Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Atlético-PR lose 3-1 to Bolivar amid controversial decisions
In a challenging game at the Hernando Siles stadium in La Paz, Athletico-PR faced a tough defeat to Bolívar in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16, with a final score of 3-1. The Brazilian team showed a lot of promise at the start of the game, opening the scoring in the ninth minute with Erick’s goal, after an impressive move and cross from Vitor Roque. The joy was short-lived, however, as Bolívar equalized quickly in the 13th minute with Ronnie Fernández’s skillful finish, taking advantage of a defensive error by Zé Ivaldo. The home side seized the opportunity to take the lead in the 27th minute, with a fine low shot from Bejarano, with no chance for goalkeeper Bento.
The second half was marked by a controversy as Athletico-PR protested against a possible handball in the Bolívar penalty area, but the referee and VAR rejected the claims. Ronnie Fernández shone again for Bolívar, scoring his second goal in the 75th minute, further complicating Athletico-PR’s chances of a comeback in the second leg.
Now, the Brazilian team faces an uphill battle as they head to the Liga Arena in Curitiba for the second leg next Tuesday. Athletico-PR need to secure at least a three-goal win to go through directly or win by two goals to force a penalty shoot-out. The team will need to regroup and devise strategies to overturn the deficit and keep their Libertadores campaign alive.
River Plate recover to beat Internacional 2-1
In a thrilling game at the Monumental de Núñez, River Plate pulled off an extraordinary comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Internacional in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16. Enner Valencia initially put Internacional ahead with a fantastic header after a precise free-kick from Alan Patrick, scoring his first goal for the Brazilian side just before the end of the first half. Despite River’s dominance in the first half, the Argentinian side failed to convert their chances.
In the second half, River Plate put in a more intense performance and their efforts were rewarded in the 64th minute when substitute Pablo Solari, who had just entered the field, took advantage of a ball crossed by De la Cruz to level the score. Solari’s impact continued and in the 78th minute he orchestrated an incredible run through the defense to beat goalkeeper Rochet and secure a memorable victory for River Plate.
Brazilian side Internacional now face a tough task when they head to the Beira-Rio for the second leg next Tuesday. To progress directly to the quarter-finals, Internacional need to overturn the 2-1 deficit from the first leg and secure a win by a minimum margin of two goals. River Plate’s heroics and Solari’s inspired performance left the match delicately balanced, promising a thrilling encounter in the second leg.
Fluminense secure 1-1 draw against Argentinos Juniors amid dramatic sending-offs
In an eventful match at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Fluminense managed to earn a 1-1 draw against Argentinos Juniors-ARG. The Argentinian side went ahead in the first half when Ávalos scored in the 14th minute, assisted by Javier Cabrera. In the 58th minute, Marcelo took a dribble. Luciano Sanchez tried to stop it with his outstretched leg. The Brazilian didn’t have time to dodge and… stepped on the Argentinian’s leg, breaking it… Yes, the foul wasn’t intentional, but Marcelo didn’t even argue as he was shown the red card. He later apologized to Sanchez, who now risks spending around a year recovering.
But, playing in the minority, Fluminense began to dominate the game – in the 66th minute, Keno hit the post. Ten minutes later came the decisive moment: the hosts’ goalkeeper Arias was shown a straight red card. As all the substitutions were made, midfielder Heredia took his place in goal. Playing 10 against 10, Samuel Xavier took advantage of Leonardo Fernandez’s pass and leveled the score at 1-1 in the 87th minute. In the 98th minute, Fluminense scored again, but the referee ruled him offside. The team from Rio de Janeiro has a good chance ahead of the second leg at home.