Ref recalls 2012 Libertadores decider, says Corinthians fans most daunting | OneFootball

July 4 marks one of the most important dates in Corinthians history. In 2026, it will be 14 years since the club won the 2012 Copa Libertadores, when it defeated Boca Juniors 2-0 at the Pacaembu and lifted the continent’s top trophy for the first time without suffering a single defeat throughout the campaign.

Responsible for officiating that final, Colombian referee Wilmar Roldán recently looked back on the match. During an appearance at an event promoted by ESPN Colombia, the referee described the atmosphere at the Corinthians stadium as the most intimidating he had ever witnessed throughout his professional career.

Photo: © Daniel Augusto Jr. / Ag. Corinthians

On that historic night, nearly 38,000 fans were at the Pacaembu to support Corinthians in its pursuit of a first-ever title. Long before kickoff, the Fiel had already turned the stands into a true cauldron, with celebrations, fireworks, nonstop chanting, and a mosaic displaying the phrase “Go, Corinthians” in the club’s traditional colors.

The scenario was favorable for the team coached by Tite. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg at La Bombonera, a simple win was enough to secure the trophy. In Argentina, Romarinho had scored in the final minutes and left the decision completely open for the clash in São Paulo.

Driven by the crowd, Corinthians began the match looking to attack. During the first half, midfielder Alex tried to surprise with a few medium- and long-range shots, but without forcing major saves from the opposing defense.

After halftime, Timão increased the intensity and began to make frequent use of aerial plays. The strategy paid off in the opening minutes of the second half.

In the eighth minute, Alex floated the ball into the box. After a failed clearance attempt by the Argentine defense, Danilo joined the move with a backheel touch that left Emerson Sheik in perfect position to finish and open the scoring in front of goalkeeper Orión.

Shortly afterward, the forward stepped up decisively again. Taking advantage of a mistake in the build-up by the experienced Schiavi, Sheik won back possession still in the attacking half, drove toward the box, and finished accurately to score the second goal of the match, a result that confirmed Corinthians’ continental triumph.

Recognized as one of South America’s top referees, Wilmar Roldán reached that final already enjoying great prestige on the international stage. Over the course of his career, the Colombian took part in two World Cups, four Libertadores finals, several South American World Cup qualifying matches, and six editions of the Copa América.

In matches involving Corinthians, Roldán appeared on eight occasions. During that span, the club recorded four wins, two draws, and two losses. The referee handed out 23 yellow cards and sent off three players in the games he officiated for the black-and-white side.

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