Corinthians pull off stunning upset in Women's Champions Cup semi-final against Gotham FC.
The Brazilian champions' 40-year-old captain Gabi Zanotti scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute, securing a 1-0 victory over the NWSL champions and setting up a thrilling final against European powerhouse Arsenal. The home side had dominated possession and created half-chances throughout, but their profligate decision-making in front of goal ultimately proved costly.
Gotham's manager Juan Carlos Amorós acknowledged that his team's slow execution in the box was the difference between success and defeat. "We executed everything we prepared, we dominated the game on every aspect, but as we all know football is about goals, you need to score goals," he said. Despite their frustration, Gotham will be praised for their spirited performance against an opponent that many had written off.
For Corinthians manager Lucas Piccinato, however, there was no cause for celebration in the aftermath of the win. "It's a momentous moment, but we are planning for the final regardless of who we face and we want to leave England with the trophy," he said, his focus firmly fixed on the ultimate prize.
The Corinthians players will be thrilled to have progressed to the final, given their limited preparation time ahead of the tournament. The Brazilian champions' three absent key players were forced to travel only on Sunday due to visa issues, making this result all the more impressive.
With a bigger share of the $2.3m (£1.7m) prize pot at stake, Corinthians will be eager to capitalize on their stunning upset and make the most of their unexpected chance to claim the tournament title. The question now is whether they have the firepower to take down the mighty Arsenal in what promises to be an epic showdown.
The Brazilian champions' 40-year-old captain Gabi Zanotti scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute, securing a 1-0 victory over the NWSL champions and setting up a thrilling final against European powerhouse Arsenal. The home side had dominated possession and created half-chances throughout, but their profligate decision-making in front of goal ultimately proved costly.
Gotham's manager Juan Carlos Amorós acknowledged that his team's slow execution in the box was the difference between success and defeat. "We executed everything we prepared, we dominated the game on every aspect, but as we all know football is about goals, you need to score goals," he said. Despite their frustration, Gotham will be praised for their spirited performance against an opponent that many had written off.
For Corinthians manager Lucas Piccinato, however, there was no cause for celebration in the aftermath of the win. "It's a momentous moment, but we are planning for the final regardless of who we face and we want to leave England with the trophy," he said, his focus firmly fixed on the ultimate prize.
The Corinthians players will be thrilled to have progressed to the final, given their limited preparation time ahead of the tournament. The Brazilian champions' three absent key players were forced to travel only on Sunday due to visa issues, making this result all the more impressive.
With a bigger share of the $2.3m (£1.7m) prize pot at stake, Corinthians will be eager to capitalize on their stunning upset and make the most of their unexpected chance to claim the tournament title. The question now is whether they have the firepower to take down the mighty Arsenal in what promises to be an epic showdown.
I'm loving this Women's Champions Cup so far! Corinthians totally outsmarted Gotham FC with that last-minute goal 
, and I gotta say, it's awesome to see a 40-yr-old captain still killing the game like Gabi Zanotti 
! The way they dominated possession but just couldn't seem to score was super frustrating for both teams. Gotham played so well, but execution in front of goal just wasn't there 
. Now that Corinthians is headed to the final, can't wait to see them take on Arsenal! Will their limited prep time be a blessing or curse? 
Only time will tell, but I'm all about underdog stories 
the way corinthians pulled off that upset was just insane, i mean gabbi zanotti is like a legend or something 
she's 40 and still scoring goals in finals... meanwhile gotham's manager is already looking back on what could've been 
at least they gave it a good go tho! any wayz corinthians are gonna be so hyped and arsenal better watch out cuz they got their sights set on that trophy 
!
! I mean, 40 years old and still scoring goals like a pro? 
What an inspiration for the rest of us getting older! 
Bring it on, Brazil! 
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. I mean, she's been playing for 40 years and still scoring the winner in a semi-final? That's dedication. And Corinthians' underdog story is so inspiring. They had like only one or two players with experience before this tournament and yet they manage to pull off this epic upset.