Hugo guarantees Corinthians’ qualification in the South American

Hugo on a hero’s night! Corinthians won a dramatic victory against Red Bull Bragantino at Neo Química Arena, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the Copa Sul-Americana. Thus, after an electrifying game that ended with Timão losing 2-1 in regular time, the team shone in the penalty shootout, winning 5-4.

Hugo hero of the night

The goalkeeper Hugo Souza emerged as the great black and white hero by defending three penalties, playing a crucial role in Corinthians’ qualification. In fact, his performance was decisive in ensuring Corinthians’ permanence in the continental competition.

⚫⚪ Hugo Souza’s monstrous night!

🎉 @Corinthians #GreatAchievement pic.twitter.com/idcy4dQYNf

— CONMEBOL Sudamericana (@SudamericanaBR) August 21, 2024

First half

In the first half, Corinthians dominated the action. Under the command of Ramón Díaz, the team showed superiority from the beginning, putting pressure on Bragantino and forcing good saves from goalkeeper Fabricio. Corinthians’ pressure was rewarded in the 23rd minute, when Garro scored, extending the aggregate lead to 3-1.

Despite creating several opportunities, mainly with Igor Coronado and André Ramalho, Corinthians were unable to increase their lead, while Bragantino struggled to threaten the goal defended by Hugo Souza.

Second half

The scenario changed in the second half, when Bragantino, looking for a comeback, started to put pressure on Corinthians. Under the leadership of Pedro Caixinha, the visiting team managed to tie the aggregate at 3-3 with goals from Eduardo Sasha and Luan Cândido in a four-minute interval.

In the final minutes of regulation time, Corinthians tried to react, but were stopped by a crucial save by Fabricio, taking the decision to penalties. That’s when Hugo Souza shone again, saving three shots and ensuring the team’s qualification with a 5-4 victory on penalties.

🎶 My heart is Corinthians 🖤

💪 @Corinthians 😍 #GreatAchievement

🔜 Wednesdays 🏆 CONMEBOL #Southamerican pic.twitter.com/B3PQZXhnhp

— CONMEBOL Sudamericana (@SudamericanaBR) August 21, 2024

Next opponent

With qualification secured, Corinthians now prepares to face the winner of the duel between Rosario Central and Fortaleza in the quarterfinals of the Copa Sudamericana. Ramón Díaz’s team is looking to maintain its good form and advance even further in the competition.

Among the highlights of the game, in addition to Hugo Souza, who was decisive in the penalties, Garro, who scored the goal in the first half, and André Ramalho, who showed security in defense and almost scored in the final minutes, were fundamental to Corinthians’ performance.

Summary for those in a hurry:

• Corinthians advances to the quarterfinals of the Copa Sudamericana.
• Team beat Red Bull Bragantino on penalties 5-4.
• Hugo Souza was the hero, saving three penalty kicks.
• Corinthians dominated the first half, but suffered a draw on aggregate in the second half.
• The next opponent will be the winner between Rosario Central and Fortaleza.
• Garro and André Ramalho were also highlights in the match.