Brian Lozano is very close to a return to his home country Uruguay. A transfer from Mexican side CF América to Nacional is imminent and will be made public in the near future.
Brian Lozano in the Uruguay shirt. (Photo: alchetron.com)
During January 2016, Brian Lozano made the big step: The then 21 year old decided to leave his home country to reach his breakthrough in the (probably) best Latin American football league, in Mexico. The young Uruguayan had some trouble finding his way into the new side, starting just one game. After 45 minutes without much luck, he was substituted in a 1-4 loss to Pachuca.
In mid-March it was an injury that stopped him and kept him out of the team until the end of the season. A total of 112 minutes of playing time in 6 months is not sufficient for a player that is still developing. It was the main motive for Lozano's agent, Flavio Perchman, to push a move to a foreign country. Mexican league regulations would only allow a move outside of the country at this time.
Due to Christian Tabó's exit from Nacional, it was clear that coach Martín Lasarte wanted to bring in a new speedy winger to replace the often underperforming Tabó. Lozano fits that role perfectly and will join the Tricolor on loan for one year. He has been a standout player for Defensor Sporting ever since going up the youth ranks of the club. In 2015, he even managed to be called up to Uruguay's national team, an honour that not many young players receive from coach Óscar Tabárez.
The diminutive winger (just 1.66m) will enter the competition for a starting spot with Kevin Ramírez on the left and Leandro Barcia on the right side. Both played excellent seasons in early 2016 until injuries stopped them. The latest reports suggest that the club will keep searching for a true #9 to be fed by those wingers and support Nico López in his role up front.
According to Pasión Tricolor, the negotiations between América and Nacional are about to reach its conclusion, and the Uruguayans are also positive on the deal. América's president Ricardo Peláez has already confirmed the player's exit to Uruguay's record champion.
Back on February 2, the Copa Libertadores season started with the first round. Ever since then, we moved through group stages and the round of 16 to now await the quarterfinals of this year's competition. Here are all the previews.
Rosario Central - Atlético Nacional
Atlético Nacional's atmospheric home ground. (Photo: ecbloguer.com)
The best team of the group stages, Atlético Nacional, had a little scare against Huracán, but went through with a little luck at the end of the day (4-2 on aggregate). Going to Argentina in the first leg, I am not sure you can still call them the favourites. Rosario Central, after struggling back home in the league in recent weeks, dominated Grêmio completely and knocked them out 4-0 on aggregate.
Particularly striker star Marco Rubén is slowly but surely regaining his top form if he ever lost it. Three of the four goals scored by Central in the round of 16 came from him. Nevertheless, Central needs a strong game at home in the first leg to build a good foundation ahead of the difficult travel to Colombia a week later. Can they do it? That is for certain.
The first leg will be played at the Gigante de Arroyito on May 13, 2:45am CET. Atlético Nacional's home leg will take place on May 20 at the same unfortunate time.
Prediction: A narrow win for Rosario Central. Their individual class, especially their offense, will make the difference in the end.
São Paulo FC - Atlético Mineiro
A special night can be expected in São Paulo's Morumbi stadium. (Photo: saopaulofc.net)
An all Brazilian clash sees the two remaining sides of the country face each other. If you are a positive person, you will be happy that at least one team from the large football nation makes it to the semifinals for sure. Whichever way you look at it, São Paulo could not convince too much in the round of 16 against Toluca. After smashing them 4-0 in the first leg, the Mexicans nearly made things exciting again with a 3-1 return win.
With Jonathan Calleri back in the lineup and the team slowly but surely improving its form, São Paulo will have a chance to get a win over their opponents. However, Atlético Mineiro have been the best Brazilian team so far and managed to knock out Argentina's Racing Club in the past round (2-1 on aggregate). Robinho and Pratto have been brilliant and will look to get on the scoresheet again against their countrymen.
São Paulo's home game will be played at the Morumbi stadium on May 12 at 2:45am CET. The return leg in Belo Horizonte is scheduled for May 19 at 2:45am CET.
Prediction: Atlético Mineiro probably have the best shot at winning the competition since their triumph in 2013. They will make it past São Paulo FC to face the winner of Atlético Nacional - Rosario Central.
Independiente del Valle - Pumas UNAM
The Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa is ready for Independiente del Valle. (Photo: enquito.com.ec)
Mexico's lonely survivor is facing a surprise team in the quarterfinals. Stunning title holders River Plate with a 2-1 (aggregate) victory, Independiente del Valle relied on at times spectacular goalkeeping. Noone expected them in the quarterfinals, even less after the tragedies in Ecuador. They do not care about expectations and are one of the every-year surprises in the competition.
