Platense opened the scoring at Neo Química Arena in a match valid for Libertadores. The goal was scored by Franco Zapiola, from a penalty, in the 20th minute of the first half. The match against Corinthians continues in the first half, with the score 0-1. The teams face each other in the group stage of Taça Conmebol Libertadores 2026. The Argentine team took the advantage at a crucial moment of the game in São Paulo. Corinthians is looking for a comeback in front of their fans.
Gol penalty opens the scoring for Platense
Aos 17 minutes into the first half, a controversial move shook up Neo Química Arena. Corinthians midfielder Garro took cover with his back. The ball ended up hitting his left arm inside the area. Referee Alexis Herrera stopped the game immediately. Ele consulted VAR to review the play carefully. Após checking, the decision was confirmed. Foi scored the maximum penalty in favor of Platense, generating protests among Corinthians fans.
Franco Zapiola took responsibility for the collection. The Platense player showed skill by filling the net. Hugo Souza, Corinthians’s goalkeeper, had no chance in defense. Aos 20 minutes, the score was changed to 0 to 1. Platense, the visitor, took the advantage. The penalty goal caught Corinthians by surprise. The home team had to quickly reorganize on the field.
Corinthians seeks reaction in the offensive field
Após conceded the goal, Corinthians intensified its attacking attacks. Todos, the outfield players from Fernando Diniz’s team positioned themselves on the offensive field. Eles were persistently looking for the equalizer. Aos 23 minutes, Breno Bidon crossed the ball into the penalty area. Yuri Alberto went up and headed the ball into the goal. Contudo, the shot went straight into the hands of goalkeeper Borgogno, from Platense. The Argentine defense showed solidity.
The home team tried to organize plays on the side and in the center. Matheuzinho and Memphis Depay sought connection with Yuri Alberto. Aos 27 minutes, Corinthians made a good move in the attacking field. The Platense defense anticipated and removed the danger. Following the play, Allan exaggerated his strength. Ele tried a cross and sent the ball across the baseline. Corinthians possession of the ball was high, but lacked effectiveness.
Memphis Depay, who will play his last game before joining the Dutch squad for Copa of the 2026 Mundo, had a good chance in the 43rd minute. Ele played first for Raniele. Recebeu the ball back at the edge of the penalty area. The attacker invaded the area and finished. The Platense goalkeeper made an important save. The Argentine team continued to hamper Timão’s offensive actions. Aos 41 minutes, Memphis and Garro tried to organize plays in the offensive field, but found it difficult to complete.
Linha of the half: Lances decisive of the first half
The match between Corinthians and Platense had crucial moments in the first half.
- 10′ 1T:Breno Bidon suffers a foul near the penalty area. Garro takes a free kick at the second post. Gustavo Henrique heads wide, Corinthians’s first dangerous chance.
- 12′ 1T:Cartão yellow for Lagos, from Platense, due to a foul in Breno Bidon. Alexis Herrera arbitration acted promptly.
- 17′ 1T:Checagem takes a penalty after the ball hits Garro’s arm. The referee consults the VAR to analyze the play.
- 18′ 1T:The referee awards a penalty for Platense after a VAR review.
- 20′ 1T:GOAL from Platense! Franco Zapiola takes the penalty with precision and opens the scoring on Neo Química Arena, leaving Hugo Souza with no chance. Placar: Corinthians 0x1 Platense.
- 24′ 1T:Pausa for hydration of athletes due to weather conditions in São Paulo.
- 32′ 1T:Gauto, from Platense, receives a yellow card after fouling Breno Bidon.
- 43′ 1T:Memphis Depay finishes for the goal, and goalkeeper Borgogno makes an important save for Platense, maintaining the advantage.
Estratégias and moments of tension in Neo Química Arena
The dynamics of the game were marked by Corinthians’s search for the goal. Desde In the opening minutes, the black and white team tried to find spaces in the opposing defense. Aos 3 minutes, Fernando Diniz’s team maintained possession of the ball. Ela looked for openings in Platense’s well-positioned defense. However, offensive actions were neutralized. Aos 6 minutes, Matheuzinho played to Memphis on the attacking field. The attacker lost control of the ball, which fell to Platense.
The Argentine team, in turn, showed caution. Eles tried to control the game. Aos 15 minutes, Platense took possession in the defense field. Eles sought to slow down the pace of the match. Aos 16 minutes, Platense pressed Corinthians’s ball exit. Quase regained possession in good condition to finish. The play resulted in a throw-in for the Argentine team. Aos 35 minutes, Platense tried to mount a counterattack. Raniele managed to regain possession of the ball.
The first half also had moments of stoppage and disciplinary sanctions. Aos 12 minutes, Lagos, from Platense, received a yellow card for a foul on Breno Bidon. Aos 24 minutes, there was a break for the athletes to hydrate. Isso allowed the trainers to give new instructions. The game was restarted in the 26th minute, with the ball going to Corinthians. Aos 32 minutes, Gauto received a yellow card. The offense was committed again on Breno Bidon.
Equipes and expectations for the match sequence
Corinthians entered the field with Hugo Souza in goal. The defensive line featured Matheuzinho, Gabriel Paulista, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bidu. The midfield was formed by Raniele, Allan, Breno Bidon and Garro. In attack, Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto. Coach Fernando Diniz opted for a 4-4-2 formation. Ele sought defensive solidity and offensive firepower.
Já o Platense lined up with Borgogno between the goalposts. The defense was made up of Lagos, Ignacio Vázquez, Víctor Cuesta and Tomás Silva. The midfield had Iván Gómez, Amarfil, Barrios and Zapiola. Gauto and Retamar formed the attacking duo. Coach Walter Zunino also used the 4-4-2. Sua strategy has proven effective so far. The Argentine team managed to maintain their advantage on the scoreboard.
The partial result is crucial for classification into Grupo AND Conmebol Libertadores. Corinthians leads the group with 11 points. Platense occupies second place with 10 points. Santa Fé has 8 points and Peñarol 3. A victory in this game would consolidate Platense’s position in second place. Manteria the distance to Santa Fé. Corinthians, despite qualifying, seeks to finish the group stage with the best campaign possible. The match remains intense and with the expectation of more emotions in the second half.