SEO Title: Estudiantes Reach Copa Libertadores Semi-Finals After Corinthians Escape
SEO Description: Alexis Castro’s late volley sent Estudiantes de La Plata past Corinthians in São Paulo, while Memphis Depay missed a stoppage-time penalty.
São Paulo’s closing minutes delivered a brutal turn for Corinthians and a night of continental celebration for Estudiantes de La Plata. Alexis Castro struck late to secure a 1-0 away win, carrying the Argentine side into the Copa Libertadores semi-finals with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Estudiantes find their moment in São Paulo
With the quarter-final finely balanced, Estudiantes held their nerve at Corinthians’ home ground and found the goal that changed the tie three minutes before the end of normal time.
- Tomás Palacios reached the byline and sent a cross into the area.
- Castro met it with a volley to score the only goal of the second leg.
- The finish made the aggregate score 2-1 for Estudiantes.
- It was Castro’s second Libertadores goal of the campaign, with his first also having come against Corinthians in the opening leg.
The midfielder’s two decisive contributions across the tie made him the central figure in Estudiantes’ quarter-final success and took the La Plata club to the competition’s last four.
Depay misses the final opening
Corinthians were handed one last route back into the contest deep into added time. Leandro González Pírez was judged to have handled the ball in the penalty area, although the referee initially allowed play to continue.
After a VAR review, the spot kick was awarded in the 96th minute. Memphis Depay, formerly of Manchester United, Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, stepped up with the chance to level the tie and force a shoot-out.
His attempt, however, travelled over the crossbar. The miss ended Corinthians’ hopes and confirmed Estudiantes’ passage.
The semi-final picture
Estudiantes are the third confirmed semi-finalist in this season’s Libertadores. Palmeiras and Fluminense have already booked their places and will meet on the other side of the bracket for a place in the final.
- Estudiantes will learn their semi-final opponent on Thursday.
- Flamengo take a 2-0 first-leg advantage into their match against Independiente del Valle.
- The semi-finals are scheduled from 13 to 21 October.
- Montevideo will host the final on 28 November.
For Estudiantes, the return from São Paulo brings a place among South America’s remaining contenders; for Corinthians, it leaves the lasting image of a late penalty sailing beyond the goal.
