Corinthians loses on penalties and is out of Paulista – 03/12/2023 – Sport

Corinthians lost to Ituano on penalties this Sunday afternoon (12), in a match valid for the quarterfinals of the Paulista Championship, at Neo Quíimica Arena, and is eliminated from the Paulista Championship.

In normal time, the match was 1 to 1, with goals from Rai Ramos and Paulinho. On penalties, the team from Itu won by 7 to 6. Fábio Santos, Fágner and Gil lost their kicks. Goalkeeper Jefferson Paulino saved the first two charges, while the defender kicked out.

The ituano will now face Palmeiras in the semifinals of the championship.

Owner of the worst campaign among the qualified for the quarterfinals of the tournament, Ituano surprised Corinthians at the beginning of the game and managed to impose itself.

Without Renato Augusto, their main player of the season, Corinthians could not create. Paulinho, who was his replacement, has different characteristics from the injured midfielder and the midfield of the São Paulo team did not understand each other.

The team from the interior almost opened the scoring in the 10th minute, when Gabriel Barros received a cross and, at first, finished for an excellent defense by Cássio. The referee, however, signaled offside on the move.

Fifteen minutes later there was no way. Right-back Rai Ramos advanced and, with space, shot from far away, in the angle. Cássio even touched the ball, but did not avoid the goal.

After gaining the advantage, however, the team from Itu tried to hold on and Corinthians soon began to circle their area. Right after the goal, Adson received it from the right, got rid of the defense and, with almost no angle, kicked. Goalkeeper Jefferson Paulino defended and the ball even hit the post before leaving.

In the 34th minute, the same Adson received on the right and crossed for Paulinho to tie the game with a header.

Corinthians came back better for the second half, and Ituano produced little. Supported by the crowd, Fernando Lázaro’s team circled the visitors’ area and had clear chances to turn the game around. In the 21st minute, Yuri Alberto received a great pass from Paulinho and kicked the ball past the goalkeeper. The ball, however, hit the crossbar.

A short time later, at 24 minutes, Giuliano received it at the entrance to the area and kicked it in place. The ball went very close to Ituano’s goal. Already at 44, Yuri Alberto received it from Pedrinho inside the area and kicked hard, but Jefferson Paulino defended. There was still time for Gil to almost score with a header, already in stoppage time, but the decision was left for penalties.