By equaling the feat of Santos de Pele, Corinthians advances in Libertadores strengthened

Throughout history, only two Brazilian teams have surpassed Boca Juniors (ARG) in a Copa Libertadores playoff set at the emblematic Bombonera stadium. The first was Santos de Pelé, in 1963. Almost 70 years later, Corinthians became the second.

If six decades ago the alvinegro who triumphed against the Argentines at their home had not only the King but Pepe, Coutinho and company, the other alvinegro who returned home smiling reached the end of the patched game.

With three left-backs, three defenders, two defensive midfielders and two forwards, Corinthians needed a heroic performance to take the dispute for the spot in the quarterfinals to penalties. Then goalkeeper Cássio shone again, defending two kicks and was decisive in the 6-5 triumph.

In the final part of the confrontation, the team, disfigured in relation to its usual formation, full of improvisations and patches, was this: Cássio; Piton, Bruno Méndez, Gil, Raul and Fábio Santos; Roni, Cantillo and Bruno Melo; Giovane and Roger Guedes.

“We played the way we could play,” said Cassio, who has reached his 599th game for the club. “I remember the first time I came to play here, it’s always a hostile atmosphere,” he said.

Penalties were already on the Corinthians horizon since the opening whistle. With seven casualties in the squad —in addition to Willian, taken to the bench without playing conditions—, coach Vítor Pereira closed his team to play for a ball. Or none.

Despite Boca putting pressure on throughout the game, there were few clear opportunities, all with Benedetto. First, the striker lost a goal alone at the entrance of the small area. Then he missed a penalty. Later, in front of Cassio, he failed to cover it up.

Not even the nervousness with the referee, accused by the Corinthians of being stricter with the Brazilian team in the marking of fouls, took the concentration of the alvinegro athletes – who still complained of penalty of Advíncula in Piton. Every obstacle seemed to increase motivation.

“The spirit often overcomes difficulties. We have a lot of people outside. Even with the difficulties, we don’t rely on them, we arrived here and fought until the last minute. This victory will go down in the history of Corinthians”, said Vítor Pereira.

For the game, he did not count on Paulinho, Maycon, Fagner, Renato Augusto, Gustavo Mosquito, Adson and Júnior Moraes. They are important pieces that, with the exception of Paulinho, should return to the sequence of the competition.

Additionally, newly signed forward Yuri Alberto, 21, will join the squad. On the other hand, Mantuan and João Victor are leaving for Russian football, where Yuri comes from.

When he left the field injured, João was replaced by Gil, who should gain more space in the team. He had a great performance in the second half and was responsible for converting the last and decisive Corinthians penalty in the penalty shootout.

Since 2012, the Parque São Jorge club hasn’t gotten that far in Libertadores. After winning their first cup against Boca, with a draw in Argentina and a victory in Pacaembu, the team had four falls in the round of 16 and one in the preliminary round.

“We’ve just had a great achievement. But, honestly, I’m already worried about Flamengo in a few days,” said the Portuguese coach, citing the confrontation over the weekend, for the Brazilian Championship.

Flamengo is also in Libertadores. This Wednesday (6th), they face Tolima (COL) at Maracanã, after having won the first leg, away from home, by 1-0. Whoever advances will be Corinthians’ opponent in the quarterfinals.