Current champions of the women’s Copa Libertadores, the Corinthians team secured a place in the semi-finals of the competition early this Saturday evening (12), by defeating Olimpia, 2-0, in a single game in Asunción (Paraguay). The goals came in the second half: Gabi Zanotti opened the scoring in the fourth minute and two minutes later Millene doubled the score. The opponent in the semifinals will come from the Santos x Boca Júnior (Argentina) clash, which will play later, at 8pm (Brasília time), also in Asunción.
The carousel of our classification! ⚽💜
📸 Staff Images Woman / CONMEBOL#AsBrabas#VaiCorinthians pic.twitter.com/Rc8wMnicN0
— Corinthians Futebol Feminino (@SCCPFutFeminino) October 12, 2024
The team from São Paulo, which is looking for its fifth place in the Libertadores, controlled the game in the initial stage, creating good chances to score, despite Arsenio Erico’s punishing pitch. The first of them came less than a minute into the game, with Carol Nogueira after a cross from the right, but the striker shot over the Olímpia goal. Four minutes later, on another ball raised from the right, Carol advanced free and hit it left-handed, again out.
With strong marking, Olimpia abused its strength to try to stop the Corinthians. In the 20th minute, Yanina Gonzales lost time with the ball and hit the Brazilian Yasmin. The disproportionate foul generated complaints from the Corinthians coaching staff and players against their opponents. The confusion on the field lasted five minutes and ended with a yellow card for Gonzalez, who committed the foul, and also an expulsion (red card) for Timão’s physiotherapist. After the turmoil, Brabas reduced the pace and the game remained tepid.
After the break, the story of the match changed. In the fourth minute, Mariza crossed for Gabi Zanotti to open the scoring with a header for Corinthians. There was barely time to celebrate. Two minutes later, Mariza crossed again with precision, from left to right for Millene – the striker had left the bench after the break – who delivered a well-aimed cross shot into the back of the goal.
With a two-goal lead, the Brabas began to control the match, but struggled in the final minutes. The first scare with a free kick from Lacoste, a bomb hit the crossbar. Then, in stoppage time, Aguilera shot from close range, but goalkeeper Nicole made a great save, sending it wide, to the delight of Corinthians.
