Does Depay play today? where to watch Universidad Central-VEN x Corinthians in the Libertadores

Corinthians kicks off its 2025 Copa Libertadores campaign this Wednesday, February 19, against Universidad Central from Venezuela at the Estadio Olímpico de la UCV in Caracas. The match is scheduled for 9:30 PM (Brasília time) and marks the Brazilian club’s first step in its quest for a group stage spot in the South American tournament. For the Venezuelan side, this game represents a historic milestone as it is their first-ever participation in an official international tournament. The match is expected to be competitive, with Universidad Central looking to challenge the favorite Corinthians, which arrives with a full-strength squad under coach Ramón Díaz.

The game will be broadcast live by TV Globo for São Paulo, while ESPN and Disney+ will offer coverage for cable TV and streaming subscribers. Additionally, sports websites will provide real-time play-by-play updates.

Corinthians comes into this match in good form and will rely on an offensive lineup featuring Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto in attack. Meanwhile, Universidad Central will bet on the experience of striker Charlis Ortiz and the skill of Colombian forward Juan Cuesta to try and surprise the Brazilian side.

Universidad Central’s history and current status in the competition

Universidad Central is one of Venezuela’s most traditional clubs, founded in 1950. Despite its long history, the team has spent decades without winning major titles and has only recently regained prominence. Its historic qualification for the Libertadores came after finishing second in the overall standings of the 2024 Venezuelan Championship. Throughout the season, Universidad Central recorded 13 wins, 13 draws, and six losses, scoring 44 goals and conceding 33.

With a modest squad, the team relies on the experience of veteran players like 38-year-old Charlis Ortiz and Juan Zapata, who scored six goals last season. Coach Daniel Sasso, 42, employs a defensive strategy focused on counterattacks to challenge stronger opponents.

Corinthians’ recent performance in Libertadores preliminary rounds

Corinthians has had mixed results in previous Libertadores preliminary rounds. In 2011, the club suffered a shocking elimination against Colombia’s Deportes Tolima. However, in 2015, it managed to progress by defeating Once Caldas. In 2020, the team faced another early exit after being eliminated by Paraguay’s Guaraní in the qualifying stage.

This time, Corinthians aims to avoid another setback and secure a spot in the group stage without difficulties. Ramón Díaz, an experienced coach in South American tournaments, is expected to adopt a balanced and offensive approach, strengthened by the presence of Memphis Depay.

Expected lineups for Universidad Central vs. Corinthians

Universidad Central (Coach: Daniel Sasso)

• Miguel Silva; Kendrys Silva, Martínez, Simarra, Cumana
• Gonzalez, Sole
• Sosa, Zapata, Juan Cuesta
• Charlis Ortiz

Corinthians (Coach: Ramón Díaz)

• Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, João Pedro Tchoca, Matheus Bidu
• Raniele, José Martínez, André Carrillo, Rodrigo Garro
• Memphis Depay, Yuri Alberto

Match officiating team

The match will be officiated by a Uruguayan referee crew:

• Referee: Gustavo Tejera
• Assistant 1: Carlos Barreiro
• Assistant 2: Andres Nievas
• Fourth official: Nadia Fuques
• VAR: Antonio Garcia

Interesting facts about Universidad Central vs. Corinthians

• Universidad Central is making its Copa Libertadores debut, marking its first participation in an international tournament.
• Corinthians won the Libertadores title in 2012, going undefeated throughout the competition.
• The Estadio Olímpico de la UCV in Caracas has a capacity of approximately 24,900 spectators.
• Universidad Central’s striker Charlis Ortiz is the team’s most experienced player at 38 years old.
• Memphis Depay will make his debut in South American competitions.

Key statistics and relevant information

• Corinthians is participating in the Libertadores for the 17th time in its history.
• Universidad Central is seeking its first official international victory.
• The second leg between the two teams is scheduled for February 26 at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo.
• Corinthians has one of the most valuable squads among the teams competing in this stage of the tournament.
• Coach Ramón Díaz has extensive experience in South American tournaments, having won major titles throughout his career.

Corinthians’ upcoming fixtures

• 02/23: Corinthians vs. Guarani – Campeonato Paulista
• 02/26: Corinthians vs. Universidad Central – Libertadores (second leg)
• 02/29: Bahia vs. Corinthians – Campeonato Brasileiro

Key players to watch in Universidad Central vs. Corinthians

• Yuri Alberto is Corinthians’ top scorer this season and the team’s main attacking threat.
• Universidad Central will rely on midfielder Samuel Sosa to create plays and challenge Corinthians’ defense.
• André Carrillo and Rodrigo Garro will be crucial in providing creativity for Corinthians’ midfield.
• Corinthians boasts one of the most expensive squads in this phase of the competition, bolstered by international signings.
• The altitude of Caracas may be a challenge for the visiting Brazilian team.

Universidad Central’s timeline in the 2024 season

• March to May: Strong campaign in the Torneo Apertura of the Venezuelan Championship.
• July: Secured a Libertadores spot by finishing among the top teams of the year.
• January 2025: Preseason focused on tactical adjustments and minor squad reinforcements.
• February 2025: Libertadores debut against Corinthians.

Corinthians’ timeline in the 2024/2025 season

• December 2024: Announcement of Ramón Díaz as the new head coach.
• January 2025: Memphis Depay and André Carrillo join the squad as reinforcements.
• February 2025: Libertadores campaign begins with an away match against Universidad Central.
• March 2025: Possible qualification for the tournament’s group stage.

Historical data and additional context

• Corinthians has previously faced Venezuelan teams in international competitions, always emerging victorious.
• Ramón Díaz has coached multiple Libertadores campaigns, winning titles with River Plate.
• Universidad Central aims to break the trend of Venezuelan clubs being eliminated early in the Libertadores.
• The Brazilian club seeks a solid performance to avoid surprises in the preliminary stage.