Raniele: Ball stayed in for Corinthians’ equaliser vs Botafogo | OneFootball

Midfielder Raniele categorically stated that the ball did not go out at the origin of Corinthians’ equalizing goal against Botafogo last Sunday, in the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship. The play generated controversy on social media due to the parallax effect.

In the play in question, Raniele made an effort and prevented the ball from going out over the end line. The play continued and the ball reached Vitinho, who made a beautiful individual move and sent a low cross for defender Gustavo Henrique to finish. The goal leveled the score at the 37th minute of the second half.

“It didn’t go out, not at all. I held it right there, I had just enough time to control the ball and take another touch before it went out. I’ve seen some videos, people have already sent them to me. I don’t think it went out,” said Raniele in the mixed zone after the match.

Corinthians’ equalizing goal was checked by VAR and confirmed by video referee Marco Aurelio Augusto Fazekas Ferreira (MG).

Raniele also played a direct role in Corinthians’ first goal in the match and said that the pressure on Botafogo’s build-up play was rehearsed. After a mistake by Léo Linck, Timão’s midfielder regained possession and the ball ended up with Dieguinho. The young academy player passed to number 14, who broke into the box and simply slotted the ball into the back of the net.

“It was a pressing move we trained during the week. We knew they tried to force the play through the middle. I tried to give Newton a little space, so the goalkeeper would think he was free and play that pass inside. After he lowered his head to make the pass, I sprinted to steal the ball,” said the player, who praised Dieguinho.

“Dieguinho… I expected nothing less from him. He’s a very humble kid, works with us, never has a bad word for anyone. He works the way he’s supposed to, listens to us. If he had taken the shot, I would have respected that, but what he did was great, because it shows his team spirit. I’m happy he made the pass,” added number 14.

Corinthians’ Priority

According to Raniele, Corinthians’ priority before the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil is the last two rounds of the Brazilian Championship. The midfielder highlighted the importance of good results to go into the two matches against Cruzeiro with confidence.

“I think the priority is to win both games. Don’t you agree that if we go into the semifinals with two wins, our morale will be much higher than with two negative results? It’s extremely important for us to win these last two games, because it will be very important for us to go into the semifinals with two wins. That’s the priority, to win the game we have to play,” the player concluded.

Corinthians faces two teams from the relegation zone in the final rounds of the Brasileirão. First, they visit Fortaleza at Arena Castelão. Then, they host already relegated Juventude at Neo Química Arena.

Standings Situation

With the 2-2 draw against Botafogo, Corinthians now sits in ninth place on the table with 46 points. With no chance of reaching the G7, Timão is now hoping for a G8 spot, but also does not depend solely on itself to reach eighth place.

Upcoming Corinthians Matches

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