Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Palmeiras secure best Libertadores group stage with dominant 4-0 win over Bolívar-BOL
Palmeiras showed their dominance in a resounding 4-0 win over Bolívar-BOL, securing the best record in the Libertadores group stage. The match at Allianz Parque saw Palmeiras take control early on, although they struggled to penetrate Bolívar’s defense. However, the adjustments made by coach Abel Ferreira in midfield boosted Palmeiras’ attacking ability. Rony opened the scoring with an excellent finish after a brilliant pass from Raphael Veiga. Palmeiras continued to press and soon doubled their lead when Piquerez’s cross found the head of Artur. In the second half, Palmeiras intensified their hunger for goals, creating several chances. Piquerez took advantage of another assist from Veiga, and Artur rounded off the scoring with a powerful shot. Palmeiras are now awaiting the draw for the last 16, eager to find out their next opponents in the competition.
Barcelona de Guayaquil advanced to the Copa Sudamericana after drawing with Cerro Porteño late in the game
In the final match of Group C, Barcelona de Guayaquil had a dramatic game. Cerro Porteño quickly took the lead thanks to a goal from Damian Bobadilla, but the match was limited in midfield action and long ball play dominated. The Paraguayan side doubled their lead before the break. Javier Burrai made no save from Claudio Aquino’s penalty to make it 2-0. In the 57th minute, Corozo narrowed the gap. Cerro Porteño defended well, betting on counter-attacks, while Barça tried unsuccessfully to score. In the 87th minute, Pedro Alvarez touched the ball into the box with his hand and Baumann got the equalizer for the hosts, securing access to the Copa Sudamericana 1/16.
Boca Juniors secure top spot in Group F with a resounding 4-0 win over Monagas
Boca Juniors showed their superiority with an imposing 4-0 win over Monagas, securing first place in Group F and a place in the last 16 of the Libertadores. The match at the Bombonera saw Boca Juniors dominate possession and launch quick attacking moves, while Monagas didn’t just defend but also tried to create attacks of their own. Although Monagas had a few chances, it was Boca Juniors who showed greater efficiency in their attacking moves. Right-back Marcelo Weigandt opened the scoring in the first half, taking advantage of a corner kick. By the way, at this point Boca were already playing in the minority; Valdez was sent off for the second yellow card. At the start of the second half, the teams drew level. Arroyo received his second yellow card. In the 61st minute, Valentin Barco solidified Boca’s lead with a low diagonal shot, while Luis Vázquez sealed the victory with two goals in three minutes (86, 89).
Deportivo Pereira advance to the last 16, while Colo-Colo fail to score in a tense draw
Deportivo Pereira booked their place in the last 16 of the Libertadores with a goalless draw against Colo-Colo at the Monumental in Santiago, Chile. With the result, Colo-Colo failed to qualify, finishing in third place with 6 points, while Pereira took second place with 8 points. The match was full of tension from the start, as Colo-Colo needed to attack but struggled to find their rhythm. Pereira adopted a defensive stance, effectively neutralizing Colo-Colo’s attempts. In the second half, the game became dramatic, with both teams pressing in search of a breakthrough. Colo-Colo had a golden opportunity with Pizarro, but missed it, while Pereira had a goal disallowed. As the pressure increased, Colo-Colo’s chances became scarce, and Pereira’s goalkeeper Quintana made crucial saves to keep the score clean.