Corinthians beat Fortaleza, eye Copa Sudamericana last four

Timão win 1-0 at Neo Química Arena and will face winner of Deportivo Cali vs. Melgar in semi-finals

Ronaldo's goal in the second half was enough to give Corinthians a 1-0 victory over Fortaleza at Neo Química Arena on Tuesday and secure a place in the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals.

The Timão will now face the winner of the Deportivo Cali vs. Melgar tie in the last four, with the first leg to be played on September 1 and the second leg on September 8.

Corinthians coach Vítor Pereira made four changes to the side that beat Botafogo 1-0 on Saturday, with Rafael Ramos, Du Queiroz, Maycon and Giovani coming into the team.

Fortaleza coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda also made four changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Flamengo on Sunday, with Titi, Lucas Lima, Moisés and Robson coming into the team.

The game started at a slow pace, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances in the opening minutes.

The first real chance of the game fell to Corinthians in the 20th minute, when Giovani played a pass into the path of Yuri Alberto, but the striker's shot was saved by Fortaleza goalkeeper Fernando Miguel.

Fortaleza had a chance to take the lead in the 35th minute, when Moisés played a pass into the path of Robson, but the midfielder's shot went wide of the target.

Corinthians took the lead in the 52nd minute, when Yuri Alberto played a pass into the path of Ronaldo, who fired the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Fortaleza had a chance to equalize in the 65th minute, when Moisés played a pass into the path of Robson, but the midfielder's shot was saved by Corinthians goalkeeper Cássio.

Corinthians held on to their lead in the closing stages of the game to secure a 1-0 victory and a place in the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals.

Conclusion

Corinthians' victory over Fortaleza was a hard-fought battle, but in the end, the Timão's quality shone through.

Ronaldo's goal was the difference between the two teams, and the striker will be hoping to continue his good form in the semi-finals.

Corinthians will now face Deportivo Cali or Melgar in the semi-finals, and the Timão will be confident of reaching the final.