Independiente's games have all been low scoring ones, minus a 3-2 win over Atlético Mineiro. Despite that fact, Ecuador's team has one of the competition's top goalscorers in Junior Sornoza. His five goals rank 4th among all players. Pumas counter with a top scorer themselves. Ismael Sosa even managed to find the back of the net six times, one of them in the all important 2-0 win over Deportivo Táchira which sealed a place among the last 8 in South America (2-1 agg.).
The first leg in Quito will be played on May 18 at 2:45am CET. The decisive second match takes place in Pumas' Estadio Olímpico Universitario on May 25 (2:45am CET).
Prediction: Independiente del Valle theoretically have no business being here, yet they are. I am still going with Pumas, mainly due to their home strength in Mexico. You can never count out the odd outsider in the Copa Libertadores though.
Nacional - Boca Juniors
Nacional can hopefully count of their support at the Gran Parque Central. (Photo: nacional.uy)
Uruguay's champion has not reached this round since back in 2009. They have a great matchup on their hands as they face the iconic Boca Juniors. While Nacional have been extremely tough to beat (just one loss when they were in the round of 16 already), they do not win a lot either so far. Two wins in group 2, both against Palmeiras, have been it so far. Two draws were enough to get by Corinthians in the past round (2-2 on aggregate). Once again, the Uruguayans will rely on Nico López up front and Esteban Conde who saved them in Brazil as their last backline.
Boca have not lost a single game yet and come into the quarterfinals on a five-game winning streak. In fairness, their opponents have not been the greatest most recently and Cerro Porteño (5-2 on aggregate) were no real indicator of the team's actual strength. Either way, Carlos Tévez has slowly been finding his form and collected 2 goals and 2 assists in the round of 16. Despite their international success, Boca have tremendous injury trouble, especially in midfield where they lost Nicolás Lodeiro most recently.
It is not sure yet, if the game can be played at the Gran Parque Central due to Boca's away support. If not, the Centenario is ready, but it is clearly not Nacional's home ground. The first leg is being played in Uruguay on May 13 at 0:30am CET. The return leg takes place in Argentina on May 20, 0:15am CET. Yay for somewhat European friendly times!
Prediction: Both teams have played great campaigns for their standards so far and look to make it to the last four. Boca will be favourite, but if Nacional can get a result back home, they know how to defend it. They did not lose any away game yet. One thing that is for certain: it will be close.
The Copa Libertadores round of 16 started with two games last night. Over in Venezuela, Deportivo Táchira was visited by Pumas UNAM.
Yuber Mosquera celebrates with his teammates. (Photo: Conmebol)
Venezuela's champion had a big task ahead of them as the Mexicans had been the second best team of the group stage points-wise. Early on in the game, you could not see anything from the favourite with Táchira pouring on the pressure. A first spectacular effort from Edgar Pérez was parried away by Pumas goalkeeper Alejandro Palacios. Wilker Ángel had the chance to score the opening goal from the following corner, but his header went over the crossbar.
An extremely happy and bouncy dog was the reason for a little stoppage that seemed to help Pumas collect themselves. They finally arrived in the game offensively, yet should have been down to 10 men quickly. Alejandro Castro's foot landed in the region where it hurts the opponent the most, but remained on the field without even a yellow card.
Pumas' top scorer Ismael Sosa (5 goals in the competition already) had the first better opportunity then, but his shot from distance flew over the bar as well. Fidel Martínez' attempt from a bad angle was saved comfortably by young Venezuelan goalkeeper José Contreras. The match was a relatively even one now and went to the break tied at zero.
Deportivo Táchira might have felt a little unlucky, considering they had the bigger opportunities early on and could not convert them. They did not wait long to do so in the second half. After just 50 minutes, a cross from the far left by Carlos Cermeño was met by Yuber Mosquera's lovely left-footed touch and landed in the back of the net. The surprise was on with a Venezuelan 1-0 lead!
Pumas, quite obviously, tried to do more offensively, but struggled to produce any real goalscoring opportunities against the concentrated Táchira backline. Instead it was José Miguel Reyes who should have doubled the lead. He stood wide open in front of the goal and made a complete mess of a perfect low cross.
After 69 minutes, Pumas lost their 11th man they should have lost way earlier. Marcelo Alatorre could not stop the counter in fair fashion and brought down Pérez for his second yellow card. Things would not get easier for the Mexicans this way. The game ended without any further significant chances and the surprise win for Venezuela's campeon.
One needs to conclude that Táchira's home strength is absolutely impressive. All four games being played in Venezuela were won by Carlos Maldonado's team, including against these same Pumas in the group stages. On the other side, Pumas has every chance to turn the tie around at home as well. In each of their three home games, they scored 4 goals. Táchira will need an outstanding effort in Mexico to stand a chance of advancing to the quarterfinals.
