Invincible and merciless. Corinthians, after an ineffective first half against Libertad Limpeño, unleashed in the second half with another rout, securing the top spot in Group C and advancing to the quarterfinals.
Decisive match in Group C between Corinthians and Libertad Limpeño. The Brazilians had thrashed Always Ready and narrowly defeated Colo Colo in the second and first matchday of the Copa Conmebol Libertadores, while the Paraguayans had beaten the Bolivians but suffered a heavy defeat against the Chileans.
So, in the city of Cali, at the Pascual Guerrero stadium, Corinthians sought to secure the top spot and take control of the group with three possible victories. Meanwhile, in Bogotá, at the Metropolitano de Techo stadium, Colo Colo faced Always Ready. The Chileans needed the three points to join the Brazilians in the quarterfinals. This is how the story unfolded.
Goalless first half in Cali
Always Ready surprised with an early goal in Bogotá, and this result would have meant Libertad Limpeño's qualification in Cali. The first half was marked by a cautious approach from both teams, without Corinthians' usual dominance and overwhelming style of play. However, it was gradually heading towards what could be an explosive second half.
Corinthians started to attack with the protagonism of Tamires, who sent in a cross that was cleared by Laurie Cristaldo before Duda Sampaio could score. However, that was just the first warning, as Gabi Portilho dribbled past defenders, crossed the ball, and Tamires headed for a great save by Isabel Ortiz.
Photo: Fémina Fútbol//Adriana Lancheros
The wing play, which had caused trouble for Libertad Limpeño and was well utilized by Corinthians. A ball into the box was controlled by Tarciane, but her soft shot was saved by Isabel Ortiz. Jhenifer had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock, but once again, Ortiz made a crucial save before the goalless halftime.
Corinthians' demolition and qualification with a rout
The wait was over in the second half, and what a way to break the deadlock. Corinthians took the lead in the 52nd minute thanks to a long ball that Yasmim controlled, crossed low, and Victoria Albuquerque finished unmarked with an open net to make it 1-0. It didn't take long for Gabi Portilho to assist Gabi Zanotti, who headed home the second goal.
Within minutes, Corinthians went from a goalless draw to a goal-scoring spree. Around the 60th minute, Yasmim took a corner kick, and Andressa Pereira scored with a header after Isabel Ortiz's poor clearance, despite the efforts of Natalia Genes and the crossbar.
In the closing minutes, Fernanda Da Silva sent in a cross that struck Natalia Genes' hand. Jhenifer stepped up and converted the penalty to make it 4-0 at the Pascual Guerrero stadium. But there was more to come, as a defensive mistake from Libertad Limpeño proved costly. Duda Sampaio recovered the ball and assisted Paulinha, who controlled and scored with a shot to the far post. A five-goal victory to greet the quarterfinals, where they will face América de Cali.