Estudiantes de La Plata are through to the CONMEBOL Libertadores semifinals after a 1-0 win away to Corinthians, sealing a 2-1 aggregate in the quarterfinals. Alexis Castro struck in the 87th minute and the visitors then survived a dramatic finale, including a missed penalty at 90′. It was a tight, physical tie decided by set-piece focus and clean defensive work. You can dig into every number on Sofascore.

Corinthians had more of the ball and created the bigger xG, but Estudiantes were more clinical when it mattered. Fernando Muslera and the back four protected the box, and Tomás Palacios delivered the decisive assist from a long throw sequence.

Match snapshot

Corinthians controlled possession at Neo Química Arena with 56% of the ball and out-shot Estudiantes 9-6. The hosts generated 1.20 xG and produced the game’s only big chance, while the visitors finished with 0.41 xG. Despite that, shots on target were level at 2-2 and Estudiantes delivered the moment that counted late. Castro’s left-footed strike flew high to the goalkeeper’s right after a throw-in routine developed on the far side. The goal sequence credited Palacios with the assist and came in minute 87.

The closing minutes were frantic. Memphis Depay missed a penalty at 90′ with an effort off target after Muslera faced the kick. Soon after, a VAR check ended in a penalty not awarded for a Matheus Bidu incident. Referee Jesús Valenzuela issued two yellow cards per side in a match heavy on duels and 33 total fouls. Estudiantes also held the set-piece edge with 4 corners to 3. On average Ratings, Estudiantes posted 6.83 to Corinthians’ 6.59 on Sofascore.

What the team stats say

The stat profile explains how the visitors managed the tie. Corinthians’ build-up produced 469 passes and 386 accurate, but Estudiantes were only a step behind at 356 and 279. Final third entries actually favored Estudiantes 78 to 73, a small but telling sign that their transition routes were efficient. The Argentines were also cleaner on crosses, completing 3 of 16 compared to Corinthians’ 6 of 15 yet making theirs count in the right moments. On dribbles, Estudiantes excelled with 11 of 18 successful for 61%, while Corinthians went 5 of 14 for 36%.

Defensively, Estudiantes’ tackle quality stood out. They won 83% of their tackles, compared to 56% for Corinthians, and recorded 44 recoveries to the hosts’ 38. Clearances were even at 23-23 as both back lines dealt with a high volume of balls into the box. In aerial duels, Estudiantes held a 52% success rate and improved that advantage after the break. Ground duels were split overall, but the visitors won more second balls in key channels around their area. Those margins protected a slim lead and the tie.

Defending the box and the key moments

Muslera’s numbers underline a sharp away performance. The goalkeeper made 2 saves, posted 0.28 goals prevented and claimed one high ball, while also officially facing the late penalty. In front of him, the center-back unit cleared 23 total balls as a team, and their timing on first contact frustrated crosses and long diagonals. Corinthians put 17 touches in the box to Estudiantes’ 16, yet the visitors blocked space and kept shot lanes narrow.

At the other end the winning goal came from a throw-in set piece. The sequence saw a long progression by Palacios and a measured ball into Castro, whose shot carried an xG value of 0.13 and an xG on target of 0.95. It was one of only two shots on target for Estudiantes, but it was the highest-quality attempt of those late exchanges. Corinthians’ best chance was the 90′ spot-kick, a 0.79 xG event that went begging. When knockout football swings on two box actions, the scoreboard tends to look like this.

Alexis Castro, MVP with a 7.9 Sofascore Rating

Castro delivered the defining touch and earned a 7.9 Sofascore Rating. He scored with his left foot from inside the area and finished with both of his shots on target. Beyond the goal he completed 25 of 35 passes, split mostly in the attacking half, and won 8 of 12 duels including 3 in the air. His 7 ball carries covered 68 meters and included progressive surges that helped Estudiantes exit pressure. He added a tackle and a clearance as the visitors protected their advantage late on.

The xG model credited him with 0.18 expected goals and a hefty 0.95 expected goals on target thanks to the finish’s placement. He touched the ball 50 times and stayed involved on both sides throughout his 90 minutes. In a match decided by tiny details, Castro’s technique and timing were the difference. For a road knockout in Sao Paulo, that is elite execution. It is no surprise he topped the match leaderboards across Sofascore’s event page.

Notable performers and tactical notes

Palacios matched Castro’s 7.9 on the Ratings list and deserved a nod for his all-action display. The defender logged 45 passes with 35 accurate, completed 6 of 10 long balls and won 11 duels. He also produced the assist, 2 tackles won from 2 attempts and 5 clearances, reflecting how Estudiantes mixed front-foot defending with direct progression. Eros Mancuso chipped in a strong 7.3, while Santiago Núñez and Muslera both scored 7.2. That spine held firm whenever Corinthians looked to combine centrally.

For Corinthians, Matheuzinho was the standout at 7.2 with one key pass and 0.33 expected assists, providing most of the right-side thrust. Gustavo Henrique cleared 8 times and battled well, and captain Rodrigo Garro posted a 7.1 while drawing seven fouls. Memphis Depay worked hard and generated 0.85 xG, but his late penalty went wide. Corinthians won the duel count 53% to 47% and led ground duels in the first half, yet Estudiantes were far superior on tackle success and dribbles. Fernando Diniz’s 4-2-3-1 asked questions, but Alexander Medina’s 4-4-2 answered them with compact spacing and direct outlets.

Player of the Match

By Sofascore Rating, Tomás Palacios ranked best with a 7.9. The fans’ pick was Gustavo Henrique, who received 716 of 2,538 total votes on the poll. The two selections differed, which fits a tense knockout shaped by one decisive assist and plenty of defending.