Aside from Grêmio's triumph over LDU Quito, there were five more games in the Copa Libertadores last night. Here is a summary of all of them.
Nico Lodeiro after his late goal. (Photo: Conmebol)
Boca Juniors visited Racing Club in an all-Argentine duel. In front of Racing supporters who were in fine voice, a relatively even game developed. Both teams did not threaten their opponent's goal too much during the first half. Boca's best chance came through Carlos Tévez' shot into the side netting, while Racing had a penalty shout turned down by the referee Carlos Vera from Ecuador. First, Gustavo Bou was fouled by Pablo Pérez inside the area, only for the Boca man to handle the ball right after. The visitors were extremely lucky in this scene.
As we went tied into the second half, Boca was the slightly better team and had further chances through Frank Fabra. The 25-year old Colombian played a fine game on the left side and advanced forward dangerously on multiple occasions, including an offside goal. Racing seemed to have accepted their point and did not commit too many men forward anymore. A mistake, as it turned out.
Fernando Gago played the ball out to the right side, finding the run of Cristian Pavón. His speedy cross was deflected on by Pablo Pérez' heel and found the foot of Nicolás Lodeiro. The Uruguayan midfielder could not miss from centimetres in front of the goalline and handed his team the victory after 84 minutes.
Boca Juniors now lead Group 3 with 9 points, ahead of Racing's 8. Bolívar (4) follows and basically plays a must-win game against Deportivo Cali (2) tonight.
The Copa Libertadores did not disappoint in its return for the second night in a row. Yesterday, 24 goals were scored in 5 games and Germancopa has you covered on all of them.
4.8 goals per game would be a pretty decent number, right? Title holders River Plate kicked things off the past night and did not show their league face at all. While struggling heavily home in Argentina, River lead their Libertadores Group 1 comfortably. They beat The Strongest 6-0.
Andrés D'Alessandro.
It was a first half for the ages in El Monumental, as River struck five times in the first 45 minutes alone. Andrés D'Alessandro (14'), Ignacio Fernández (26'), Camilo Mayada (30'), Emanuel Mammana (42') and Lucas Alario (45') were the goalscorers early on. As you guessed by now, the Bolivian visitors did not have the slightest chance and were outplayed by their opponents from start to finish.
In particular the first one from D'Ale was beautifully created and the offensive midfielder himself could show his full qualities. First he went by three defenders and played a lovely pass to Mayada. He backheeled the ball towards D'Alessandro and the Argentine finished into the near side with a precise poke. Expectedly, Andrés D'Alessandro's celebration was very emotional after scoring his first goal back in a River shirt.
The Strongest had their best chance when it was 3-0 against them already, but Iván Alonso's brother Matías shot it wide across the face of goal. Iván himself came on towards the end of the game to have a brother's duel in the Copa Libertadores.
Ignacio Fernández added his second goal in the 83rd minute to give River their 6-0 victory and maybe a catapult out of their crisis. The round of 16 is very close for them (8 points), but The Strongest are not done either despite their heavy loss. They hold on to the second spot (7), followed by São Paulo (5) and Trujillanos (1, eliminated).
Prolific figure in Rosario: Palmeiras' Gabriel. (Photo: es-us.deportes.yahoo.com)
In Group 2, Rosario Central was involved in yet another goal spectacle this season. Against Brazilian cup winners Palmeiras, the Argentines drew 3-3.
Gabriel Jesus was the man of the first half for the visiting team as he scored two goals. One came early (5'), after a disastrous back pass from Damián Musto right into the run of Gabriel. Musto knew it as soon as it left his foot, but there was nothing anyone could do anymore. His second goal came right at the brink of halftime via header (45'+1), assisted by Robinho's freekick cross. It was a little surprising at the time, because Central had started to dominate about 15 minutes in and equalized in the meantime through centre-back Alejandro Donatti's deflected freekick (33').
Still, it went to halftime with a lucky Brazilian lead. Central dominated the match with 70% possession and nice football, but at the end of the night, Palmeiras actually had the more precise attack which produced a higher amount of shots on target.
Gabriel nearly made completed his hattrick to start the second half, was only denied by the woodwork on his powerful attempt. Instead, Central got their deserved equalizer after 51 minutes through one of their young talented offensive midfielders, Franco Cervi. Teammate Gustavo Colman produced a lovely freekick variation into the horizontal run of Cervi who was simply forgotten by Palmeiras' defenders.
