(VIDEO) Memphis Depay’s Brother Appears in the Sudamericana
Dutchman Memphis Depay is a sensation at Corinthians, or at least that's what we can deduce after seeing a fan in the stands who looked just like the footballer, showing his excitement as Depay made his debut in the Copa Sudamericana.
The player had an immediate impact and influenced the score by assisting his teammate Pedro Henrique in the 81st minute, sealing their spot in the semifinals of the continental tournament.
How did Corinthians perform in the second leg of the Quarterfinals?
Corinthians, fighting to avoid relegation to Brazil’s second division, advanced to the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana this Tuesday by defeating Fortaleza 3-0, with a goal from Paraguayan Ángel Romero and an assist from Dutchman Memphis Depay.
The team, coached by Argentine Ramón Díaz, successfully completed the task, extending their first-leg victory (0-2), and will now battle for a spot in the final against the winner of the tie between Racing Club and Athletico Paranaense.
Romero, with an individual play, and Igor Coronado, after pouncing on a João Ricardo save from a Romero shot, sealed the win at Neo Química Arena with two goals early in the second half. Pedro Henrique completed the rout with a pass from Depay in the 82nd minute.
Corinthians had already secured the game when the Dutch international, a recent signing for the final stretch of the season, came off the bench.
The São Paulo side started with Venezuelan José Martínez and Peruvian André Carrillo. The two midfielders added solidity to the team, which seems to have shaken off the doubts from earlier in the season.
It was the opposite for Fortaleza, whose campaign is starting to feel long after a remarkable start.
The home team could have sealed the tie in the first half, with Coronado missing a one-on-one opportunity. Meanwhile, the side coached by Argentine Juan Pablo Vojvoda looked uncomfortable and lacked presence in midfield.
Without intensity, they barely troubled Hugo Souza's goal. Only José Welison tested the Brazilian keeper from the edge of the area.
Vojvoda didn't wait long, making three substitutions at halftime. And there was a reaction.
One of the new players, Breno Lopes, unleashed a curling shot from outside the box that forced a difficult save from Souza.
The keeper also had to come off his line to stop a counterattack from Lopes himself. However, the clearest chance fell to Kayzer, who inexplicably missed from the six-yard box after a cross from Marinho.
Just as Fortaleza began to dream, two quick blows from Corinthians ended their hopes.
First, Romero controlled a switch of play from Yuri Alberto, cut inside Felipe Jonatan, and shot with his left foot in the 55th minute.
Then, just four minutes later, Coronado pounced on a rebound from João Ricardo after another good effort from Romero.
With the qualification secured, the home crowd enjoyed watching Depay for the last half-hour. The former Barcelona and Atlético Madrid player pressed, called for the ball, and assisted Pedro Henrique's final goal. It was a perfect night for a Corinthians team that is on the rise.