The last of the Round of 16 matchups in the 2026 Copa Libertadores delivered a day of high tension, with the visiting teams achieving their goal of not coming away empty-handed. Rosario Central was held to a scoreless draw against a depleted Corinthians in Argentina, while Liga de Quito demonstrated its cup-winning experience by earning a draw in Brazil against Mirassol.
Rosario Central 0 – 0 Corinthians
The “Canalla” started slow but picked up the pace, though the series now moves to São Paulo
In a match that was generally dull and forgettable at the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, Rosario Central could not manage more than a scoreless draw against the Brazilian side. Although the home team pushed forward and dominated as the match wore on, they lacked precision on the final touch.
Key moments of the match:
- Miraculous double crossbar: Ironically, the clearest chance of the night went to the visitors. In the 42nd minute of the first half, a powerful header by fullback Matheus Bidu incredibly struck the crossbar twice, silencing the Rosario crowd for a moment.
- Red Card for Timão: Corinthians had to hold on defensively in the final stretch of the match after being reduced to ten men. Midfielder Allan Souza was sent off 35 minutes into the second half.
- When is the second leg? The series is wide open, and the tension will shift to the Neo Química Arena in Brazil, where the ticket to the next round will be decided next Thursday at 9:30 p.m. (Argentine time).
Mirassol 1 – 1 LDU de Quito
The Albos pull off a great result on the road
On the other front of this cup matchday, Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito showcased its international pedigree and managed to salvage a valuable 1-1 draw on its tough road trip to face Mirassol in Brazil.
Takeaways from the match:
- A point that feels like a win: For “Los Albos,” coming away from Brazilian soil with the score tied sets up an ideal scenario for managing the pace in the second leg.
- The Decisive Match at High Altitude: With the series tied, LDU will look to seal the deal in front of its home crowd when it hosts Mirassol next Thursday at the impregnable fortress of Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium.
