Corinthians will start Copa Libertadores in second round | OneFootball

With just one game to go, Corinthians were in the hunt for the sixth and final Copa Libertadores group-stage berth after defeating relegation-threatened Ceará 1-0 on Wednesday night.

However, two hours later, São Paulo knocked off Internacional 2-1 to claim the berth and deny both Inter and Corinthians a group stage berth.

With the victory tonight, Corinthians claimed a place in the Copa Libertadores second stage, meaning they will have to knock off two opponents over two legs in February in order to qualify for the group stage.

Since Flamengo won the Libertadores and Athletico Paranaense won the Copa do Brasil, Brazilian sides get a whopping eight berths into next year’s premier tournament.

Flamengo, Palmeiras, Santos, Grêmio, Athletico Paranaense, and São Paulo have all clinched a spot in the group stage.

The eighth and final place is still up for grabs, with Inter and Goiás both still in contention.

Gustagol’s 81st-minute winner provided the difference against Ceará tonight.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the table, Ceará will be hoping Grêmio can knock off Cruzeiro tomorrow. Ceará are currently two points ahead of Cruzeiro in the battle to remain in the Brasileirão for the 2020 season.

CSA, Chapecoense, and Avaí have already been relegated.