Was there a handball? De Arrascaeta scored a great goal for Flamengo's 1-0 lead and Corinthians complained to the referee.

Giorgian De Arracaeta crowned a splendid first half with a great goal to open the scoring in Corinthians vs Flamengo for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. However, amid the Uruguayan's great finish, the home players claimed a possible handball inside the box.

The 'Mengao' advanced into 'Timao' territory with a pass from Joao Gomes to Pedro. However, the combined defense of the Paulista team reacted to push the ball out of the penalty area. It was precisely in that area where the controversy arose. Midfielder Victor Cantillo made the defensive clearance and the ball hit Gomes' arm.

Seeing this, all the Corinthians players raised their hands to warn the referee. However, the play continued. Then, De Arrascaeta took the rebound and hit the ball precisely into the far post. Goalkeeper Cassio dived, but couldn't keep the ball out of the field in the Neo Química stadium.

While the 'Rubronegro' players celebrated and congratulated the Uruguayan attacker, the 'Timao' people approached referee Patricio Loustau to protest what had happened. However, the referee confirmed the 'charrúa's' goal after consulting with the VAR officials.

Corinthians vs Flamengo: Preview

Corinthians, which has been playing more regularly this year and is second in the Brazilian Championship standings, hosts a Flamengo side that started the season inconsistently but has improved in recent matches.

The Sao Paulo team relies on its strength at the Neo Química stadium, where it hasn't lost since February, as well as the reinforcements it registered for the Libertadores quarterfinals, mainly striker Yuri Alberto.

Flamengo, which has improved significantly since Dorival Junior took over as coach and hasn't lost in six matches, has also registered important reinforcements for the Libertadores, such as Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal, forward Everton Cebolinha, and Erick Pulgar, but they are not yet in the starting lineup.

Aware that the clash with Flamengo is one of the most important of the season, Corinthians coach Vítor Pereira has been using alternative teams in the league and Copa do Brasil matches but will finally be able to field his ideal eleven on Tuesday.