Rosario Central’s rested squad, off-field tensions and sold-out away end for Corinthians tie | OneFootball

Corinthians host Rosario Central on Thursday at 21:30 in the Libertadores last-16 second leg after a 0-0 first leg in Argentina. The winner in Itaquera reaches the quarter-finals, another draw means penalties. According to ge.globo, Jorge Almirón is likely to keep the core from the first game, with Ángel Di María central and Enzo Copetti up front.

The first meeting was interrupted on 21 minutes of the second half when goalkeeper Hugo Souza reported racist abuse from the stands. Di María showed solidarity and urged home fans to stop. Corinthians later issued a statement condemning the incidents and calling for an investigation.

Rosario responded the next day by questioning the stoppage, alleging Souza halted play when Corinthians had a man fewer, although Allan was only sent off at 35 minutes of the half. The club also reported alleged provocations by home fans involving banknotes and a Spain shirt.

Almirón rested his entire first team at the weekend, fielding a reserve side in a 1-0 league win over Barracas Central, with goalkeeper Jeremías Ledesma also spared. Corinthians used a near full-strength XI in Sunday’s defeat to Cruzeiro, with Raniele rested.

Rosario have three absentees, midfielders Franco Cervi and Kevin Gutiérrez and defender Juan Giménez remain in the medical department. A 24-man squad has travelled to Brazil.

The away allocation is sold out, so a packed Neo Química Arena is expected, which could approach the stadium’s largest crowd of 2026 for games with away fans, excluding single-fan derbies. The club advised travelling supporters to avoid racist acts, provocations and alcohol, which is banned at sports events in São Paulo.

Expected XI is Ledesma in goal. A back four of Coronel, Ovando, Ávila and Sández, with Verón an option for Coronel. Ibarra and Navarro in midfield, with Cantizano, Di María and Campaz supporting Copetti.

Source: Meu Timao

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