Cruzeiro beats Libertad Asuncion in a thrilling first leg
Asunción, Paraguay – Cruzeiro took a significant step towards the CONMEBOL Sudamericana semifinals after defeating Libertad Asuncion 2-0 in the first leg of the quarter-finals. A dynamic first half, with two goals from Kaio Jorge (19′) and L. Diaz (45′), sealed the final result, despite Libertad’s push in the second half.
Libertad attempted to react after the break with a flurry of changes, but couldn’t find a way to break through Cruzeiro’s defense. The Brazilian team managed to control the pace of the game and take advantage of their opportunities to secure a convincing victory.
The match was played at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium in front of a decent crowd. The referee, Gustavo Tejera (Uruguay), had a correct performance, keeping the game under control.
Statistics:
* Libertad Asuncion: 57% possession, 6 shots (3 on target, 1 off target), 1 corner, 11 fouls, 2 yellow cards, 0 red cards.
* Cruzeiro: 43% possession, 9 shots (4 on target, 2 off target), 4 corners, 11 fouls, 2 yellow cards, 0 red cards.
Substitutions libertad asuncion: at minute 46 C. R. Santa came in and M. Fernandez went out., at minute 46 A. Campuzano came in and H. Martinez went out., at minute 68 H. Villalba came in and R. Lezcano went out., at minute 68 L. Cardozo came in and I. Ramirez went out.
Substitutions cruzeiro: at minute 67 Joao Marcelo came in and Gabriel Veron went out., at minute 68 Kaiki came in and L. Villalba went out., at minute 79 A. Barreal came in and L. Diaz went out., at minute 79 Mateus Vital came in and Matheus Pereira went out., at minute 88 F. Peralta came in and L. Romero went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Libertad Asuncion
Titulares:
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