In a thrilling encounter at the Neo Química Arena in Brazil, Huracán delivered a stunning performance, defeating Corinthians 2-1 in their opening match of Group C in the Copa Sudamericana 2025. The victory not only marked a strong start for the Argentine side but also showcased the prowess of their forward, Leonardo Sequeira, who netted both goals for the visitors.
The match kicked off on April 2, 2025, at 19:00 local time, with an electric atmosphere as fans filled the stadium, which boasts a capacity of 49,205 spectators. Huracán, managed by Frank Kudelka, opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Ramón Díaz's Corinthians lined up in a 4-3-3 setup. Early on, Huracán seized the initiative, with Sequeira making his mark just five minutes into the game. He scored with a powerful header, capitalizing on a set-piece situation that caught the Corinthians defense off guard.
However, Corinthians quickly responded, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 12th minute. Raniele found the back of the net after a precise cross from André Carrillo, demonstrating the home side's attacking intent. Despite the early setback, Huracán maintained their composure and continued to press forward.
Sequeira struck again in the 36th minute, pouncing on a defensive error from Corinthians to restore Huracán's lead. This goal highlighted his excellent positioning and instinct as a striker, as he was in the right place at the right time to capitalize on a loose ball in the box.
As the match progressed into the second half, Huracán appeared to be in control, but a disallowed goal by Sequeira for offside in the 52nd minute momentarily dampened their spirits. The goal was initially celebrated, but the assistant referee's flag raised concerns that it would be overturned. After a review by VAR, the call was confirmed, much to the disappointment of the visiting fans.
Despite the setback, Huracán's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez, held firm against a series of attacks from Corinthians. The home side struggled to break through, managing only two shots on target throughout the match, compared to Huracán's solid defensive performance that limited their chances.
At halftime, Huracán led 2-1, having dominated possession with 64% compared to Corinthians' 36%. The statistics reflected Huracán's control of the game, as they completed 88 accurate passes against Corinthians' 236, showcasing their efficiency in transitioning from defense to attack.
As the second half unfolded, Corinthians ramped up their efforts to find an equalizer, but time and again they were thwarted by Galíndez, who made several crucial saves to preserve Huracán's lead. The Argentine team remained resolute, demonstrating their tactical discipline and commitment to defending their advantage.
With the final whistle, Huracán celebrated a hard-fought victory that not only earned them three points in Group C but also extended their unbeaten streak to ten matches, including eight victories. This win also snapped Corinthians' five-match unbeaten run, marking a significant psychological boost for the visiting team.
Looking ahead, Huracán will host Racing de Montevideo in their next match on April 5, 2025, at 18:00 local time. The team will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign in the Copa Sudamericana. Meanwhile, Corinthians will need to regroup and find a way to bounce back from this disappointing defeat.
This match served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where underdogs can rise to the occasion and deliver memorable performances. Huracán's victory in Brazil sets the stage for an exciting tournament ahead, as they look to challenge for the top spot in their group and make a mark in international competition.
