Argentine press hails Corinthians style, unlike Flamengo and Palmeiras | OneFootball

The 1-1 draw between Estudiantes and Corinthians on the night of last Wednesday (9), in the Conmebol Libertadores quarterfinals, drew attention in the Argentine press. Newspaper Olé analyzed Corinthians’ performance at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in La Plata, and compared Fernando Diniz’s team to Flamengo and Palmeiras.

In the Argentine outlet’s view, the match was marked above all by physical intensity, duels, and the atmosphere of a knockout game. When discussing Timão’s behavior, the newspaper pointed to a trait different from the one identified in the other two Brazilian clubs.

Photos: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

“Estudiantes vs Corinthians was a quarterfinal first leg between two very physical teams. Unlike the powerful Flamengo and Palmeiras, Fernando Diniz’s team is ‘catimbeiro’,” wrote Olé.

The Argentine publication also assessed that Corinthians managed to deal with the match environment without fully getting drawn into the emotional rhythm proposed by Estudiantes. On the other hand, it considered that the strategy affected the team’s attacking output and Memphis Depay’s involvement.

“Corinthians understood that they should not get carried away by emotions, but in many moments they also forgot to try to play. That way, Memphis Depay, their great international star, had little involvement on the field,” the newspaper analyzed.

Corinthians respond after going behind in La Plata

On the field, Estudiantes needed only a few minutes to take the lead. In the third minute, Guido Carrillo appeared at the far post and headed the ball, forcing a good save from Hugo Souza. On the rebound, Alexis Castro took advantage of the loose ball and finished to open the scoring.

The first half continued with heavy contact between the players and tense moments. Corinthians found it difficult to turn possession into clear chances, while the home side tried to use the favorable atmosphere to control the match. Memphis had one of Corinthians’ main chances of the opening half in the 21st minute, but failed to hit the target.

After the break, however, Fernando Diniz’s team showed a more aggressive approach. The response came quickly. Three minutes into the second half, Rodrigo Garro found Kaio César, who was in a good position in front of the goalkeeper and scored the goal that leveled things in La Plata.

Timão began to spend more time in the attacking half and threatened again in the 19th minute, when Garro received the ball from Kaio César inside the box but shot wide. Estudiantes also created chances late on, but could not regain the lead.

Diniz also highlighted change in behavior

The intensity shown by Corinthians was also one of the main topics addressed by Fernando Diniz after the match. In a press conference, the coach praised the team’s defensive commitment and said the side showed a different attitude from the one seen in the 2-1 loss to Chapecoense last Sunday (6) in the Brazilian Championship.

Diniz also pointed out that his players were able to express themselves more offensively after the break. For the coach, the team already had the conditions to produce in the first half, but needed more confidence on the ball. The reaction earned Corinthians a draw away from home and left the tie completely open for the match in Itaquera.

Decider takes place at Neo Química Arena

Corinthians and Estudiantes will face each other again next Wednesday (16), at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time, at Neo Química Arena, for the second leg of the quarterfinals.

With no advantage for either side, the scenario is simple: whoever wins in regular time will qualify for the Libertadores semifinal. If there is another draw, the spot will be decided on penalties.

Before the continental decider, Corinthians turn their attention back to the Brazilian Championship. Next Sunday (13), at 4 p.m., the team will visit one of the clubs mentioned by the Argentine newspaper: Flamengo, at the Maracanã, for the 27th round.

Timão go into the match in 12th place, with 32 points, with eight wins, eight draws, and ten losses, as well as 27 goals scored and 27 conceded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.