Copa Libertadores
Corinthians hold nerve after Raniele red to edge Rosario Central in Libertadores opener
Breno Bidon's 80th-minute strike at Neo Química Arena sealed a hard-fought victory for Corinthians in the Round of 16.
Corinthians edged Rosario Central 1-0 at the Neo Química Arena in a tense CONMEBOL Libertadores Round of 16 clash decided late in normal time.
The hosts started the better, pressing high and testing the visitors' defence through quick combination play down the flanks. Despite their dominance, however, neither side could find the back of the net before the break, with both defences largely in control.
Early in the second half, Corinthians had a golden opportunity to take the lead when a close-range effort was comfortably saved by the visiting goalkeeper. The resulting corner failed to yield a goal, and the match remained goalless as it entered the final half-hour.
With just over ten minutes remaining, Corinthians' patience paid off. A well-worked move from midfield found its way to Breno Bidon, whose precise finish found the bottom corner and sent the home crowd into raptures.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Corinthians players, with the assist credited to M. Depay, whose incisive pass split the defence and set up the decisive moment. The stadium erupted as the home faithful celebrated their side's breakthrough.
Despite being reduced to ten men following Raniele's second booking of the evening, Corinthians managed to protect their lead with resolute defending. The red card, shown in the 58th minute, meant the hosts had to reorganise in the closing stages, but their defensive line held firm.
Rosario Central threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, with several long-range efforts failing to trouble the Corinthians goalkeeper. The visitors could not find a way through, and the home side celebrated a crucial victory.
The win sees Corinthians climb to the top of Group E with eleven points from six matches, while Rosario Central remain second in Group H with thirteen points from their six fixtures.
Referee Alexis Herrera of Venezuela brought the contest to a close, with the result leaving both sets of supporters reflecting on a match defined by defensive resilience and a moment of individual brilliance in the dying embers of normal time.