São Paulo’s Libertadores night ended in disappointment for Corinthians, with Fernando Diniz acknowledging the hurt of elimination against Estudiantes while standing firmly behind Memphis Depay after the forward missed the penalty that might have kept the contest alive.
Key takeaways
- Corinthians were knocked out of the Copa Libertadores by Estudiantes.
- Fernando Diniz spoke openly about the pain felt inside the Corinthians camp.
- Memphis Depay failed to convert a penalty during the match in São Paulo.
- Diniz offered his backing to the Dutch attacker despite the decisive miss.
Corinthians leave the Libertadores
The end of the tie brought a heavy mood around Corinthians, known across Brazil as Timão, after Estudiantes closed the door on their continental campaign. The Argentine side’s result leaves Corinthians outside South America’s leading club competition, turning a major home occasion in São Paulo into an evening of regret.
Diniz did not attempt to disguise his disappointment after the final whistle. The Corinthians coach reflected the frustration of a team eliminated with the Libertadores still in view, particularly after an opportunity arrived to prolong the night.
Diniz protects Depay after penalty miss
That moment fell to Depay, whose missed penalty could have extended Corinthians’ hopes against Estudiantes. Rather than place the burden on his forward, Diniz publicly defended him in the aftermath.
The coach’s response underlined the collective nature of the setback: Corinthians’ continental exit will not be reduced to one kick, even if Depay’s missed chance became the clearest symbol of a painful night in São Paulo.
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Fernando Diniz backs Memphis Depay after Corinthians Libertadores exit
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Fernando Diniz expressed Corinthians’ pain after Libertadores elimination to Estudiantes and defended Memphis Depay following his missed penalty in São Paulo.
