Corinthians reduces goals conceded from dead balls in 2026

- By Mirella Ramos / Central do Timão Editorial

Corinthians showed defensive evolution in the first half of 2026, especially in set pieces. After ending last season conceding 18 goals from corner kicks and penalties, Timão reduced that number to six this season. Furthermore, the team only conceded once from a direct free kick. The information was initially released by ge.

Improvement depends on different factors throughout the season. The maintenance of a defensive base, formed mainly by Hugo Souza, Gabriel Paulista and Gustavo Henrique, combined with the adjustments implemented by the technical committees of Dorival Júnior and, later, Fernando Diniz, contributed to a more consistent performance in aerial ball plays and defensive organization.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians
Another aspect that showed progress was the reduction in penalties committed. So far, Corinthians have had six penalties taken against them in 2026. Of these, three ended in a goal for the opponents, two were saved by goalkeeper Hugo Souza and one was wasted by the penalty taker.

The penalties awarded against Corinthians this season were:

- Bahia: Willian José converted the penalty committed by Hugo Souza;
- Red Bull Bragantino: Isidro Pitta had a charge saved by Hugo Souza after a foul by Gustavo Henrique;
- Athletico: Julimar wasted the charge, committed by Matheus Bidu, when he finished out wide;
- Portuguese: René stopped in defense of Hugo Souza after a penalty committed by the Corinthian goalkeeper;
- Mirassol: Carlos Eduardo converted a penalty conceded by Matheus Bidu;
- Platense: Zapiola scored after a penalty committed by Rodrigo Garro.

From corner kicks, Corinthians conceded just three goals throughout the season. The moves took place in matches against Coritiba, São Paulo and Peñarol.

- Coritiba: Jacy's goal from a corner kick on the left side;
- São Paulo: Matheuzinho's own goal from a corner kick from the left side;
- Peñarol: Maxi Oliveira scored from a corner kick from the left side.

In addition to these plays, Timão was only conceded once by a direct free kick. The goal was scored by Gabigol, in the derby against Santos.

The numbers show an improvement in the team's defensive system, mainly in protecting the area and marking set pieces, a fundamental that had been identified as one of Corinthians' main problems in recent seasons.

With the interseason underway, Fernando Diniz's coaching staff seeks to maintain the defensive evolution for the sequence of the Brazilian Championship, the Copa do Brasil and the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores.

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Source: Timao Central