Author: Vishwajit Sawant
San Lorenzo beats São Paulo 1-0; Tricolor faces tough battle in second leg
In a thrilling Copa Sudamericana round of 16 match on Thursday night (3) at the Estadio Nuevo Gasômetro in Buenos Aires, São Paulo suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to San Lorenzo. The match proved to be a difficult night in South America’s continental cup, with both teams fighting a battle of competent marking and few clear-cut chances. São Paulo coach Dorival Júnior fielded a priority starting line-up with the aim of securing their place in the quarter-finals.
However, it was San Lorenzo striker Bareiro who opened the scoring in the second half with a goal after seven minutes. The Tricolor, who haven’t conceded a goal throughout the tournament, now face a decisive second leg in Morumbi on Thursday (10). To advance, São Paulo must win by two goals, otherwise the match will go to penalties. Unfortunately, the long-awaited signings of James Rodríguez and Lucas Moura won’t be able to play until the next round as they weren’t registered in time. The pressure is mounting as São Paulo also face a busy Campeonato Brasileiro game against Atlético-MG on Sunday (6) before the clash with San Lorenzo.
América-MG and Red Bull Bragantino draw 1-1
In an intense soccer battle, América-MG and Red Bull Bragantino drew 1-1 in the first leg of the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana on Thursday (3). The match was played at the Independência stadium in Belo Horizonte and Bragantino took the lead through an own goal from América defender Éder. However, they recovered in the second half when Gonzalo Mastriani scored a crucial goal to level the scores.
So the stage is set for an exciting second leg, scheduled for the Arena Neo Química, Corinthians’ stadium in São Paulo, on Thursday (10). Both teams now have the chance to book their place in the quarter-finals with a simple win in the second leg. If the result ends in another draw, the match will be decided in a thrilling penalty shootout. América-MG will have little time to recover, as they face Bahia in the Brazilian Championship on Sunday (6), while Bragantino face Coritiba on the same day and time.
Ñublense (Chi) – LDU Quito (Ecu) 0-1
In another Round of 16 match, Ecuador’s LDU Quito beat Chile’s Ñublense away from home. The only goal, in the 60th minute, was scored by Paolo Guerrero. A good start ahead of the second leg at the Estadio Casa Blanca on August 10.