Corinthians survive scrappy game, red card and return alive from Argentina The Gigante de Arroyito hosted a tense and hard-fought clash this Thursday (13). And Corinthians can even celebrate the 0-0 draw with Rosario Central on Argentine soil. It was the first leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16. Check out the highlights soon.
The opening half was FIERY! There was plenty of chaos. And plenty of desire (often too much) right from the first half in Rosario. Campaz was the most dangerous player from the start. The former Grêmio forward even forced a great save from Hugo Souza.
The referee "lost control" at certain moments. Meanwhile, VAR tried to "complicate" a play that was easy to interpret. The hard-fought (and tense) game went on. And Corinthians showed they could also take center stage when Bidu nearly scored.
Timão finished with ten men The Canallas came back for the second half with even greater urgency to score. That put Diniz's men under some pressure. But they lacked the precision to beat Hugo Souza. Hugo Souza, who said he had been the target of racist abuse. Central's pressure kept growing stronger. And Allan left Corinthians with ten men on the field in the 80th minute. Di María & Co. kept pushing. But they were unsuccessful. The decision will indeed be made in Itaquera.
What now❓ The second leg will be next Thursday (20) at Neo Química Arena. Another draw will send the tie to a penalty shootout. Whoever goes through will face Universidad Católica or Estudiantes next. The first leg, played in Argentina, ended 1-1. Timão now turns its focus back to the Brasileirão. They are currently in seventh place and will host fifth-placed Cruzeiro on Sunday (16). The match will be in Itaquera.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.