Memphis Depay once again played a leading role for Corinthians as the Sao Paulo club dispatched Bahia 3-0. The Dutch international scored twice, with the second goal a searing free-kick off the underside of the bar from a ridiculous angle.
Admittedly, Corinthians had serious fears of relegation before Memphis’ arrival, but now the Brazilian powerhouse are making great progress with the Oranje star among its ranks. Against Bahia, the former PSV starlet scored after twelve minutes of play. Firing home via the leg of a Bahia player, and deceiving goalkeeper Marcos Felipe.
After the Dutchman’s strike partner Yuri Alberto had doubled the score just before half-time, the attacker from Moordrecht scored the goal of the evening in the 61st minute.
Out on the left side of the box Memphis adjusted his run-up and smashed an effort diagonally on goal. It whizzed through the helpless wall and clipped the underside of the crossbar with the keeper all ends up as it ended its trajectory nestled in the right side-netting.
The victory puts Corinthians in seventh place in the Brazilian Série A. The club are already certain of qualification for the Copa Sudamericana, the equivalent of the Europa League in South America.
Memphis now has six goals and one assist in ten league matches for Corinthians. On Sunday, Timão will play their last league match of the season, as they travel to Porto Alegre to face Grêmio.
