watch
The fixture will be shown live on the designated pay broadcaster, with live updates also available through real-time coverage channels. Key storylines on the pitch include Athletico’s bid to remain the only team with a perfect record in the league and Corinthians’ push for a second-round victory that could lift them toward the upper reaches of the table. Watch for the fitness check on Athletico’s Portilla and the expected attacking partnership choices for Corinthians without their injured forward.
With confirmed line-ups, a high-stakes atmosphere and a veteran-led away caravan arriving amid strict stadium limits, the postponed encounter promises to be charged both on and off the field.
