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Copa Sudamericana 2024: Semi-Final Leg 1 Highlights

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The opening match of the 2024 Copa Sudamericana semi-finals took place on Thursday, October 24, featuring Corinthians and Racing Club at Sao Paulo’s Neo Química Arena in Brazil. The game concluded with a 2-2 tie, promising an exciting second-leg showdown next Thursday.  

Meanwhile, in a match played on Wednesday, Brazilian team Cruzeiro clashed with Argentinian side Atlético Lanús, ending in a 1-1 stalemate. As with the other semi-final, the decisive game will determine who advances to the Final, scheduled at the Estadio General Pablo Rojas in Barrio Obrero, Paraguay.

For a comprehensive summary and detailed post-match analysis of each semi-final, refer below.

Carrera’s Late Header Secures Draw for Lanus

Ramiro Carrera, playing as a winger for Atlético Lanús, scored an equalizing header in the 73rd minute, ensuring a 1-1 draw against Cruzeiro in the first leg of the semi-finals. With the return leg set for next Wednesday in Buenos Aires, Lanus may hold an advantage in the contest.

During the first half, both teams had limited scoring opportunities, leaving the scoreboard unchanged heading into the second half. The stalemate was broken in the 50th minute when 22-year-old forward Kaio Jorge seized a rebound inside the box, putting Cruzeiro ahead. 

Despite this setback, Lanus nearly leveled the score just minutes later when Marcelino Moreno slipped past the defense. However, Cruzeiro’s goalkeeper Cássio thwarted the attempt with a superb save.

The equalizer eventually came when Marcelino Moreno sent a precise corner to Carrera, who secured the goal to tie the game.

In the final 15 minutes, Cruzeiro made a strong push to clinch a game-winner and came close on several occasions but couldn’t manage to score. It’s worth mentioning that Nahuel Losada, Lanus’ goalkeeper, entered the match after enduring a nine-match winless streak (comprising three losses and six draws). However, he rose to the challenge, successfully warding off numerous threats to ensure his team remained level as they headed back home.

The second leg next week promises to be decisive as both teams aim for a spot in the finals. Notably, Lanus last reached the Copa Sudamericana finals in 2013 and went on to win the title.

Corinthians Surrender Lead to Draw Racing Club 2-2

In their semi-final clash, Brazilian side Corinthians started strong against Racing Club but ultimately settled for a 2-2 draw. Heavy rain played a pivotal role, affecting various parts of the pitch as water began pooling.

Both sides entered the game with high intensity from the outset. Racing struck first when Maxi Salas executed a mid-air lob over the goalkeeper following a missed header in the 6th minute.

The lead didn’t last long, as only four minutes later, Alberto Yuri tied the game with an impressive pass from Memphis Depay. Arias thwarted a powerful header attempt from André Ramalho in the 33rd minute, maintaining the tie for Corinthians. The home team seized control when Alberto scored from distance just seconds after.

Corinthians seemed poised to carry a goal advantage into the second leg, but Racing Club had a different plan. The 54th minute saw Martirena unleash an impressive right-footed strike, which nestled into the bottom right of Hugo Nogueira’s net.

In the 62nd minute, Alberto almost secured a hat-trick, but his header narrowly missed the target, flying over the crossbar, keeping the match tied. As the game wore on, despite frantic efforts in the closing moments, the match concluded 2-2, putting Racing Club in a promising spot as they return to Argentina.

The second semi-final is scheduled to take place at the Cilindro of Avellaneda next Thursday and will kick off at 21:30.

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