LONDON — Brazilian club Corinthians has advanced to the final of the inaugural Champions Cup after defeating NWSL team Gotham FC 1-0 in London.
The match remained scoreless until the 83rd minute, with both teams creating opportunities but unable to capitalize until Corinthians’ captain Gabi Zanotti found the net.
Veteran goalkeeper Ann-Karin Berger could have done better to stop the shot, but Corinthians’ relentless pressure paid off as they kept Gotham on the back foot.
Despite attempting 20 shots during the match, Gotham managed only one on target, while Corinthians’ quick counterattacks and movement helped them gain the upper hand.
Even with an additional eight minutes added for stoppage time — during which a Corinthians coach received a red card and Gotham narrowly missed a free kick late in the game — the CONCACAF champions could not equalize.
Several Corinthians players faced visa difficulties entering the UK, arriving only on Sunday and leaving them with limited time to prepare as a full squad.
In contrast, Gotham, who are also currently out of season, have been in Europe preparing for the competition.
For reaching the semifinals, Gotham will receive $200,000, while Corinthians are guaranteed at least $1 million if they finish second in the final, but could earn up to $2.3 million if they win the tournament.
Corinthians will face either Arsenal, the European Champions League winners, or ASFAR, the champions of the African confederation, in the final at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.