Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Deportivo Pereira (Col) – Palmeiras (Bra) – 0:4
These clubs have never met before. Their first face-to-face meeting, in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores, ended in a crushing defeat for the Colombians. It is worth noting that Palmeiras hit the target just 5 times, while scoring 4 goals. The implementation is incredible.
The Brazilian team left no room for surprises and took the lead with goals from Raphael Veiga (23 mins), Marcos Rocha (31 mins) and Mayke (34 mins), all in just ten minutes. Rony, instrumental in the build-up to the opening goal, sealed the win by converting a penalty earned through his efforts. Just before the break, Palmeiras could have scored two more goals, but Veiga hit the post and Dudu’s shot was saved by Quintana. In the 82nd minute, Roni made the final score 4-0 by sending the ball into the net.
Thanks to a great win, Palmeiras currently lead the Copa Libertadores in terms of goals scored this season, with 21 goals in nine games. In second place in terms of performance is Racing – 18 goals.
Palmeiras’ dominant performance puts them in pole position heading into the second leg, where they can afford to lose by up to three goals. Formally, we can assume that the team has already reached the semi-finals. The win also allows Palmeiras to focus on their domestic activities as they approach a crucial Campeonato Brasileiro match against Vasco.
Boca Juniors (Arg) – Racing Club (Arg) – 0:0
In a hotly contested Copa Libertadores quarter-final, Boca Juniors and Racing Club drew 0-0, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Note that these opponents have met 7 times previously in the Copa Libertadores. Boca won four of them, drew two and lost one. Incidentally, three years ago they also met in the quarter-finals. On that occasion, Boca lost 0-1 away, but won 2-0 at home.
It should also be noted that four months ago they played at the Bombonera, in the match of the Examples, and the hosts won 3-1.
Boca Juniors now dominated the game with 57% possession, showing their intent throughout the match. But despite their control, Boca faced a setback when striker Valentin Barco was forced off the pitch due to injury early in the second half. The teams exchanged blows, with Boca having 14 shots, 5 of which tested Racing Club goalkeeper Gabriel Arias.
Racing Club, on the other hand, managed 7 shots with 3 on target, missing a crucial opportunity. Goalkeepers Arias and Sergio Romero proved their worth with 5 and 3 saves respectively, cementing their key roles in the draw. The intense encounter now sets the scene for the eagerly awaited second leg, with both teams eager to secure the coveted place in the semi-finals.