Raniele speaks out after red card in Corinthians' Libertadores progress | OneFootball

Defensive midfielder Raniele spoke out after being sent off in Corinthians’ 1-0 win over Rosario Central of Argentina on the night of last Thursday (20) at Neo Química Arena. The result secured the Alvinegro a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores, but the No. 14 will not be able to play in the first match against Estudiantes, also from Argentina.

The sending-off came in the 17th minute of the second half, when the score was still 0-0. Raniele, who had already been shown a yellow card, struck forward Enzo Copetti’s left knee with his studs. Referee Alex Herrera initially allowed play to continue, but was called by VAR to review the incident and, after watching the footage, showed the defensive midfielder a straight red card.

Photo: Reproduction / Instagram: r14niele

With one player less, Corinthians had to play shorthanded for much of the second half. Even so, Fernando Diniz’s team managed to score in the 35th minute. After a free-kick from Memphis Depay, Breno Bidon got a touch on the ball and scored the only goal of the match, sealing Corinthians’ qualification.

Hours after the match, Raniele used his social media to speak about the incident. The midfielder acknowledged the seriousness of the mistake, apologized to the fans and his teammates, and thanked the squad for securing qualification even after he had left the field.

“I fully understand what a game of this magnitude represents and how serious my mistake was. I apologize to the Faithful Fans and especially to my teammates. To them as well, I leave my deepest thanks—they ran and gave everything to secure qualification, and especially to the supporters, because even with the adversity they never stopped singing!” he wrote.

Later in the post, Raniele said he intends to use the episode as a learning experience and reaffirmed his commitment to Corinthians for the upcoming matches of the season.

“Mistakes are part of it, and my career has always been built on courage and commitment. I’ll be here again, and I’ll step up when necessary. I LIVE THIS THING AT 200%. #VaiCorinthians”, he added.

Raniele will miss the quarterfinals

The sending-off will have a direct consequence for Corinthians’ Libertadores campaign. Raniele will serve an automatic suspension and will miss the first leg of the quarterfinal against Estudiantes. However, the defensive midfielder could return for the second match if he does not receive any additional punishment.

A frequent starter for Fernando Diniz’s team, Raniele has made 38 appearances and scored two goals for Corinthians in 2026. Since arriving at Parque São Jorge in January 2024, the midfielder has totaled 148 matches, 132 of them as a starter, along with five goals and two assists.

Signed after spells at Avaí and Cuiabá, the No. 14 earned his place in the team from his very first season. At Corinthians, he was part of the squads that won the Campeonato Paulista and the Copa do Brasil in 2025, as well as the 2026 Supercopa do Brasil.

Without Raniele in the first clash, Fernando Diniz will have to look for another midfield option against Estudiantes. Among the players in that area currently in the squad are Allan, Charles, Alex Santana, André Carrillo, Matheus Pereira, Luiz Gustavo Bahia, and André Luiz, who is recovering from a grade 2 muscle injury in his right thigh.

Before turning its attention back to the Libertadores, Corinthians will have matches in the Brazilian Championship. The next one takes place this Sunday (23), at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time), against Coritiba at Couto Pereira Stadium, in the 24th round. Raniele will be available for the match. Timão 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.