Author: Vishwajit Sawant
In a challenging match played at the daunting altitude of La Paz, Internacional emerged triumphant with a 1-0 win over Bolívar in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores. The task was formidable, as Bolívar had proved their strength at home all season, losing just once in 19 games and scoring 56 goals.
According to all the attacking statistics, Bolívar had a big advantage. Internacional had 62% of the ball, compared to 38%. He had 15 corners to the visitors’ two. He inflicted 23 blows against 6 … But in the end he lost – 0:1. The unpredictability of soccer probably also attracts fans.
Anticipating the challenges posed by the high altitude and the pressure of the match, Internacional coach Coudet changed his team’s tactical approach, deploying three defenders. Although Bolívar had many shots on goal, only five of them were on target. And all of them were masterfully defended by Sergio Rochet. In the 11th minute, after a shot from Francisco da Costa, the ball hit the defender – the goalkeeper managed to recover and save. In the 27th minute, Gabriel Villamil turned the ball under the crossbar – a leap, and another save from the goalkeeper.
Internacional needed just one shot to claim their most important away win. In the 16th minute, Enner Valencia received a precise pass from Alan Patrick and shot under the defender’s foot into the left corner. The goalkeeper could only follow the trajectory of the ball – 0:1.
In the second half, Ronnie Fernandez sent the ball into the right corner of the Internacional goal. Roche didn’t have time to react, but the crossbar helped.
The victory at Bolívar’s home puts Internacional in a favorable position for the semi-finals, with the advantage of a draw. The second leg is scheduled for next Tuesday at Beira Rio in Porto Alegre.