Brasileirão: Memphis returns and Corinthians beats Atlético-MG with a great goal at the end

Corinthians beat Atlético-MG 1-0 this Sunday (24), at the Neo Química Arena, in the match valid for the 17th round of the Brasileirão. The match marked the return of Memphis Depay, striker for the São Paulo team, who had been away from the field for three months.

After a game with few clear scoring opportunities, Zakaria Labyad hit a beautiful finish in the final stretch and sealed Timão's victory at home. Memphis came off the bench 16 minutes into the second half, entering the field for the first time since March 22, when he played in the 1-1 draw with Flamengo.

In this way, with the positive result, Corinthians reached the mark of 21 points and opened a three-point lead over Santos, the first member of the Brazilian Championship's relegation zone. The team led by Fernando Diniz returns to the field next Wednesday (27), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), when they face Platense in the Libertadores.

Atlético, 12th place with the same 21 points, plays on the same date, but at 7pm, against Puerto Cabello, in a duel in the sixth round of the Copa Sudamericana group stage.

How was the match?
Corinthians started the game looking dangerous with defender Gustavo Henrique. In the fifth minute, he received a great pass from striker Yuri Alberto, finished with a cross and sent it to the right of the opponent's goal. Atlético responded with winger Tomás Cuello, who finished over the goal after a good cross from midfielder Bernard.

In the 23rd minute, full-back Matheus Bidu, from Timão, went on the attack and rolled the ball to midfielder Breno Bidon, who shot wide. Later, Galo found the net with Cuello, but the move was canceled by the referee for offside.

Before the end of the first half, midfielder Rodrigo Garro took a risk from outside the area and the ball ended up in the hands of goalkeeper Everson. After the break, the match cooled off and both teams found it difficult to create clear scoring opportunities.

Corinthians' main novelty in the second half was the entry of Dutchman Memphis Depay, at the 16-minute mark. Then, at 28, Bernard received a cross from the right and tried to head it, but missed the target.

In the 41st minute, full-back Matheuzinho, from the home club, finished from outside the area and saw Everson make the save with ease. When it looked like the duel would remain tied, midfielder Zakaria Labyad scored a great goal and guaranteed Timão's victory at the Neo Química Arena.

Corinthians launches uniforms inspired by the 1976 invasion; see photos

Source: CNN