The visitors brought on Lucas Barrios up front and Zé Roberto for defensive insurance, but it backfired for the time being. Referee Olmedo awarded Central a penalty after Musto was pulled down in the area. If anyone gets on the scoresheet regularly for Rosario Central, it is striker Marco Rubén and he left no doubts today either with his penalty into the bottom right corner (67').
The Argentines had the game where they wanted it now, but gave the lead away again just ten minutes later. Despite having the numerical advantage after Gabriel's brainless red card (74'), substitute Lucas Barrios was found all alone on Egidio's freekick and produced the final score of 3-3.
Rosario Central and Nacional have 8 points, while Palmeiras follows them with 5. At the bottom are Uruguay's River Plate with 2 points. A point tonight for Nacional gets them into the round of 16.
Elsewhere in the Copa Libertadores
Independiente del Valle surprised Atlético Mineiro with a 3-2 home victory. Man of the match was Junior Sornoza who scored two goals and therefore put the game out of Atlético's reach. Group 5 sees both teams close to advancing (10 points each), as Colo Colo (5) have a must-win game against Melgar ahead of them to have any chance.
After a 0-1 away lead, Olimpia could not hold onto their lead in Mexico. Already advanced Pumas UNAM scored four on their Paraguayan opponents in the second half. Ismael Sosa found the back of the net for the fifth time in the competition this year and leads the way along with Jonathan Calleri. In Venezuela, they also celebrated Pumas' win, because it puts Deportivo Táchira through to the next round, while Emelec and Olimpia have to go home.
Finally, Santa Fe and Corinthians met in Group 8. It remains led by the Brazilian side after a 1-1 draw in Colombia last night. Antony Otero gave Santa Fe the lead (45'), which was equalized by Elías after 58 minutes. Cerro Porteño have a game in hand against the pointless Chileans from Cobresal and can move into a round of 16 spot in the upcoming week.
Aside from São Paulo's impressive win over Trujillanos, three other games were played last night. One team advanced to the round of 16 in the process.
Ernesto Vega celebrates scoring his goal. (Photo: conmebol.com)
Deportivo Toluca are the third team to advance to the Copa Libertadores round of 16. Despite falling behind 0-1 on the night, they managed to win their home game against LDU Quito 2-1. For the first time, the Ecuadorian visitors were coached by Uruguayan Álvaro Gutierrez. The former Nacional coach relied on the services of Edson Puch and the striker paid it back to him by scoring the opening goal. A right-footed shot from just outside the penalty area gave LDU the lead...
...which lasted for a minute. Carlos Rodríguez produced a lovely long cross into the area and while goalkeeper Domínguez did admireably well on the first header from Enrique Triverio, he was without a chance on Ernesto Vega's poacher's goal. Especially in those first 20 minutes, Quito were the better team and presented themselves improved early on. Eventually, the Mexicans took control and produced some more chances on home turf.
The second half was contested very evenly and did not really deserve a winner tonight. Yet it was Toluca that found said winner in the 63rd minute. Christian Cueva lifted a freekick into the area from a central position, where it was headed on by Galindo to the wide open Triverio who would not miss from there and finished right underneath the crossbar.
Toluca lead their Group 6 with 10 points, 5 ahead of Grêmio, followed by San Lorenzo and LDU Quito. Both bottom clubs have 3 points so far.
Huracán could rely on Ramón Abila yet again. (Photo: conmebol.com)
Following a 4-2 victory over Sporting Cristal, Argentina's Huracán have moved into a round of 16 position. The stadium in Buenos Aires was sadly quite empty for this one and early on it seemed like the fans' scepticism was justified. Cristal took a 16th minute lead through Santiago Silva. The Peruvian striker did extremely well after receiving a well-timed pass from his teammate Ávila.
Huracán was a little shocked for a while and gave up quite a few big scoring opportunities for Sporting Cristal by misplacing passes around their own area. Still, they had the game turned around inside half an hour through who else but Ramón Abila. The big striker struck twice to get his goal total up to four this Copa Libertadores season. First, he scored with his right foot (24'), jumping onto a loose ball in typical Abila fashion, then with his left (30'), showing off his lovely control before leaving no doubts about his finish.
Peru's vice champion would not give up that easily though. They equalized right before halftime. Horacio Calcaterra did his best Abila impression and was there when goalkeeper Díaz could not hold onto the ball. He fired it high into the net for a 2-2 score at the break.
As the game went on, Huracán were a little better defensively, which ultimately kept them out of the same trouble they experienced in the first 45. Nevertheless, when looking at the match statistics, you can see Sporting Cristal amounting more shots than the home team. Surely an achievement the Peruvians must be applauded for against a team that did really well in Argentina's Primera División so far this season.
