Internacional lose Villagra for Corinthians decider as referee row builds and penalties loom | OneFootball

Internacional arrive for the Copa do Brasil decider at Corinthians without Villagra, amid rising scrutiny of the refereeing and the prospect of penalties.

Corinthians host at Neo Química Arena on Thursday at 20:00, trailing 2-0 from Beira-Rio. They need a three-goal win to progress in normal time, a 2-0 home win forces a shootout, anything else sends Inter through. According to Meu Timao, Félix Torres is not expected to feature unless a fee is paid, and ge.globo has named a likely XI.

Paulo Pezzolano’s side were winless in five before the first leg, but a back five and a reactive plan delivered a 2-0 home win. With the lead, a similar approach is likely in São Paulo.

Villagra felt thigh pain, missed training and did not travel. Without the Argentine, Bruno Gomes could shift inside with three centre-backs. A likely XI is Matheus Cunha, Vitinho, Maripán, Mercado, Juninho or Paulinho, Matheus Bahia, Bruno Gomes, Bruno Henrique, Alan Patrick, Carbonero and Bernabei.

Refereeing is in focus after Corinthians challenged a non-awarded Matheus Bidu penalty and complained to the CBF. Internacional urged the confederation to act and will have a representative from the Federação Gaúcha de Futebol present.

If it goes to a shootout, which happens only with a two-goal home win, 25-year-old Matheus Cunha would face his first as a professional. Signed this window, he has 69 senior games for Flamengo, Cruzeiro and Inter.

Source: Meu Timao

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