The encounter in the Vila Belmiro was dogged with problems from the start, with crowd trouble, laser pens and floodlight failure amongst the various issues to affect the encounter.
Corinthians, though, were tactically perfect in their approach, ifying the potent Santos forward line, whilst also holding a consistent threat in attack.
The goal itself, midway through the first period, was a delight. Emerson Sheik, whose pace terrified the Santos back-line all night, received the ball on the left of the area, before cutting inside and unleashing a powerful curling effort into the far corner. Santos keeper Rafael had no chance.
At the other end, Corinthians keeper Cássio was in inspired form, making a series of high class saves to deny the Peixe as they pushed for an equalising goal.
The Brasileirão champions are renowned for their defensive shape and with the vital away-goal in the bag, looked to soak up the final few minutes of pressure.
The task was made more difficult by a combination of 15 minutes of floodlight failure and the dismissal of Emerson, who lunged in recklessly to earn a second yellow card, but the Timão held firm to claim a vital win.
