The initial matches of the Round of 16 in Copa Sudamericana 2024 concluded yesterday, setting the stage for thrilling finales in the upcoming week. The teams that triumph on aggregate in both legs will advance to the quarter-finals, scheduled for September.
Here’s a detailed recap of some of the major highlights and outcomes from the weekend.
Boca Juniors Triumphs Over Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, 1-0
The Argentine club Boca Juniors put in a solid performance against Cruzeiro in their first Round of 16 match, clinching a 1-0 win. Even though they emerged victorious, they might feel they missed out on additional scoring opportunities during the game.
The match’s sole goal was netted by Edinson Cavani. The renowned Uruguayan forward struck in the 65th minute to give Boca Juniors the edge.
Overall, the home team recorded 11 shots on goal compared to Cruzeiro’s 4. The visiting side managed only one shot on target, which was comfortably saved by Boca Juniors’ keeper Romero.
The second leg of this series is slated for Thursday, August 22, at Estadio Governador Magalhães Pinto. Cruzeiro will aim to overturn the deficit on their home turf following a lackluster first-leg performance.
Libertad and Sportivo Ameliano End in a 1-1 Stalemate
Paraguayan clubs Libertad and Sportivo Ameliano finished the first leg of their Round of 16 clash with a 1-1 draw.
Sportivo Ameliano opened the scoring in the first half when Alejandro Samudio capitalized on a defensive lapse by Libertad, finding the net in the 23rd minute with an easy tap-in.
In the second half, Libertad managed to equalize through a powerful header by Matías Espinoza in the 58th minute. Espinoza found a gap in the Ameliano defense, skillfully sending the ball into the back of the net to bring the match to a 1-1 stalemate. The final 30 minutes saw few scoring opportunities, and the first leg concluded with both teams deadlocked at 1-1.
Libertad now faces the challenge of an away game at Ameliano’s stadium, aiming for a victory to bolster their Copa Sudamericana ambitions. With the crowd’s support, Ameliano holds a slight edge as they head into the decisive second leg, positioning them as the favorites to advance.
Lanus Secure 2-1 Advantage Over LDU for Second-Leg
In their first leg clash at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium, LDU Quito suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Lanús. The match started brightly for LDU, with Alex Arce scoring a header in the 14th minute to give his team an early lead. However, Lanus responded swiftly, with Gonzalo Pérez leveling the score at 1-1 in the 23rd minute.
A crucial moment came at the end of the first half when a penalty was awarded to LDU, only to be overturned by VAR. Just before the halftime whistle, Marcelino Moreno capitalized on an opportunity, slipping a low shot past LDU goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle.
Although the second half saw no further goals, Lanus continued to dominate, creating numerous chances that showcased their offensive capabilities. The Argentinians head into the second leg, scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, as the clear favorites.
Belgrano Suffer 2-1 Defeat Against Athletico Paranaense
The first leg of Copa Sudamericana 2024‘s Round of 16 delivered an exciting encounter where Athletico Paranaense narrowly defeated Belgrano with a 2-1 scoreline.
Belgrano took an early lead in spectacular fashion, as Franco Jara scored with a header in the opening minute. Athletico Paranaense, however, mounted a comeback with Erick leveling the score in the 41st minute, followed by Christian clinching the victory for the home side with his goal in the 62nd minute.
Belgrano nearly equalized in the 69th minute with a strike from Bryan Reyna, but the goal was ruled out due to an offensive foul.
The second leg of this series is scheduled for August 22 at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes.
