The Corinthians were eliminated from the Libertadores after losing 1-0 to Estudiantes in the quarter-finals, with Memphis Depay missing a critical penalty in the final moments. The Argentine side will face Flamengo or Independiente del Valle in the semifinals, set for October 13-22.
The Corinthians’ campaign in the Copa Libertadores ended as they fell to Estudiantes 1-0 in the second leg of their quarter-final clash at the Neo Química Arena. The decisive goal came in the second half from Alexis Castro, who capitalized on a cross from Palacios to score. The result saw the Brazilian side eliminated, with Estudiantes advancing to the semifinals.
Key moments and match details
The match, which took place on Wednesday (16) at 21h30 (Brasília time), was a tightly contested affair with both teams struggling to create clear chances. Estudiantes dominated possession in the second half, but it was Castro who broke the deadlock in the 41st minute of the second half. His goal was assisted by Palacios, who provided a cross that the player converted past Corinthians goalkeeper Hugo Souza.
The Corinthians had several opportunities, with Memphis, Kaio César, and Carrillo all threatening. However, the most dramatic moment came in the final minutes when Memphis was handed a penalty after a handball by Tomás Palacios in the box. The player’s attempt to equalize was poorly executed, as he struck the ball wide, sealing Corinthians’ fate. The decision was reviewed with orientation of the VAR, which confirmed the penalty, but Memphis’ miss proved fatal.
The referee for the match was Jesús Valenzuela from Venezuela, with assistants Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno also from Venezuela. The VAR was handled by Alejandro Velázquez, also from Venezuela. The game saw several yellow cards, with Corinthians’ Breno Bidon and Rodrigo Garro, and Estudiantes’ González Pírez and Tomás Palacios receiving cautions.
Semifinal path and next steps
With the victory, Estudiantes will await the winner of the Flamengo x Independiente del Valle tie in the semifinals. The semifinal legs are set for 13, 14, and 15 of October for the first legs and 20, 21, and 22 of the same month for the return legs. The Argentine side will now aim to reach the final.
The Corinthians’ elimination marks the end of their hopes in the tournament. The team struggled to replicate form in the second match. The loss highlights the challenges of competing in the tournament, where margins are razor-thin and a single missed chance can determine a team’s fate.
Match statistics and context
Estudiantes controlled the game’s flow, with more possession and playing in the attacking half. The Brazilian side, despite their efforts, were unable to capitalize on their chances, with Memphis and Carrillo failing to convert key opportunities. The match also saw several yellow cards, with Corinthians’ Breno Bidon and Rodrigo Garro, and Estudiantes’ González Pírez and Tomás Palacios receiving cautions.
The result adds to the tournament. Estudiantes’ progression to the semifinals underscores the competitiveness of the tournament.
Lineups and coaching staff
The Corinthians’ starting lineup included Hugo Souza in goal, with Matheuzinho, Gabriel Paulista, Gustavo Henrique, and Matheus Bidu forming the defense. In midfield, Allan, Carrillo, Breno Bidon, and Rodrigo Garro were deployed, while Kaio César and Memphis Depay led the attack. The team was managed by Fernando Diniz.
Estudiantes’ starting XI featured Muslera in goal, with Mancuso (Meza), Nuñez, González Pirez, and Tomás Palacios in defense. Rodríguez (Gabriel Neves), Piovi, and Alexis Castro formed the midfield, while Joaquín Correa (Pérez) and (Mori), Carrillo, and Tobio Burgos (Cetré) occupied attacking roles. The team was coached by Jorge Almirón.
As reported by Lance!, Memphis Depay’s missed penalty practically defined the elimination of Corinthians, while Alexis Castro “deu aulawith his performance. The analysis noted that the Corinthians
ficou abaixo” in all aspects of the game, with Memphis fazendo uma partida abaixo do esperado.