Preview: Corinthians vs Fortaleza,Copa Sudamericana,Quarter-Finals,2nd Leg
Soccer News 2024/09/24 07:59
Igor Coronado's first-time effort from 25 yards out gave Corinthians the lead in the 39th minute, and it looked to be the only goal of the day until Yuri Alberto struck late on to give the Timao a comfortable 2-0 cushion going into the return leg.
Corinthians have reached this stage in three of their last four appearances in the competition, having progressed on the previous occasions, and look set to do so again this time around.
Even more encouraging for Ramon Diaz's side is the fact that they have never lost at home to Wednesday's visitors, winning seven and drawing five of the 12 meetings between the two sides.
Corinthians are also unbeaten in their last 12 home games in all competitions, drawing seven and winning five, including the last three - the last of which was a 3-0 win over Atletico GO in Brazilian Serie A on Saturday.
However, after winning every home game in the group stage, scoring 11 and conceding none, Timao lost to Bragantino on home soil in the last 16 and will be wary of getting complacent on Wednesday.
Fortaleza failed to respond after going behind in the first half, but Juan Pablo Vojvoda will be more disappointed that his side conceded the second goal late on to make the task in the return leg even tougher.
It was the first home defeat for Leao do Pici in the competition this season, having won all four of their home games prior to last time out against Corinthians.
While Fortaleza have the most home wins in the competition, they have won just once in four away games, leaving little hope for a potential comeback.
Vojvoda's side bounced back from the first leg defeat with a 4-1 win in the Brazilian Serie A on Sunday, a result they will hope will inspire a comeback on Wednesday.
However, the hosts have only beaten another Brazilian side once in the competition, beating Internacional 1-0 at home in last year's Round of 32.
Corinthians will continue to be without Ruan Oliveira, who is out with an ACL injury, while Alex Santana is not expected to return from a thigh problem until early November.
Diego Palacios is also out until next month with a knee injury, while Raniele is expected to be sidelined until next month with a groin problem.
Memphis Depay made his debut for the hosts in the league on Saturday and will be hoping to make his first appearance of the competition on Wednesday.
Fortaleza will be without Bruno Pacheco and Moises for the return leg due to knee and thigh injuries respectively, with both players not expected to return until next month.
Juan Martin Lucero, who is second in the Sudamericana scoring charts with seven goals this season, will be the man the visitors look up to for goals.
Corinthians possible starting lineup:
Souza; Hugo, Caca, Torres, Fagner; Bidon, Ryan, Charles; Coronado; Magno, Alberto
Fortaleza possible starting lineup:
Ricardo; Tinga, Kuscevic, Titi, Jonatan; Sasha, Hercules; Pikachu, Pochettino, Lopes; Lucero
Prediction:Corinthians 2-1 Fortaleza (Corinthians advances 4-1 on aggregate)
Corinthians VS Fortaleza stream and TV listing
International:Holasports
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CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana
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Corinthians Paulista (SP)
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Fortaleza
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