Author: Vishwajit Sawant
The fourth round of the CONMEBOL Libertadores was marked by exciting matches, with Internacional beating Metropolitano to secure top spot in the group. Fluminense, however, struggled to find their rhythm and suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to The Strongest. In an impressive contest, River Plate managed to draw with a late goal against Sporting Cristal. Meanwhile, Olimpia showed their dominance with a convincing 2-0 win over Patronato in Group H. The group stage continues to unfold with intense battles for progress in South America’s premier club tournament.
Internacional beat Metropolitano to top group
Internacional beat Metropolitanos in a thrilling game on the fourth matchday of the Libertadores group stage, putting an end to their run of negative results.
The Brazilian team dominated the game from the start, pressing their opponents relentlessly and creating several chances to score. Alan Patrick opened the scoring with a confidently converted penalty in the 17th minute. Patrick was also involved in the second goal, as he set up Luiz Adriano’s goal in the 31st minute, which lifted the team’s spirits after a difficult spell.
Despite a goal from Vargas for Metropolitanos early in the second half, Internacional managed to keep their composure and secure the win. It looked as if the hosts would be able to recover until Giovanny Sequera was shown a straight red for a foul. In the final minutes of the game, Internacional’s Nico Hernandez also received a red card for a foul on the last man.
The win took Internacional to the top of Group B with 8 points, while Metropolitanos remain bottom with no points. Internacional will face Nacional in Uruguay, while Metropolitanos will play Independiente Medellín at home. Despite some late drama and red cards for both teams, Internacional managed to withstand the pressure to emerge triumphant and leave the pitch with a much-needed victory.
Fluminense’s poor performance leads to 1-0 defeat against The Strongest
Fluminense put in a disappointing performance at the Hernando Siles stadium, losing 1-0 to The Strongest in their Copa Libertadores Group D clash.
Triverio’s goal four minutes into the first half sealed Fluminense’s fate, marking their first defeat in this edition of the continental competition. Captain and goalkeeper Fábio put in an exceptional performance at altitude, making 10 saves in the game.
Fluminense struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. The Tricolor das Laranjeiras, who have most of their players on reserve, remain top of the group with nine points, while The Strongest have climbed to six points. Fluminense are now concentrating on a home game against Corinthians before their next Libertadores match against River Plate on June 7.
Aliendro’s late goal gives River Plate a draw against Sporting Cristal
Rodrigo Aliendro’s goal in the 84th minute earned River Plate a 1-1 draw in their Copa Libertadores Group D match against Sporting Cristal.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 63rd minute with a low strike from Yoshimar Yotun. However, the turning point in the match came when Rafael Lutiger was shown a second yellow card for fouling Nacho Fernandez in the box. River Plate’s Miguel Borja had the chance to equalize, but his penalty was brilliantly saved by Renato Solis. Even so, River Plate managed to level the score in the 84th minute when Aliendro calmly finished off a header from José Paradela.
With the draw, River Plate remain bottom of the group with four points from four games, behind Sporting Cristal on goal difference. In other Copa Libertadores matches on Thursday, Internacional beat Metropolitano 2-1, The Strongest beat Fluminense 1-0 at home and Olimpia beat Patronato 2-0.
Olimpia secure 2-0 win over Patronato in Group H clash
Olimpia showed their dominance in a convincing 2-0 win against Patronato in the fourth round of Group H of the CONMEBOL Libertadores.
Olimpia wasted no time and Ivan Torres provided an assist for Victor Salazer, who opened the scoring with a goal in the ninth minute. The visitors continued to control the match, maintaining their composure and defensive solidity. In the 76th minute, substitute Diego Torres sealed Olimpia’s victory with a well-taken goal.
The result strengthened Olimpia’s position in Group H and they now have 8 points, solidifying their chances of progressing to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Patronato faced a setback in their quest to qualify.