Corinthians have qualified for the final phase of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ after defeating Deportivo Cali 5-3 in a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw in the final of the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores Femenina.
It was a cagey affair throughout, with both goalkeepers emerging as the stars of the show. Luisa Agudelo of Deportivo Cali was superb, including a soaring save in the first half to deny Duda Sampaio.
Her counterpart, Nicole, was just as good, and was called on to make a fingertip save deep into the second stanza to keep things scoreless.
Matters had to be settled from the penalty spot and Kelly Ibarguen’s attempt off the crossbar served as the difference, as Corinthians converted all five spot kicks to clinch the crown.
The Brazilian side progress to the final phase of the Women’s Champions Cup, where they will take on Concacaf champions Gotham FC in London.
The winner of that semi-final will face either European champions Arsenal, or the winner of Round 2 between Wuhan Jiangda of China PR and the CAF champion.
The final phase of the tournament will run from 28 January to 1 February 2026.
Quotes
“I want to thank God for this opportunity. I wanted to help the team in any way I could. As I said in the interview, I was cold to take the fifth and last penalty. We can’t underestimate the other side, they were a great team, competitive, who came here looking for the title. But we did what we could to take this victory.”
Jhonson, Corinthians player
“We gave it all. This match leaves many things to us, many lessons. The penalties are luck, and we didn’t have it today. But I’m very proud of my team. Losing is something that happens, this is football. But all we have to do now is work and learn.”
Stefania Perlaza, Deportivo Cali player
