Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Atlético-MG (Bra) – Palmeiras (Bra) 0-1
In a thrilling Libertadores clash, Palmeiras beat Atlético-MG 1-0 on Wednesday (2) to take a crucial lead into the last 16. The decisive goal came from the feet of Raphael Veiga, who perfectly finished off a well-worked move in the first half. Palmeiras showed their dominance on the pitch, leaving the home crowd in Mineirão disappointed as the hosts struggled to find their rhythm.
In the second half, Atlético-MG recovered, pressuring Palmeiras and taking the game into their opponents’ territory. Despite the onslaught, Alviverde goalkeeper Weverton showed his confidence, denying Atlético-MG’s attempts to equalize. Both teams had their moments to change the scoreline late on, with Palmeiras hitting the post and Atlético-MG’s Pedrinho heading wide.
Palmeiras now have a crucial advantage going into the second leg at Allianz Parque on Wednesday (9). Atlético-MG face an uphill battle, needing to win by at least one goal to force penalties, or by two or more goals to secure a direct place in the quarter-finals.
Nacional (Uru) – Boca Juniors (Arg) – 0 – 0
In a very tight first leg of the Libertadores Round of 16, Boca Juniors and Nacional played out a goalless draw at the Estadio Gran Parque Central on Wednesday (2). Despite being without Edinson Cavani, Boca Juniors held firm against Nacional’s first attempts on goal, with goalkeeper Sergio Romero making crucial saves.
As the match went on, Boca Juniors improved their ball retention and attacking play, creating some dangerous chances but struggling to convert them into goals. Nacional, backed by their passionate fans, stepped up their attacks in the second half, forcing Romero to make impressive saves and thwarting any chance of opening the scoring.
Both teams showed determination and physicality throughout the game, resulting in a tight contest with few clear-cut chances. The decisive clash for a place in the quarter-finals will take place on August 9 at La Bombonera. Boca Juniors must be more decisive in their attacking play; they didn’t hit the target, but they did hit the post at the end of the first half in this match (Merentiel).
Pereira (Col) – Ind. del Valle (Ecu) – 1-0
The match started evenly, with both teams creating few chances. Deportivo Pereira, playing at home, managed to find spaces to threaten their opponents. Arley Rodriguez’s initial attempt from outside the area was denied by a great save from Ramirez.
As the game wore on, Independiente del Valle struggled to find their rhythm and were caught by surprise in the 12th minute when Deportivo Pereira took advantage of a lethal counter-attack. Moreno’s precise pass found Santacruz, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to give the hosts a crucial lead.
In the second half, Independiente del Valle showed more urgency, but lacked precision in their attempts. Diaz came close to equalizing, narrowly missing the crossbar, but the Venezuelan side were unable to score. Deportivo Pereira’s defense stood firm, and Ramirez made crucial saves to keep his team in the contest.