It was all to play for in the first half as Atletico started the game pressing and pushing. However, it was Corinthians that would get the breakthrough first.
A good play from Tiago Nunes men saw Corinthians open the scoring as Jo score a headed goal in the 12th minute. 18 minutes later, Araos got on the score sheet and doubled his side’s advantage. The first half ended that way.
The second half saw a completely different tale though.
Jorge Sampaoli changed Atlético. He brought on Hyoran and Savarino. He kept the team on the attack. And it paid off. Galo cornered Corinthians, which was predictable and could not stand the opposition’s attack. Atletico got some hope after six minutes, with Hyoran, who finished in the corner, and Cássio was helpless to stop it. Four minutes later, Hyoran scored yet another after a rebound by the Corinthians goalkeeper. The comeback was complete when Nathan fired home fifteen minutes from time.
Many asked why Corinthians boss Tiago Nunes failed to bring Luan in the match.
“Luan was for the physical issue, to preserve him, he came with a great intensity of games. He was beaten a lot in the two final games, he was injured, so we decided to give him a breath, so much that I didn’t even think about using him during the game. I wanted him to be in the context of the team even to value the entry of Araos, who was well in the game. But for Saturday he returns to the team normally”- said the coach after the game.
Corinthians returns to the field on Saturday and will face Grêmio. On Sunday, Atlético will again host again host Ceará at the Mineirão stadium.
