Garro aims to end Corinthians' international goal drought after 2 years | OneFootball

Rodrigo Garro will have the chance to end a long personal drought this Wednesday (16), when Corinthians face Estudiantes at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time at Neo Química Arena in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. Despite continuing to play a direct role in the team’s attack, the Argentine has not found the net in an international competition for the club since August 2024.

Garro’s last goal in continental tournaments came more than two years ago, on August 20, 2024. On that occasion, the No. 8 scored against Red Bull Bragantino in the Round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana, also at Neo Química Arena.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Since then, the midfielder has played other Libertadores and Sudamericana matches without scoring again. Now, against an opponent from his home country and in a continental decider, Garro is looking to put an end to his international goal drought.

Last goal came in dramatic qualification

The last time Garro found the net in a Conmebol tournament came on a lively night in São Paulo’s East Zone. Corinthians hosted Red Bull Bragantino in the second leg of the 2024 Sudamericana Round of 16 after winning the first meeting.

In the 23rd minute of the first half, Igor Coronado found Garro in space. The Argentine controlled the ball and struck with his left foot. The shot took a deflection before ending up in the back of the net, giving Timão the lead in that match.

Garro had the chance to score again just a few minutes later. The attacking midfielder drove forward freely and attempted a placed shot from the edge of the box, but the ball went just wide of the post.

The scenario changed in the second half. Eduardo Sasha and Luan Cândido scored for Red Bull Bragantino, who won the match 2-1 in regulation time and took the battle for qualification to penalties.

Garro also converted his penalty in the shootout

In addition to scoring during the 90 minutes, the Argentine again took responsibility in the penalty shootout. Garro was Corinthians’ first taker and converted his attempt by sending goalkeeper Fabrício the wrong way.

However, Hugo Souza ended up being the main figure in the qualification. After Corinthians missed penalties during the shootout, the goalkeeper made three saves and kept the team alive until it secured a place in the quarterfinals.

Timão won the shootout 5-4 and advanced in the Sudamericana. That match remains the last time Garro scored in an international competition wearing the Corinthians shirt.

Assists keep the Argentine involved in the Libertadores

The goal drought does not mean the midfielder has been absent from the attack in continental tournaments. Garro has continued to contribute with key passes and, in the current Libertadores edition, is among the competition’s top assist providers.

In fact, it was from the Argentine’s feet that the move for Corinthians’ goal in the first clash with Estudiantes began. Last Wednesday (9), in La Plata, Garro provided the assist for Kaio César to score the equalizer in the 1-1 draw.

The pass took the No. 8 to five assists in the 2026 Libertadores, a number that puts him at the top of that category in the competition.

Now, in addition to trying to increase his output as a provider, Garro is also looking to celebrate a goal again on the continental stage. The last time happened precisely at Neo Química Arena, the venue for this Wednesday’s decider.

Corinthians decide qualification against Estudiantes

After the 1-1 draw in Argentina, the tie is completely open for the final 90 minutes in São Paulo. A win by any scoreline sends Corinthians to the Libertadores semifinals. If there is another draw, qualification will be decided by a penalty shootout.

For Garro, therefore, the match brings together two objectives. The main one is to help Timão stay alive in the pursuit of the second Libertadores title in its history. On an individual level, the Argentine is also hoping to take advantage of a decisive night to score again internationally after a drought that began back in August 2024.

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