This Tuesday, Corinthians earned a valuable 1-1 draw at the Pascual Guerrero stadium in Cali against América de Cali in the second matchday of Group C of the Copa Sudamericana. The Brazilian team equalized in the final minutes of the match, securing a point after a game where América missed several goal-scoring opportunities that could have given them a perfect six points from six in the group stage.

Ramos' Goal and Matheuzinho's Equalizer

The match started with a lot of intensity. From the very first minutes, Colombian midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero started to make an impact with his long passes and assists, creating danger in the Corinthians box. In the 24th minute, the home side managed to take the lead through a collective play in which Éder Álvarez Balanta threaded a precise pass to Luis Ramos, who received it between central defenders Ramalho and Félix Torres. The Peruvian forward then slotted a powerful left-footed shot past goalkeeper Matheus Donelli, sparking celebrations among the fans in the stands.

Corinthians' response was immediate, but the visiting team struggled to link up with their attackers. Óscar Romero, Talles Magno, and Héctor Hernández fought to create danger but were thwarted by the solid Colombian defense.

Missed Opportunities for América

In the second half, América continued to push for a second goal to extend their lead. Just two minutes into the second half, midfielder Rafael Carrascal made a long pass that found Cristian Barrios, who finished with a cross-shot into the net. However, the Colombian side’s joy was short-lived as the VAR reviewed the play and disallowed the goal for an offside position by Barrios.

The team managed by Alexandre Guimarães maintained its attacking rhythm, and even Duván Vergara came close to scoring, but his shot hit the post. América dominated, but could not convert, and as time passed, the pressure of missed chances began to build.

Matheuzinho’s Goal and the Final Equalizer

As the match wore on, Corinthians started to react thanks to the changes made by coach Fernando Lázaro. Yuri Alberto, André Carrillo, Breno Bidon, and later Cacá and Alex Santana brought fresh legs and energy to the game. It was Matheuzinho, the right-back, who combined perfectly with Yuri Alberto to equalize in the 81st minute. Matheuzinho played a one-two with the Brazilian forward, shot on goal, and the ball went in after deflecting off Jean Pestaña, an América defender.

The late equalizer left Corinthians with a bittersweet taste, but they at least managed to leave Cali with a point.