Rosario Central rest starters before Libertadores decider v Corinthians | OneFootball

While Corinthians chose to use virtually its starting lineup, Rosario Central decided to rest its key players in this Sunday’s Argentine league match. Jorge Almirón sent out a completely alternate team against Barracas Central and even went as far as resting goalkeeper Ledesma, who started in last Thursday’s goalless draw with Timão.

The lineup chosen by the Argentine coach for the match was Werner; J. Giménez, Mallo, Verón, G. Fernández, Navarro, Soto, A. Rodríguez, J. Fernández and Badaloni. The difference between the lineups becomes even more evident when comparing the players Almirón used in the international clash. Against Corinthians, Rosario Central started with Ledesma; Coronel, Ovando, Ávila, Sández, Ibarra, Pizarro, Cantizano, Di María, Campaz and Copetti.

Photo: Rosario Central/Disclosure

On the Corinthians side, Fernando Diniz adopted a different strategy and kept a nearly full-strength team for this Sunday’s match against Cruzeiro. The only change from the strongest possible lineup was the absence of Raniele, who was rested for the remainder of the season. Corinthians took the field with Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Gustavo Henrique, Gabriel Paulista and Matheus Bidu; Allan, André Carrillo, Breno Bidon and Rodrigo Garro; Kaio César and Pedro Raul.

In the Argentine league, Rosario Central currently sits seventh in Group B and still needs to respond to remain in the race for a place in the quarterfinals. Only the top six teams advance to the next stage, which increases the importance of the match against Barracas Central.

Corinthians, meanwhile, is competing near the top of the Brasileirão table. Before the round, Timão was in ninth place with 32 points.

The decision on who will advance to the quarterfinals of the continental competition will be left for next Thursday, the 20th, at 9:30 p.m., when Corinthians and Rosario Central will meet again, this time at Neo Química Arena. As the first meeting ended in a 0-0 draw, any win guarantees qualification for one of the teams. If the score remains level after the 90 minutes of the second leg, the spot will be decided on penalties.

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