After 68 minutes, El Globo retook the lead through Alejandro Romero. Montenegro, who had a really good game in midfield, laid the ball out to the wing, from where Abila crossed to Romero. His shot was well-placed, but looked like it could have been saved by Diego Penny.
Ezequiel Miralles' header (84') ended the last doubts as to who would leave the pitch as winner tonight. Mauro Bogado found the substitute with a decent freekick cross from the right and Miralles scored with his first touch of the game. Huracán will take their win, Cristal feel a little hard done by. The home team's efficiency was the key to their success on the day and puts them above the Peruvians in the table as well.
Huracán have 6 points, Cristal have 4. They both trail Atlético Nacional (12), but stay ahead of Peñarol (1).
Deportivo Táchira celebrate their winning goal. (Photo: conmebol.com)
An indirect freekick was all Deportivo Táchira needed to get by Emelec. Wilker Ángel scored the winning goal 21 minutes in, after the Venezuelans created a lot of confusion among Emelec's defenders. At the end, the ball was tapped to Ángel whose shot was deflected into the bottom right corner.
Emelec was the slightly better team on the night, which did not help them. The 1-0 loss eliminates them from the Copa Libertadores this season. Surely a disappointment for the ambitioned Ecuadorians. If Pumas beat Olimpia or draw tonight (5am CET), Deportivo Táchira will advance to the round of 16, joining the already qualified Mexicans from Group 7.
Both have 9 points currently, while the bottom two, Olimpia and Emelec, have 4.
The big guns from Buenos Aires were in action last night in the Copa Libertadores. Read about how they fared, as well as appearances from Colo Colo and LDU Quito.
After the goalless draw in the past weekend's Superclásico, Boca and River played their next games in the Copa Libertadores and they just had to come up with the same result again.
Erwin Saavedra scores the goal of the 2016 Libertadores season. (Photo: REUTERS/David Mercado)
Boca Juniors, on their visit to Bolívar, waited until the 96th minute to snatch a point from under the Bolivian players' noses. Federico Carrizo turned into the hero in added time by converting a direct freekick from far out with a fantastic shot. Bolívar's Romel Quiñónez could get one hand on it, but not keep it out.
Before, it was a lot of work for the Argentine visitors. Goalkeeper Agustín Orión was called upon to replicate his fine form from the Superclásico by saving his team from the dangerous Bolivian attacks on multiple occasions. Especially during the first half, Bolívar had the advantage in the feared Estadio Hernando Siles. Juan Arce, who scored a hattrick in the home team's previous outing against Deportivo Cali, had the biggest opportunity, but his header from an offside position hit the left post.
From another planet was the shot Erwin Saavedra came up with after 28 minutes. Boca just cleared the ball forward without much of a plan, leading to Nelson Cabrera's header into the opposite direction, precisely onto the foot of Saavedra. The Bolivian midfielder ran a meter or two and then fired a missile into the top left corner from about 30m out. Surely the goal of the week, maybe the season.
Fernando Gago could have equalized in the first half, but his wide open attempt from the edge of the penalty area went wide. The second 45 minutes were a bit more equal between the two teams with not too many quality chances on either side, until Carrizo won Boca a point with the last shot of the game.
In the table of Group 3, Bolívar (4) still remain ahead of Boca (3) in second place, as they are seperated by a point. But the Bolivians have to visit last night's opponent in their next match. Racing in first has 4 points, but played a game less. As did Deportivo Cali in last with one point.
Ganso makes it 0-1 for São Paulo (Photo: REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci)
In the Monumental, River Plate drew 1-1 with São Paulo. The match could never live up to the (probably too) high expectations, yet River could have led inside the opening minutes. Rodrigo Mora got to the ball first after some confusion in the area, but could only direct it against the crossbar.
Since Alario also squandered River Plate's next opportunity, São Paulo punished the defending champion in the 17th minute. The Argentines could not clear a set piece decisively and Ganso blasted a volley from the edge of the area into the back of the net for a relatively surprising Brazilian lead.
The equalizer 15 minutes later was a pretty funny looking goal, unless you are São Paulo of course. A corner from the left was whipped into the middle. Goalkeeper Dênis was first to it with his fists, only to hit his own man with the ball. From Thiago Mendes' foot, the ball deflected into the visitor's own net.
Former Boca striker Jonathan Calleri came closest to scoring the winning goal in the second half, but could not direct his flying volley on target. Very doubtful, whether Barovero could have saved that one. On the other end, the introductions from Andres D'Alessandro and Iván Alonso brought some fresh energy into River's XI, without producing THE ultimate chance. Centre-back Emanuel Mammana came closest with a with an attempt that did not really threaten Dênis' goal.
