Memphis Depay edges Di María as Corinthians reach Libertadores | OneFootball

The reunion between Memphis Depay and Ángel Di María ended on a positive note for the Corinthians forward. On the night of last Thursday (20), Timão beat Rosario Central-ARG 1-0 at Neo Química Arena, secured a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores, and also allowed the Dutchman to cut the deficit in his head-to-head record against the Argentine.

Memphis started the match on the bench, just a few days after his stay at Corinthians was confirmed. The number 10 was brought on by Fernando Diniz during the second half and had direct involvement in the play that decided the tie.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Corinthians Agency

In the 35th minute of the second half, the Dutchman delivered a free kick into the box, and Breno Bidon got a touch on the ball to score the only goal of the match. The result was enough to put the club from Parque São Jorge among the final eight in the Libertadores, since the first leg, played at Gigante de Arroyito, had ended in a 0-0 draw.

On the other side, Di María started the match in Rosario Central’s lineup. The main technical reference of the Argentine team, the experienced player was unable to prevent elimination against Corinthians.

History between Memphis and Di María

Before the meeting at Neo Química Arena, the two players had already shared the pitch in seven club matches, during the period when Memphis played for Lyon and Di María represented Paris Saint-Germain. According to a survey published by Lance!, the Argentine held the advantage in the record.

PSG had won four of those meetings, while Lyon came out on top twice. The other clash ended in a 0-0 draw and was decided on penalties, with the Parisian club prevailing 6-5 to win the French League Cup.

With Corinthians’ 1-0 victory this Thursday, Memphis reached his third win in eight club matches against teams featuring Di María. The Argentine remains on four wins, in addition to one draw in the overall record.

The two were also involved in clashes between the Netherlands and Argentina at World Cups. In 2014, the teams met in the semifinal held at what was then Arena Corinthians. The match ended goalless, and Argentina advanced on penalties. On that occasion, however, Di María was injured and Memphis remained on the bench.

The World Cup rematch took place in the quarterfinals of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. After a 2-2 draw in regular time, the Argentines once again eliminated the Dutch on penalties. Memphis started, while Di María came on during extra time.

Memphis returns with decisive contribution

Beyond the individual record, the match against Rosario Central marked an important moment for Memphis at Corinthians. The forward had been out of the previous fixtures while his future was being settled and returned in a continental knockout match.

Even starting among the substitutes, the number 10 needed only a few minutes to take part in the move that sealed qualification. His free-kick delivery found Breno Bidon inside the box and ended in the goal that made it 1-0. Qualification also set up another meeting between Corinthians and an Argentine side. In the quarterfinals, the opponent will be Estudiantes-ARG, with Timão once again deciding the tie at Neo Química Arena.

Before turning their attention back to the Libertadores, Corinthians will have a Brazilian Championship fixture. Next Sunday (23), at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time), the team visits Coritiba at Couto Pereira Stadium for the 24th round. Alvinegro currently sits in ninth place with 32 points, with eight wins, eight draws, and seven losses, as well as 25 goals scored and 22 conceded.

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