Copa Libertadores 2012: Penalty heartache for Libertad

Uni. de Chile vs Libertad
Estadio Nacional de Chile
(1-1) 1-1 – Marcelo Diaz 17′; Osvaldo Gonzalez (og) 22′

5-3 penalties

A packed stadium warmed the atmosphere on a chilly night in Santiago as fans gathered to celebrate Universidad de Chile’s 82nd anniversary and watch them cruise into their third continental semi-final in two years. However they confronted a Libertad side full of Guaraní ‘garra‘ coupled with the astute tactical brain of Jorge Burruchaga meaning it was by no means plain sailing. On a day when Paraguayans were let down by their politicians it was, as ever, a football team that extolled all the virtues of her people showing fighting spirit and dogged determination to deny La U a 13th straight win at home.

Libertad trudge off after a valiant effort – Photo: D10.com.py

Libertad lined up as expected, the same eleven that had taken part in the first leg, and early on it was obvious that they would target right wingback Matías Rodriguez who had been the weak link last time round. José Ariel Nuñez pulled wide to support Luciano Civelli on the left at every opportunity and the latter was handed a golden opportunity after 14 minutes but opted to square the ball instead of shoot with the goal in his sights. The home side had been throwing in crosses with no joy as Ismael Benegas and Cristian Nasuti dealt with the aerial threat easily. But the pace of the Chileans on the ground caught Nasuti out on 16 minutes as Angelo Henriquez was felled by the defender on the edge of the box. The infraction led to the opening goal, as Marcelo Díaz converted the freekick in clever fashion sneaking the ball under the jumping black and white wall.

It was by no means a killer blow for Libertad who knew before the game they would have to score, in fact it took just six minutes to equalise courtesy of their own free kick specialist Victor Ayala. The Paraguayan midfielder’s delivery was threatening and in an effort to stop Pablo Velazquez scoring at the near post the Uni. de Chile defender Osvaldo Gonzalez contrived to head the ball into his own net. The goal spurred on the visitors who continued to be well organised in defence, anticipating each attack and breaking effectively. They had two clear chances to take an unexpected lead before the break, firstly Nuñez saw his shot saved as he couldn’t get the ball out of his feet fast enough to shake the attentions of a defender, later Topo Caceres headed Ayala’s free kick straight at the goalkeeper unable to emulate his goal in the first leg.

Libertad coach Burruchaga got his tactics right – Photo: D10.com.py

The second half seemed to lose a bit of the fizz of the first period and the tempo was slower with both teams wary of each other’s counter attacking capability. Uni. de Chile were unable to find a way past the imperious Nasuti who intercepted everything and was always in the right position to cut out any dangerous attacks. With penalties looming the teams began to show more urgency in the final twenty minutes as the goalkeepers came to the fore first Rodrigo Muñoz pulling off a stunning save from another Díaz freekick and tipping it onto the bar. He made another great save after 77 minutes from a Rodriguez half volley as the Gumarelo defence had left the Argentine free on the edge of the box. The pick of the bunch however was from Jhonny Herrera who denied substitute Rodolfo Gamarra a stoppage time winner his expertly directly header was blocked by an instinctive right hand.

Topo Caceres was imposing in midfield – Photo: D10.com.py

The two 1-1 draws signalled a penalty shootout, the second for Libertad in this competition having beaten Tigres in 2006 on spot kicks.   The first four penalties were converted and then Peruvian Raúl Ruizdiaz stepped up and hit the bar with the ball bouncing down towards the goalline, there was a moment of doubt before the assistant gave the goal. Victor Ayala stepped up to take Libertad’s third spot kick and while deadly from free kicks and corners he was unable to put his penalty out of the reach of Herrera. With both teams scoring their fourth penalty a semi-final place rested on Gusatvo Lorenzetti’s nerves, he made no mistake from 18 yards and Uni. de Chile could celebrate their birthday in style. For Libertad there should be no shame in the manner of the defeat, they were excellent defensively but by no means purveyors of “anti-football” as they created a host of chances over the two legs. It is likely they’ll be back next year and if Burruchaga is still there they can go far.