It stayed 1-1, which is a result that both teams can live well with considering the game we saw. The Strongest lead Group 1 with 6 points, two ahead of River. São Paulo only have 1 point, while Trujillanos have yet to gain any.
Should have scored: Martín Tonso wastes the biggest chance. (Photo: emol.com)
Colo Colo and Atlético Mineiro did not excite anyone with their goalless draw in Chile last night. Overall, the hosts were the better team and could have come away with the victory. In the 50th minute, Juan Delgado had the largest opportunity for the time being, breaking into the area on the left side, but firing his shot just wide of the far post.
Over on the other side, the experienced Justo Villar was not challenged a whole lot by the Brazilian visitors. What did come through to his goal, the 38-year old Paraguayan had under control. Mineiro threatened the most with a direct freekick that went wide though.
After 80 minutes, it was Martín Tonso who had the game on his foot, going in all alone, making two defenders look silly, but sadly shooting it over the crossbar. This was definitely a scene where the Chilean deserved better.
Got things going: Carlos Rodríguez scored for Toluca. (Photo: planoinformativo.com)
In Ecuador, LDU Quito suffered an unlucky defeat to Mexican side Toluca. Back home, Quito played a decent game despite their bad start to the domestic season. They still fell behind on the night thanks to a goal from Carlos Rodríguez three minutes before halftime. The 30-year old scored with a difficult header following a freekick from the left side of the area.
LDU Quito would get back even the same three minutes after halftime, when midfielder Fernando Hidalgo scored his first Copa Libertadores goal. Edson Puch lifted a long ball into the penalty area and all of the Mexicans jumped underneath the ball. Inevitably, it found its way through to Hidalgo who made no mistake.
The reason the Ecuadorians still didn't win has a name and that is Fernando Uribe. In the 85th minute, the Colombian striker produced the winning goal by outsprinting defender Luis Canga after a hopeful long pass from Christian Cueva. Goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez was without a chance.
Week 4 of the Copa Libertadores continued last night. Aside from Nacional's stunning away win against Palmeiras, five other games were played.
Group 2's other game ended in a rout of Uruguay's River Plate at the hands of Rosario Central. Central, probably Argentina's best club at the moment, played fantastic football yet again, led by the midfield trio of Cervi, Lo Celso and Colman.
It also does not hurt to have a player like Marco Rubén in the lineup. Last season's Primera División top scorer collected a hattrick in the 4-1 victory. On the first one (19'), he profited off his good positioning and scored from close distance, on the second one (61') he was first to a deflected Colman shot, before firing home his best of the day 10 minutes later. Rubén caught goalkeeper Nicola Pérez on the wrong foot and saw his attempt go in.
Inbetween all the Rubén show, Germán Herrera made it 2-0 (57') after a lovely through ball from Lo Celso. His finish into the top left corner was equally as good. On the other side, Michael Santos finished off a nice combination of the visiting Uruguayans in the 64th minute to make it 3-1.
Grêmio's Luan defends the ball. (Photo: eldiariodelarepublica.com)
Grêmio have missed their second win of the group stages due to a 1-1 draw with Argentina's San Lorenzo. Centre-back Fred opened the scoring with a direct freekick after 26 minutes, that was not unsaveable for Sebastián Torrico. Seven minutes later, a freekick on the other side led to the equalizer. Martín Cauteruccio jumped the highest and headed it by Marcelo Grohe.
Overall, there was not too much in this game. The visitors from Argentina were just not precise enough in their finishing to threaten Grêmio any more. A single shot on target is symbolic. San Lorenzo have not won a game yet and struggle again like they did last season in the Copa Libertadores.
In the meantime, Deportivo Táchira celebrated their second win already, both of them at home. This time, the previously unbeaten UNAM Pumas were the victims, losing 2-0. Both goals were scored in the first half from Sergio Herrera in the 8th minute and a wonderful strike from far out from Carlos Cermeño (44').
Venezuela's champion highly deserved this victory, as they dominated possession and chances in this game. Both teams can live with the result, considering they both have six points already now and Pumas will host Táchira next time in the return match and can get revenge back home in Mexico.
Last but not least, Group 8 was in action too in yesterday's early evening. Copa Sudamericana winner Santa Fe won 1-2 away in the Chilean desert against Cobresal. Especially during the first half, the Colombian team was the significantly better team and made it count by scoring twice.
After 17 minutes, a Patricio Jérez own-goal gave Santa Fe the lead. As they continued to push forward, Cristian Borja found his teammate Sebastián Salazar in the middle and he roofed it into the net to double the lead. The second 45 minutes were more equal, also due to the red card for Santa Fe's Carlos Ibargüen. After all, Cobresal got their goal too late to make any difference. After 89 minutes, Israel Poblete headed it in for the final score of 1-2.
