Corinthians drew 1-1 with Portuguesa in regular time and won 8-7 on penalties, securing a spot in the Campeonato Paulista semifinal. Goalkeeper Hugo Souza was key, saving two penalty kicks. The team will face Novorizontino in the next round.
At Estádio Canindé in São Paulo, Corinthians faced Portuguesa in the Campeonato Paulista quarterfinals on Sunday, February 22. The match ended 1-1 in regular time, with Timão advancing on penalties due to Hugo Souza's saves.
At the 15th minute, Hugo Souza made a crucial save on Maceió's shot, sending the ball for a corner. At the 24th, he stopped Renê's penalty, reaching 12 career penalty saves. Portuguesa scored first at the 37th minute, with Zé Vitor's goal after defensive errors by Raniele and Zé Ramalho.
In the second half, at the 2nd minute, Hugo palmed away João Victor's shot. At the 43rd, Maceió tested from outside the box. The equalizer came in added time, with Matheusinho assisting the number 11, who scored his first goal for the team into the top corner.
In the shootout, Hugo Souza saved Renê's and Cauari's penalties, securing an 8-7 win. 'Shine, Hugo Souza!', noted Corinthians' official announcement. With the result, Timão advances to the semifinal against Novorizontino, while Portuguesa secures third place in the standings.