Libertad XI: R.Muñoz; C.Bonet, C.Nasuti, I.Benegas, M.Samudio; V.Ayala, S.Aquino, V.Caceres, L.Civelli; P.Velázquez, J.A.Nuñez

Subs: R.Gamarra for C.Bonet, J.Santana for S.Aquino, N.Camacho for J.A.Nuñez

Penalty shootout

Charles Aranguiz 1-0

Pablo Velazquez 1-1

Marcelo Diaz 2-1

Topo Caceres 2-2

Raul Ruizdiaz 3-2

Victor Ayala saved 3-2

Matias Rodriguez 4-2

Rodrigo Muñoz 4-3

Gustavo Lorenzetti 5-3

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Libertadores 2012: Uni. de Chile vs Libertad preview

Universidad de Chile vs Libertad
Estadio Nacional de Chile
24/05/2012, 21.30 (02.30 BST)

As expected the first leg was a tight and intriguing match in which Libertad took the lead early on only to be pegged back by the quality of Universidad de Chile and in particular Gustavo Lorenzetti. The 1-1 result means that Libertad must score in Santiago to have a chance of progressing, that will suit Sampaoli’s side who can sit back and try and hit the Paraguayans on the counter.

Libertad arrive in Santiago for the game – Photo: D10.com.py

Once again it will be fascinating to see what strategy Burruchaga decides on, earlier in the week Pablo Velázquez spoke of “scoring early and protecting the lead” which leads us to believe that it will be a similar pattern to the first leg. The Guma will come out all guns blazing and try and overpower their opponents in the first 20 minutes before sitting deep. In contrast, Rodolfo Gamarra indicated that the focus was on making the most of any goalscoring opportunities when they arise which is the talk of a counter-attack-side. The Asunción club showed last time they can create chances against La U and are able to stretch them by exploited the flanks but the difficulty will be stopping the Chileans from scoring. Last week Libertad were incredibly disciplined yet switched off for a split second which allowed Lorenzetti the space to work some magic, they simply can’t afford to put a foot wrong or they will be punished.

Angelo Henríquez got two at the weekend – Photo: taringa.net

Universidad de Chile will be wary of the strength of their opponents but must be confident they will triumph at home, currently on a 12 game winning streak at home*. The team are of course brimming with offensive talent and enjoy the wide spaces at the Estadio Nacional, they put six past Deportivo Quito in their last game there having previously knocked five past Colo Colo in a league match. At the weekend they recorded four more goals and the 18-year-old Angelo Henríquez was on the scoresheet twice, he is just one of a host of attacking threats.

Libertad XI (probable): R.Muñoz; C.Bonet, C.Nasuti, I.Benegas, M.Samudio; V.Ayala, S.Aquino, V.Caceres, L.Civelli; P.Velázquez, J.A.Nuñez

Prediction: A brave attempt ultimately ending in defeat for Paraguay’s flag bearer in the competition, 2-1

SELECTED ODDS:  Uni. de Chile win 1.45, Draw 4.9, Libertad win 8.8; 2-1 scoreline 9.0, Over 2.5 goals 1.67

BEST BET: The short odds on the home win and Overs is actually because people are expecting a rout, if you believe Libertad can grab goal then 1.8 on both teams to score isn’t bad at all

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*La U’s winning streak are for all games where they are nominally at home which includes the ‘Estadio Nacional’ and Estadio Santa Laura where they have played recent league games