Guillermo Beltrán celebrates. (Photo: espn.cl)
Cerro Porteño celebrated their second win in a row and now lead the group with 7 points. The Paraguayans beat Corinthians 3-2 in an action-packed match.
Corinthians took the lead early on through André (12'). The striker put home a rebound following a mistake from goalkeeper Antony Silva. Cerro did not let this scene discourage them and played a decent half without being rewarded for it though.
The second 45 started with the headed equalizer from Guillermo Beltrán. Following the goal against, Corinthians showed a lack of discipline and had two players sent off for their respective second yellow cards. Sergio Díaz (75') and Beltrán again (82') went on to decide this one with the two-man advantage. Brazil's champion got one back late via penalty through Giovanni Augusto (88'), but it was not enough to collect a point in Paraguay.
Week 3 of the 2016 Copa Libertadores got underway last evening. Four matches were being played and here is how they went from from "ok, sure" to "wow, really".
UNAM Pumas have celebrated their second win in as many games away in Paraguay. The Mexicans beat Olimpia 0-2. As an end result, the 0-2 was quite lucky for Pumas. Olimpia had the greater chances throughout the 90 minutes, but was just not able to finish. Big opportunities fell to Ariel Núñez who hit the post, or Saúl Salcedo whose header went just wide.
Instead, Luis Enrique Quiñónez pounced on a loose ball before goalkeeper Diego Barreto could get there and put the ball over the line. He thanked the confusion in the penalty area that saw two of Olimpia's defenders unable to clear against Eduardo Herrera.
18 minutes later, in the 70th, Pumas finished their opponents off with a nicely executed counter goal from Ismael Sosa. The striker, who already scored against Emelec in the first match, was the target man for a long ball slicing open the defense played by Herrera once more.
Mexico's club had the chance to win even higher at the end but ended up wasting a few good counter chances. It would not have been deserved anyway. At the end of the day, Pumas have six points and Olimpia none. Deportivo Táchira and Emelec are in the middle of them with 3 each.
Alejandro Romero was the man of the match in Uruguay as Huracán beat Peñarol 0-1. The Argentine midfielder scored with a beautiful shot into the top left corner, leaving Gastón Guruceaga no chance. The goal of the game came only 7 minutes in, after Peñarol gave the ball away in awful fashion while trying to go forward.
Overall, the Uruguayan hosts had a little more of the game possession and shot wise. Still, Diego Forlán and Co. could not find the equalizer and therefore already find themselves with their backs against the ball. One point from two matches is not a lot and next up is Atlético Nacional twice. Additionally, Peñarol were lucky that another goal did not count. Guruceaga was helping an injured Huracán player while they shot the ball into the empty net. Rightfully so, the referee took it back despite not whistling earlier.
Worth a look: The goal that counted and the goal that did not count.
Atlético Nacional continued their dominant start to the Copa Libertadores season by beating Sporting Cristal 3-0 at home. Colombia's club from Medellín left no doubts whatsoever about who will win this game at any time. Already early on, Nacional had a firework of excellent chances before finally scoring in the 12th minute. Davinson Sánchez was somehow forgotten right in front of the net and headed Daniel Bocanegra's cross in effortlessly.
Colombia's champion continued to combine themselves through the Peruvian backlines and were rewarded again after 33 minutes. A beautiful series of passes had Jonathan Copete all alone and finishing into the bottom left corner.
Cristal, after having a great game against Peñarol, came back down to earth tonight and stood absolutely no chance without their home advantage. Marlos Moreno, after assisting the second goal, scored the third and final one himself after 74 minutes. During the buildup and shot, every single Colombian player had way too much time with the ball yet again. No recipe to beat a quality team like Atlético Nacional.
One more Peruvian team was in action last night and Melgar suffered the same as Sporting Cristal. Despite playing at home, Melgar lost to Independiente del Valle by a score of 0-1. The game itself wasn't too spectacular for large amounts of time and the single goal was scored by Junior Sornoza in the 36th.
At the end, things got quite controversial as a regular goal was taken away from Melgar for a non-existent foul in the area, followed by a penalty shout that was turned down by referee Oscar Rojas as well. Instead of getting at least one point, Melgar find themselves at the bottom with 0 points from 3 matches and realistically without much of a chance to reach the round of 16. Atlético Mineiro are on top with 6 points, followed by Colo Colo and Independiente del Valle with 4 each. The top two have even played a game less.
Quick strike: Isamel Sosa from Pumas. (photo: elcomercio.com)
The second Mexican club in this year's Copa Libertadores has followed the example of the first one and won their opening match with 10 men. Pumas UNAM have beaten CS Emelec at home in a goalfest, 4-2.
