Corinthians and Rosario Central drew 0-0 in the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores 16th round. Despite Allan's red card, Corinthians' defence shone with Hugo Souza's saves and a disciplined back line. The Brazilian goalkeeper made crucial saves, including one from Campaz at 11 minutes and stopping Di María at 38 minutes.
The first real scare for Corinthians came at 11 minutes, when Hugo Souza deflected a long-range effort from Campaz. Pedro Raul and Kaio César linked well, but Matheus Bidu almost scored from a Matheuzinho cross at 42 minutes. Breno Bidon was booked for pushing Di María at 43 minutes.
In the second half, Rosario Central increased the pressure, especially down Gustavo Henrique's flank, but Corinthians held firm. Hugo Souza blocked Ávila's cross-shot at 17 minutes and saved from Di María at 38 minutes. Allan was sent off for two bookings for robust challenges, leaving Corinthians to manage the closing stages.
Gabriel Paulista and Gustavo Henrique won their duels and cleared repeatedly, while Matheuzinho was solid against Campaz. Matheus Bidu contained Di María but found build-up play harder. Raniele was industrious in midfield, while Kaio César was fouled repeatedly.
Garro struggled with his passing and was replaced by Carrillo at 37 minutes, the substitute making two important interceptions. André Ramalho and Lingard came on late but were not rated. Fernando Diniz selected his strongest side and kept the structure organised despite second-half pressure.
The match was tense, with both teams searching for the goal, but Corinthians' defence was decisive in maintaining the draw and securing a positive result for the Brazilians in the return leg.
