With their hopes high and World Cup champion Ángel Di María leading the charge, Rosario Central hosts Corinthians this Thursday in the Copa Libertadores 2026 Round of 16. The Gigante de Arroyito stadium will be the stage for a thrilling match where the Argentine side aims to capitalize on their home advantage against a Brazilian rival facing internal conflicts and key absences.

A Magical Night at the Gigante de Arroyito

This Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 9:30 PM (Argentina time), the Gigante de Arroyito—the iconic stadium of Rosario Central—will dress up to host the first leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16. For those unfamiliar, the Copa Libertadores is South America's most prestigious club football tournament, equivalent to the UEFA Champions League.

Rosario Central, led by the legendary World Cup champion Ángel Di María (affectionately known as Fideo, meaning Noodle), will seek to take an advantage against a Corinthians side that arrives in Argentina weakened. The Brazilian club, one of the most popular in their country, recently lost star forward Memphis Depay (who did not renew his contract) and is dealing with the injury of striker Yuri Alberto.

Match Details

  • Date & Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 9:30 PM (ART)
  • Venue: Gigante de Arroyito (Rosario, Argentina)
  • Referee: Andrés Matonte (Uruguay)
  • VAR: Cristhian Ferreyra (Uruguay)
  • Broadcasting: Fox Sports, Telefe, Disney+ Premium, Pluto TV
  • Radio: Radio 2 (AM 1230 and FM 90.1)
Rosario Central (Argentina)

Head Coach: Jorge Almirón

Group Stage: 2nd in Group H with 13 points.

Probable Starting XI:

Jeremías Ledesma; Emanuel Coronel, Ignacio Ovando, Gastón Ávila, Agustín Sández; Franco Ibarra, Vicente Pizarro, Giovanni Cantizano (or Julián Fernández), Ángel Di María, Jaminton Campaz; Enzo Copetti.

Corinthians (Brazil)

Head Coach: Fernando Diniz

Group Stage: 1st in Group E with 11 points.

Probable Starting XI:

Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Gabriel Paulista, Gustavo Henrique, Matheus Bidu; Allan Souza, Raniele, Breno Bidon, Rodrigo Garro; Kaio César and Pedro Raul.

A History Full of Emotions

The history between these two clubs dates back to the 2000 Copa Libertadores Round of 16. On that occasion, Central won 3-2 in Arroyito with goals from Juan Antonio Pizzi, Javier Cappelleti, and Rafael Maceratesi, although they ultimately lost the tie on penalties. The last time the Canalla (as Central's fans are known) reached this stage was in 2016, when they eliminated Gremio with a 1-0 win in Brazil and a 3-0 victory in Rosario.

The most glorious memory against a Brazilian team comes from the 1995 Copa Conmebol, where Rosario Central miraculously came back from a 0-4 deficit against Atlético Mineiro, eventually winning the championship on penalties against legendary goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel. Recently, Brazilian teams have been a tough hurdle, with defeats in 2024 against Atlético Mineiro and Fortaleza. Today, with the unwavering support of their fans and Di María's magic, Central hopes to turn the tide and take a historic step towards the quarter-finals.

Sources: TyC Sports, Rosario3, Official Site