Estudiantes beats Corinthians 1-0 to reach Libertadores semifinals after 17 years

Estudiantes de La Plata defeated Corinthians 1-0 at Neo Química Arena on Wednesday to advance to the Copa Libertadores semifinals for the first time since 2009. The Argentine side progressed 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Alexis Castro scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute, finishing a cross from Tomás Palacios with a first-time volley. Corinthians had a chance to force penalties deep in added time when VAR awarded a spot-kick for handball by Leandro González Pirez, but Memphis Depay sent his effort over the crossbar in the 102nd minute.

“Noite para esquecer. Não foi o que a gente queria. É até difícil falar neste momento. É seguir em frente e aprender com os erros.”

The match was tense and fragmented, with 15 fouls in the first half alone. Corinthians controlled possession early but created little danger against a well-organised Estudiantes defence. The visitors grew into the game after the hydration break and eventually broke through via their left flank.

Corinthians coach Fernando Diniz saw his team eliminated from their last remaining trophy chance this season. The São Paulo club has lost five straight Brasileirão matches, sits 14th with 32 points, and is only four points above the relegation zone.

Estudiantes, managed by Alexander "Cacique" Medina, will face the winner of Flamengo versus Independiente del Valle in the semifinals. Flamengo lead that tie 2-0 ahead of the second leg at Maracanã on Thursday.

Corinthians now turn their focus to the Brasileirão, hosting Fluminense on Sunday at Neo Química Arena.