Corinthians lose to Estudiantes, crash out of the Libertadores | OneFootball

First of all, Corinthians were eliminated by Estudiantes on Wednesday night, the 16th, at Neo Química Arena, from the Copa Libertadores da América, in a match marked by limited attacking production and a dramatic ending.

The Argentine side won 1-0, with a goal from Alexis Castro in the 42nd minute of the second half, and advanced in the Libertadores. For much of the match, Corinthians struggled to turn possession into chances.

The team tried to break down the Argentine defense using Matheuzinho and Matheus Bidu down the flanks, but found an Estudiantes side that was compact and willing to press the buildup. The first half ended goalless and with few clear chances.

Corinthians began to occupy more attacking territory after the cooling break, especially on the left side. The best chance for the black-and-white side before halftime came in the 36th minute. Carrillo received the ball on the right, cut inside, and tried a left-footed shot from the edge of the box. The ball went close to Muslera’s crossbar.

Estudiantes also threaten on the counterattack

Estudiantes had their best moments when they won the ball back high up the pitch. In the 43rd minute, Correa received it after an attacking recovery and crossed it back. The ball deflected off the defense, and Burgos arrived to hit it first time, but sent it wide.

In the second half, the pattern changed little. Corinthians continued to have trouble speeding up circulation, while Estudiantes lowered the intensity of their press but maintained control of the spaces.

The Argentine team threatened again in the 54th minute. Rodríguez crossed from the left, the ball deflected off the defense, and Burgos tried to meet it with a header, but sent it wide. Corinthians took time to respond. Garro and Memphis Depay had little involvement through the middle, and the team began to focus their play down the channels.

Late goal decides qualification

As the match headed into the final minutes without a winner, Estudiantes found the move that decided the tie. In the 42nd minute of the second half, Palacios advanced down the left, entered the box, and cut the ball back.

Alexis Castro appeared unmarked and struck a first-time volley, sending the ball into the corner of Hugo Souza’s goal. The goal put the Argentine side ahead and increased the pressure on Corinthians. Estudiantes still had a chance to extend the lead in stoppage time.

Castro advanced toward the edge of the area, beat two markers, and shot, but Hugo Souza tipped it out for a corner. Corinthians’ response came in the last meaningful play. In the 11th minute of stoppage time, Corinthians were awarded a penalty, but Memphis Depay missed the spot kick.

The miss ended the black-and-white side’s comeback hopes and confirmed the elimination. With the 1-0 defeat, Corinthians were knocked out of the Libertadores in front of their home fans, while Estudiantes advanced after a match decided in the final minutes.

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