Interim of Corinthians minimizes Félix Torres' expulsion in the victory in the South American Cup. Corinthians defeated Racing-URU 1-0 on Thursday (24) at Neo Química Arena, in the 3rd round of the Copa Sudamericana. Despite Félix Torres' early expulsion, still in the first half, the team resisted the pressure and secured the three points. © Anderson Romão/AGIF Orlando Ribeiro is the interim coach of Corinthians. Photo: Anderson Romão/AGIF Félix Torres is sent off, but Romero saves Corinthians against Racing-URU Corinthians win away from home and start dreaming of a possible qualification. The Ecuadorian defender was sent off at 13 minutes after a strong tackle on the opponent, leaving Timão with one less for almost the entire match. Still, the team maintained defensive consistency. Interim coach Orlando Ribeiro defended the defender and celebrated the team's overcoming: "We didn't think about a rout, we knew it would be difficult. Winning today was the most important thing," he said.

Orlando praises the team's attitude and promises to talk to the expelled defender. Without blaming anyone, Ribeiro spoke calmly about Félix Torres' expulsion: "I don't see it as punitive. We will talk, review the plays and give him guidance. That's what we're going to do." The result marked Corinthians' first victory in the continental competition, taking the team to four points in Group C. Huracán leads with seven, and América de Cali has five. Now, Timão's focus shifts. As on Sunday (27), they face Flamengo at Maracanã, at 4 pm (Brasília time), for the 6th round of Brasileirão Betano. It will be Orlando's first major test as interim coach.

Corinthians faces a decisive sequence in the competitions. In addition to the confrontation with Flamengo, Corinthians has an important commitment on Wednesday (30), for the Copa do Brasil. This is because the team faces Novorizontino, away from home, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the 3rd round. Hernan asserts that after all the controversy, Dorival Junior agreed to be Corinthians' coach. The intense sequence of games will require balance and depth from the Corinthians squad. Orlando Ribeiro, even as interim, tries to adjust the group to face the challenges on the three fronts.