Rosario Central and Corinthians drew 0-0 at the Gigante de Arroyito in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores round-of-16 tie. The contest remains open after a night in which the Rosario side showed greater initiative but could not turn its pressure into a goal.
Ángel Di María was Central's main attacking reference. The World Cup winner contributed to the build-up, tested the goal and led several moves as the home team managed to establish play near the visitors' penalty area in different spells.
Corinthians responded with a compact structure and had Hugo Souza among their standout performers. The goalkeeper dealt with the most demanding efforts, while Matheus Bidu produced one of the Brazilian side's clearest chances with a shot that struck the post.
The referee reviewed two incidents on VAR after Rosario Central appealed for possible penalties and kept the on-field decision on both occasions. Those interventions increased the tension in a match contested on very fine margins.
Corinthians came under greater pressure late on when Allan was sent off around the 35th minute of the second half. The visitors resisted with ten men and kept the score goalless; an anti-racism protocol alert was also activated during the night following a report of abuse from the stands.
The return leg will be played on Thursday, 20 August at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo. Central will travel with neither side holding an advantage, while Corinthians will look to their home support as the teams decide which one advances to the quarterfinals.
