Corinthians suffered their first defeat in the 2026 Copa Libertadores on Wednesday, May 27, falling 2-0 to Platense at Neo Química Arena. The result ended Corinthians’ unbeaten run in the tournament and allowed the Argentine club to secure second place in the group, which comes with a place in the round of 16.
Platense took control of the match with a disciplined performance and capitalized on two major errors by Corinthians goalkeeper Hugo Souza. The first decisive moment came in the 20th minute, when Hugo misjudged a corner kick and came off his line poorly. As the ball traveled through the area, it struck Rodrigo Garro’s arm, leading the referee to award a penalty to the visitors. Zapiola stepped up and converted from the spot, giving Platense the lead.
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The second goal arrived early in the second half and came after another costly mistake from Hugo Souza. Attempting to build the play from the back, the goalkeeper played a poor pass that went directly to Zapiola. With the goalkeeper out of position, the Platense attacker calmly lifted the ball over him to extend the advantage to 2-0.
Corinthians struggled to respond after falling behind and were unable to find a way back into the game in front of their home supporters. Platense remained organized defensively and managed the result efficiently, preventing Corinthians from creating enough clear chances to change the outcome.
The defeat was significant for Corinthians, who had hoped to finish the group stage on a stronger note. Instead, the team must now regroup after a frustrating night marked by individual mistakes and a lack of offensive effectiveness.
For Platense, the victory represented an important away result and confirmed their progression to the knockout stage. The Argentine side’s clinical finishing and defensive stability proved decisive in one of the group stage’s key matches.
The match at Neo Química Arena highlighted how small errors can shape the outcome of high-level continental competition. Corinthians had opportunities to stay in control, but the combination of a mistimed action on a set piece and a turnover in their own half allowed Platense to take full advantage.
