Back to the top flight in 2009 and having guided by the coach Mano Menezes and the striker Ronaldo, Corinthians won their third Brazilian Cup and qualified for the Copa Libertadores of the following season. Also featuring Roberto Carlos in their ranks to win the South American highest competition to celebrate their centenary, Corinthians surpassed Racing Montevideo, Independiente Medellín and Cerro Porteño and confirmed their favoritism as group winners with five wins and a draw in six matches, thus guaranteeing the best campaign among the 16 classified for the knockout stage. Corinthians then faced Flamengo in the round of 16; after a 1–0 loss at Maracanã, Corinthians' 2–1 win was insufficient to avoid elimination on the away goals rule. As Menezes was presented as the Brazil national football team's manager, Corinthians signed Tite as their new coach. Sitting third in the Brazilian league, Corinthians qualified for the 2011 Copa Libertadores preliminary stage. Paired with Tolima, Corinthians drew the first leg match in Brazil, but were knocked out with a 2–0 loss in Ibagué.
