Internacional secured a 1-0 victory over Coritiba on Tuesday, with Alerrandro converting a stoppage-time penalty to give the home side a crucial result in its fight to avoid relegation from Brazil’s Série A. The win lifted Inter to 38 points and 16th place, although the team was still waiting on the results of Grêmio and Corinthians to learn whether it would end the round outside the bottom four.
The performance offered little attacking fluency. Coritiba restricted Inter, particularly in the first half, and the home side’s improvement after the break fell short of expectations. Inter also missed Alan Patrick: his replacement, Carbonero, tried individual moves but had limited impact, while Villagra was unable to make up for the team’s lack of creativity on his own.
Inter’s frustration showed as the team struggled to build attacks and reacted angrily to refereeing decisions and the visitors’ approach. The crowd of 36,412 tried to lift the side, with the Popular supporters’ group leading a chant as the match entered its difficult closing stages.
Vitinho had an opportunity late in the game to put João Bezerra through on goal, but sent the ball wide. Inter appeared to be heading toward another missed chance to escape the relegation zone until the decisive incident in stoppage time.
In the 47th minute, Bruno Henrique crossed into the area. Rodrigo Moledo, a former Inter player, tried to clear the ball and struck Juninho in the head. Referee Fernando Salles Nascimento Filho initially allowed play to continue, then reviewed the incident on video and awarded a penalty.
Bernabei held the ball before handing it to Alerrandro, who had not scored since May 16. The striker hit his kick firmly into the right corner, beyond goalkeeper Pedro Morisco, and celebrated with his teammates and the supporters at Beira-Rio.
Inter’s result kept its hopes alive, with the team relying on effort and its home crowd despite an uneven display. Grêmio were due to face Flamengo, while Corinthians were set to play São Paulo on Wednesday.
Sources: Globo Esporte.