It only took the iconic side from up north 17 seconds to get the first goal against their Ecuadorian visitors. Ismael Sosa was at the end of a cross to the far post and gave Pumas the lead before the last supporters had entered the stadium. Defender Nazareno had somehow missed his clearing header.
Despite being on the backfoot early on, Emelec found a way to equalise 18 minutes in. Angel Mena, just having scored for his team in the league last weekend, was quicker to the ball than Pumas' goalkeeper Alejandro Palacios on a defensive breakdown and chipped it into the back of the net.
A draw, that should hold for about 5 minutes. The 7-time Mexican champion struck off a freekick from the left sideline. Luis Fuentes delivered into the middle and noone picked up the run of defender Darío Verón, who headed it home without too many problems.
Emelec, after suffering the loss of their star striker Miler Bolaños to Grêmio, surprisingly did fine generating chances offensively. Sadly for the Ecuadorians, Palacios was up to the task and had a fine game.
The second half was started by strong attacks from Pumas, who again and again were stopped by magnificent saves from Esteban Dreer. Until they were weakened by a red card in the 65th minute. Substitute David Cabrera was sent off after sliding into his opposing player, maybe a little bit harsh to give straight red though. Only two minutes afterwards, Emelec found the equaliser through another goal from Angel Mena, who displayed excellent control on two touches before finishing.
10-men Pumas, instead of playing for the single point now, went for it themselves and got rewarded. Another set piece led to the fifth goal of the match. Quiñónez' corner was met by a textbook header from Gerardo Alcoba and the Mexicans had the lead back. A lead, which was doubled right after for the final score of 4-2. Byron Mina deflected the ball into his own net, with Quiñónez close by.
Elsewhere, Colo Colo got an away draw at Independiente del Valle. Esteban Paredes gave the Chileans a 63rd minute lead, which was equalised shortly after by Jefferson Orejuela. Atlético Minero lead Group 5 with three points, ahead of Colo Colo and Ind. del Valle with one each. In last place, Melgar from Peru after their loss to the Brazilians
Peñarol started their quest for a sixth Libertadores title in weak fashion. In Peru, the Uruguayans were being dominated by Sporting Cristal and got lucky with a 1-1 draw. Luís Aguiar got the side from Montevideo on the scoreboard first (40th), levelled by Alberto Rodríguez after 75 minutes.
Enrique Triverio, man of the match for Toluca. (photo: espn.cl)
Following The Strongest' sensational win over São Paulo yesterday evening, three other Brazilian sides entered the competition, with mixed success.
Corinthians played in the Chilean desert, visiting Cobresal, champions of the 14/15 Clausura in their country. The whole affair was less than unspectacular, ending in heartbreak for Cobresal. After the regular 90 minutes were up already, Miguel Escalona deflected a cross from the right unluckily into his own goal.
During the winter, the Brazilian champion had suffered a player exodus and it was quite uncertain, how they could perform this year. It looks like these worries were justified, as Cobresal was the better team in a weak game. Corinthians managed a total of one shot on target, even when you're in a desert, that's not good enough.
Talking of desert, the scene of the match was probably when electricity failed the stadium in Chile and it went dark for several minutes.
Darkness: The game between Cobresal and Corinthians lacked floodlights.
Over in Peru, Atlético Mineiro survived an early shock and beat Melgar 1-2. The Peruvians took a 14th minute lead Omar Fernández, who banged home a rebound from right in front of the goalline. Mineiro, in their ninth Copa Libertadores season, needed just seven minutes to get even. Rafael Carioca equalised with a beautiful strike into the top corner.
The fact that Patric added another one just before halftime was a bummer for the brave team from Peru, that went into the game as big outsiders. They tried everything to make it 2-2, were the better team in the last quarter of an hour, but could not find a way to make it count.
Despite Atlético Mineiro's win, they will need to improve, if they want to have a chance to compete for the title. Maybe newly signed Robinho will give them just that edge.
Mexico celebrated the first success for Toluca. Despite playing with 10 men for nearly an hour due to Moisés Velasco's stupid punch into an opposing player's face, they managed to beat Grêmio 2-0 at home. Enrique Triverio turned into the home crowd's hero, scoring both goals for his club.
Firstly, in the 46th minute, he headed home a long cross from the left into the far post. Afterwards, the Mexican converted a penalty after 77 minutes to give his squad the victory.
Throughout the game, Grêmio disappointed and were the worse team, even with a man advantage. Like this, they will have no chance to get out of the group that also includes San Lorenzo and LDU Quito.
