Corinthians advances to the semi-finals of the Brasileirão Feminino after victory over Cruzeiro

Corinthians, for the tenth time in a row, is in the semi-finals of Series A1 (first division) of the Brazilian Women's Football Championship. This Monday (7), Brabas beat Cruzeiro again, now 3-1, at Canindé, in São Paulo, in the second leg of their quarter-final clash.

Owner of seven titles, the last six consecutive, Timão will face Bahia, who surprised Palmeiras last Friday (4), by winning the penalties, 5-4, after a 1-1 draw during normal time at Arena Barueri - TV Brasil broadcast the duel live.

The days and times of the round-trip matches will still be scheduled by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

A week ago, at Arena Independência, in Belo Horizonte, Corinthians had won the first game of the match 1-0. As a result, the black and white team went to the field with the advantage of being able to draw and, even so, take the place. The Cabulosas would have to win by two goals or more to advance in normal time. If the victory was by a goal difference, the decision would be on penalties.

Unlike the first game, which was not very busy, this Monday's match started at a fast pace. After five minutes, Cruzeiro took the lead. After a free kick from Byanca Brasil on the right, defender Erika cleared it badly and fellow attacker Marília headed it into the net. It was the 11th goal for the Brasileirão's top scorer.

Corinthians pressed for the equalizer. At 12, midfielder Gabi Zanotti rose in the area on the right, striker Jhonson headed it and goalkeeper Cláudia, a standout for the Cabulosas in the previous duel, saved with her fingertips. Next, Tamires took a corner kick and Jhonson, once again, won it from the top and scored, this time hitting the foot of the left post.

The black and white insistence paid off in the 19th minute. Scorer of the winning goal at Independência, Vic Albuquerque intercepted defender Vitória Calhau's pass in the middle and sent the ball to fellow striker Belén Aquino. The Uruguayan, inside the area, rolled the ball for Jhonson to finish, now with no chance for Cláudia.

The turning point came eight minutes later. In a counterattack from the right, Gabi Zanotti touched the area, looking for Jhonson. The attacker let the ball pass between her legs, catching the defense by surprise, and Tamires, at first, appeared from the left to finish in the corner, putting Brabas in front.

At an even greater disadvantage in terms of results, Cruzeiro went all out on the attack in the final stage. At nine minutes, Marília was called into the area on the right and took the first chance. The ball went over goalkeeper Nicole and hit the right post.

Corinthians, however, was lethal when they had the chance. At 15, Aquino took a corner from the left, Erika and Vic Albuquerque deflected it in the area and defender Thaís Ferreira, free, finished into the net. The defender scored the goal that gave Brabas the Brazilian title last year, in the decision against the Minas Gerais team.

In addition to the increasingly difficult mission of seeking a turnaround, Cruzeiro did not take advantage of the opportunities it had. In the 32nd minute, Byanca Brasil was launched into the area from the left and played over Nicole, just past the goalkeeper. The ball fell to Marília to finish into the empty net, but the attacker caught it poorly and sent it over the crossbar.

Calm with their advantage on the aggregate score, Corinthians managed the final minutes and celebrated qualifying for the semi-finals, keeping their dream of an eighth national title alive.