Corinthians open their title defence with a 2-0 win over Colo Colo at altitude in Quito

Corinthians began the 2026 Copa Libertadores Femenina the way they finished last year's: winning. The São Paulo side, the most successful club in the tournament's history with six titles, beat Colo Colo 2-0 at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium in Quito in their Group A opener. Vic Albuquerque scored inside the first five minutes and Jaqueline settled it from the penalty spot in the second half.

An early blow and a VAR-checked penalty

The match was all but decided from the start. After a lapse in the Chilean defence, Vic Albuquerque found herself unmarked and finished for 1-0 before five minutes had been played. Metrópoles credits the assist to Andressa Alves, the leader of the Brazilian midfield.

Colo Colo responded and had their chances through Yenny Acuña, one off target and another saved by goalkeeper Lelê, but never found the equaliser. Just past the hour mark, Jaqueline was fouled by Anaís Cifuentes inside the box, the VAR reviewed the incident and confirmed the penalty. Jaqueline herself converted for the final 2-0.

The game was played at more than 2,700 metres above sea level, a factor that shapes this entire edition: CONMEBOL has staged the whole competition in Quito, split between the Rodrigo Paz Delgado and the Banco Guayaquil stadiums.

Banini starts for Las Albas

Colo Colo, Libertadores champions in 2012 and coached by Tatiele Silveira, started Argentina's Estefanía Banini alongside forward Mary Valencia and captain Yanara Aedo. For Corinthians, coached by Emily Lima, the starters included goalkeeper Lelê, Tamires, Andressa Alves, Dayana Rodríguez and Belén Aquino.

How Group A stands

• Corinthians lead with three points and meet Caracas on Sunday 18 October at 9 pm (Brasília time), again at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado.
• Colo Colo take on Independiente Santa Fe the same Sunday at 5 pm (Chile time).
• The Caracas v Santa Fe match from round one was rescheduled by CONMEBOL because the Venezuelan squad did not reach Ecuador in time.

In the other group that kicked off the tournament, Palmeiras beat Peru's Universitario 1-0 with a goal from Brena Carolina, while Independiente del Valle and Belgrano drew 1-1 on the Córdoba club's debut.

Corinthians, South America's benchmark

Corinthians' six crowns came in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025, a run that has made them the reference point for women's football on the continent. The 2-0 in Quito was no rout, but it was a statement: the reigning champions once again showed the defensive solidity and efficiency that have made them the team to beat in the Copa.

Sources: Corinthians (official website), Metrópoles, Emol, Contragolpe, DaleAlbo, Meu Timão.