Corinthians advances in the round of 16 of the Sul-Americana in a tense and controversial game!

The intense climate of pressure, with 80,000 fans inside the Estádio Municipal de Lima was not enough to end Corinthians’ participation in the knockout rounds of the Copa Sudamericana. The team led by Vanderlei Luxemburgo arrived in Peru with a minimal advantage built in São Paulo, after beating the opponent by 1-0 and again repeated a favorable result, this time playing away from home. Despite the constant tension in the stadium and the lack of protection for the Brazilians, the revolt of the home team did not prevent Timão from advancing to the round of 16 of the tournament.

First time

Despite the alternative lineup that Luxemburgo maintained in the last games of the Copa Sudamericana, Corinthians had Roger Guedes leading Timão’s attack command. The pressure from the Peruvian team was something waiting to happen since the beginning of the confrontation, mainly due to the hostile atmosphere in the stadium, which pushed the home team. Even creating some opportunities at the beginning, Universitário took a while to reach the goal of Carlos Miguel, who made a great intervention in the 30th minute in the finalization of Herrera. The Corinthians goalkeeper also avoided Urruti’s dangerous free kick before added time.

Second time

Observing a greater dominance by Universitário until the break, the visitors managed to ease the pressure in a superior ball possession, but as soon as the final stage began, Corinthians’ situation became a little more uncomfortable in the opening minutes. The first two attempts by “Crema” in the second half were in Herrera’s header and later with defender Benedetto, but both opportunities did not overcome the goalkeeper of the alvinegro from São Paulo.

Corinthians’ reaction began to show its first signs, making the team more efficient in counterattacks and taking advantage of spaces in the opponent’s defense. And in a quick move through the wings at 23 minutes, Matheus Bidu advanced on the left side and found Roger Guedes among the defenders, Timão’s number 10 headed firmly against the crossbar and the rebound was left to Maycon, who opened the scoring in Peru. The partial advantage of the Brazilians did not last long, Biro touched the ball with his hand before a cross, resulting in a penalty. Flores charged hard and beat the opposing goalkeeper.

Even with the pressure increasing and the opponent throwing themselves into despair, Corinthians took advantage of their chance, killing the confrontation. Already in the additions, Roger Guedes escaped in a counterattack and finished low in the corner, Romero partially defended and Ryan Gustavo decreed the classification of the Paulistas. The young player’s celebration triggered a huge confusion in Lima, yielding 5 expulsions in total, including the midfielder himself who tasted during the last goal of the game.

Classification on the basis of race gave Corinthians a sequence of four straight victories, something that had not happened since March 2021. Taking advantage of their opportunities when needed, the commanders from Luxembourg managed to classify in the Sul-Americana, in addition to resting the main holders for the progress of other competitions. Now in the round of 16, Timão will face Newell’s Old Boys, from Argentina.

Featured Photo: Ryan Gustavo celebrating his goal for Corinthians. Reproduction/Gettyimages