Hugo Souza faces Di María again in Libertadores decider, pens possible | OneFootball

The clash between Corinthians and Rosario Central, this Thursday (20), could see Hugo Souza and Ángel Di María go head-to-head once again in a penalty kick. The two already starred in this kind of duel in Portuguese football, when they played for Chaves and Benfica, respectively, before moving on to their current clubs.

The possibility of a new meeting arises because of the Conmebol Libertadores round of 16 scenario. After a 0-0 draw in the first match, played at Estadio Gigante de Arroyito in Argentina, the teams will decide qualification at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena. A win sends Corinthians directly to the quarterfinals, while any new draw will take the decision to a penalty shootout.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Before facing each other in the current edition of the continental tournament, Hugo Souza and Di María were on opposite sides on two occasions during the 2023/24 Portuguese football season. At the time, the Brazilian goalkeeper played for Chaves, while the Argentine represented Benfica.

The first meeting ended in a 2-0 win for Benfica. The second encounter, held on March 29, 2024, at Estádio da Luz, was marked by the performance of Corinthians’ current goalkeeper.

In that match, Benfica won 1-0, but Hugo Souza stood out especially in penalty kicks. The Brazilian saved a shot from Di María and also managed to stop two attempts by Arthur Cabral. One of the saves against the striker, however, was overturned for encroachment into the box.

The performance became one of the most notable moments of Hugo’s spell in Portuguese football. Months later, the goalkeeper arrived at Corinthians and took part in the team’s recovery in the 2024 Brazilian Championship, when the club managed to pull away from the relegation zone. Since his arrival, he has also been part of the squad that won three titles over the last two years.

Di María returned to the club that developed him

On the other side of the clash will be one of the biggest names in recent Argentine football history. Developed by Rosario Central itself, Di María returned to the club in 2025 after a long career in European football.

Before returning to Argentina, the forward played for Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus. Now once again representing the club where he began his career, the player meets Hugo Souza in a knockout tie worth a place among the final eight of the Libertadores.

The first chapter of the reunion took place last week, but ended goalless. This Thursday, Corinthians and Rosario Central face each other again needing to decide who will continue in the competition.

If the draw remains after 90 minutes, there will be no extra time and qualification will be decided directly on penalties. In this scenario, Hugo Souza could face Di María again in precisely a situation in which he has already had the upper hand over the Argentine.

Whoever advances from the clash will face, in the quarterfinals, the winner of the tie between Estudiantes of Argentina and Universidad Católica of Chile.

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