Brazilian side Corinthians will take a one-goal lead into the second-leg of the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 tie with Newell’s after second-half goals from Yuri Alberto and Wesley cancelled out Marcos Portillo’s first-half opener.
Lucas Hoyos had to be at his best to nullify a number of chances created by a dynamic Corinthians attack but their defence looked shaky every time Newell’s got the opportunity to counter.
Against the run of play, Marcos Portillo slotted home an Ángelo Martino cutback from the left just before half-time. Having been under heavy pressure in the first period, Gabriel Heinze’s team couldn’t believe that they were taking a lead into the break.
That lead didn’t last long after the restart when Facundo Mansilla conceded a penalty for a pull. Yuri Alberto converted from the spot and substitute Wesley soon added another with a fine finish to a cross from the right.
Newell’s rallied late to create a number of chances for Jorge Recalde but The Lepers must now wait until next Tuesday at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa to try and overturn Corinthians’ lead.
Watch the highlights of the match below.
