LONDON — Brazilian side Corinthians are through to the final of the inaugural Champions Cup after beating NWSL side Gotham FC 1-0 in London.
The game was deadlocked until the 83rd minute, with both sides creating chances but failing to convert them goalwards before Corinthians captain Gabi Zanotti found the back of the net.
Veteran goalkeeper Ann-Karin Berger should have done better to prevent the goal, but the South American champions were rewarded for their tenacity having pressured Gotham heavily.
The NWSL side had plenty of chances (20) but it was Corinthians’ fast counter attack and quick movement that gave them the better of the chances and the upper hand.
Gotham managed only one of their shots on target. Despite an extra eight minutes of extra time — where a Corinthians coach was shown a red card and a Gotham free kick in the closing stages that went inches wide — the CONCACAF champions were unable to find a way back.
Due to visa issues entering the United Kingdom, several Corinthians players were unable to travel until Sunday, leaving the side with little time to prepare as a whole squad.
Gotham, on the other hand, who are also out of season, have been in Europe to prepare for the upcoming competition.
They will receive $200k for reaching the semifinals while Corinthians will receive at least $1m if they place second in the final but could win $2.3m if they win the entire competition.
Corinthians face either Arsenal, the European entrant after winning the Champions League or ASFAR, the winner of the African confederation version, in the final on Sunday at Emirates Stadium.
