Estudiantes beats Corinthians 1-0 to reach Libertadores semifinals after 17 years
Alexis Castro's late goal and Memphis Depay's missed penalty send the Argentine side through on aggregate.
KEY POINTS
- Estudiantes won 1-0 in São Paulo, advancing 2-1 on aggregate after 1-1 first-leg draw
- Alexis Castro scored in the 87th minute; Memphis Depay missed penalty in 102nd minute
- Estudiantes reach first Libertadores semifinal since 2009 title run under Alejandro Sabella
- Corinthians eliminated from last tournament; five straight league losses, near relegation zone
- Estudiantes await Flamengo or Independiente del Valle in October semifinals
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.
12 more sources below
COMMENTS (0)
No comments yet. Be the first.
RELATED STORIES
Palmeiras seeks Copa do Brasil semifinal edge against Vasco at home
Palmeiras hosts Vasco in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinals, aiming to extend an 11-year unbeaten home streak against the rival.
AC Milan beats Inter 3-1 in Serie A derby
Diego Moreira scored and set up two goals as Milan won its fourth straight derby.
Boca leads Argentine annual table as River closes gap before November 1 superclásico
Boca and Argentinos Juniors share 57 points, while River trails by five ahead of the derby at La Bombonera.
- Alcaraz beats Basilashvili in Vienna to reach quarterfinals
- Marc Marquez leads Malaysian MotoGP practice as Martin ends Friday early
- No. 1 Miami beats North Carolina 38-35 on late takeaway
- USC Trojans Stun No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 in Halloween Upset
- Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund Draw 2-2 in Bundesliga Top Match
This page was compiled with AI assistance from the outlets named above and passed an automated language check before publication. Montegre has no reporters of its own; the byline names the outlets the story was compiled from. Method and editorial standards