Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Botafogo and San Lorenzo took crucial steps towards the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana by beating Patronato and Independiente Medellín 2-0 and 1-0 respectively in the first legs of the last 16, while Emelec also beat Club Sporting Cristal 1-0. With impressive performances and valuable away goals, both teams now occupy favorable positions ahead of the return clashes.
Botafogo secure convincing 2-0 win over Patronato in first leg
Botafogo produced a dominant performance in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana round of 16 tie, securing a comfortable 2-0 win away to Patronato. Carlos Alberto and Janderson were the highlights for the Brazilian team, as they both scored to give their side a solid lead going into the second leg. Carlos Alberto opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, thanks to an excellent assist from Janderson. Later, Janderson went from provider to scorer, finishing off a well-worked move involving Leonel Di Placido in the 65th minute. In the 79th minute, the hosts reduced the lead, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Patronato fought hard, but couldn’t get past Botafogo’s resilient defense, leaving them with a significant deficit to overcome in the second leg.
Emelec overcomes Sporting Cristal with 1-0 win
In a tightly contested first leg of the Copa Sudamericana round of 32, Emelec managed to secure a narrow 1-0 away win against Sporting Cristal. The only goal of the game came in the 52nd minute, when José Cevallos took advantage of a well-executed assist from Miller Bolanos. Although both teams were intent on attacking, it was Emelec who managed to turn the game around and maintain their lead until the final whistle. Sporting Cristal fought hard to get the equalizer, but couldn’t penetrate Emelec’s resolute defense.
San Lorenzo secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Independiente Medellín
In a tense first leg of the Copa Sudamericana 1/16 final, San Lorenzo beat Independiente Medellín 1-0. The decisive goal came in the 67th minute, when Adam Bareiro made an accurate transfer from Ivan Leguizamon. Note that the hosts were already trailing in the 29th minute after Cetre was sent off. Both teams played well defensively, so there were no special moments to score. Independiente Medellín could have equalized at the end, but Palacios and Moreno shot off target.
San Lorenzo managed to maintain their shaky lead until the final whistle. Now, with an important away goal advantage, the Argentinians have the best chance of reaching the last 16.