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STATS & TRIVIA

Libertad last 5 away in Copa Libertadores

Pld 5 W 2 D 1 L 2 GF 5 GA 6

Universidad de Chile last 5 home in Copa Libertadores

Pld 5 W 4 D 0 L 1 GF 15 GA 5

Previous meetings between Libertad and Uni. de Chile

2012 – Libertad 1-1 Uni. de Chile

1977 – Libertad 3-0 Uni. de Chile

1977 – Uni. de Chile 1-0 Libertad

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FULL SQUAD LIST:

GK: Rodrigo Muñoz, Bernardo Medina

DEF: Joe Bizera, Carlos Bonet, Ismael Benegas, Cristian Nasuti, Miguel Samudio, Gustavo Mencia, Jorge Moreira, Nery Bareiro

MID: Sergio Aquino, Luciano Civelli, Víctor Cáceres, Víctor Ayala, Jonathan Santana,  Néstor Camacho, Rodolfo Gamarra

ATT: Pablo Velazquez, Cristian Menendez, José Ariel Nuñez, Maurito Caballero

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By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds up to date at the time of writing, vía Betfair

Copa Libertadores 2012: Libertad and Universidad de Chile share the spoils

Libertad vs Universidad de Chile
Estadio Nicolas Leóz
(1-0) 1-1 – Víctor Cáceres 8′; Gustavo Lorenzetti 55′

The 1st leg of this quarter final tie lived up to the billing with a fascinating match, particularly the first half, which Libertad may feel disappointed not to have won. An early goal from Víctor ‘Topo’ Cáceres set the home team on their way after a blistering start but momentary slack marking in an otherwise excellent defensive display allowed Gustavo Lorenzetti to equalise. The final stages of the game couldn’t live up to the early intensity with the most notable incident, Emilio Hernández’s late red card.

Topo Cáceres celebrates his goal – Photo: D10.com.py

Libertad lined up as expected in a 4-4-2 but rather than sit back early on they looked to attack their opponents weak spots and harried and pressed the Chileans in midfield. The first chance came after a minute when Luciano Civelli was free on the left and put José Ariel Nuñez through on goal, the striker was slightly off balance and his weak shot on his unfavoured left foot was saved. On seven minutes the same two players combined to devastating effect, once again La U were forced into the mistake and Nuñez held the ball up well before releasing Civelli with a clever backheel; the Argentine winger burst into the area and his measured ball across goal was turned in by Topo Cáceres who had broken into the box.

José Ariel Nuñez had an excellent game – Photo: Prensa Club Libertad

Of course Universidad de Chile had possession, at one point Lorenzetti thought he should have had a penalty for a push, but everytime the away side attacked they encountered an organised wall of black and white with players lurking on the counter attack. After 17 minutes it could have been 2-0, Miguel Samudio was the furthest man forward on a counter attack but the left back screwed his shot wide of goal. The defender had an identical chance later in the half that forced a save but arguably the best chances towards the end of the half were for Libertad’s opponents. 18-year-old Angelo Henríquez  saw his point blank header saved by Rodrigo Muñoz, an excellent stop by the Uruguayan keeper who also tipped over a fizzing long shot from Marcelo Díaz just before halftime.

Libertad had been at their best in the first half when they got at Universidad de Chile and pressed them all over the pitch, they started the second period in that manner with Nuñez a thorn in the visitor’s side. He had a very good game, holding up the ball, pressing and showing excellent movement. Libertad looked to be back in control but were pegged back after a momentary lack of concentration. Matías Rodriguez got forward and found Lorenzetti in space in front of the Libertad defence, it was the first time all evening he had seen so much room to work in and the 27-year-old Argentine took full advantage unleashing a left foot shot that deflected off Carlos Bonet to creep into the corner. It was frustrating for Libertad and Jorge Burruchaga who up to that point had been so disciplined and followed the game plan to the letter.

Universidad de Chile fans had more to cheer in the end – Photo: D10.com.py

After the goal the game died down, Rodolfo Gamarra had come on for Bonet  and had a couple of dangerous crosses one of which fell to Civelli who shot straight at the goalkeeper.In general though it was the away side that had a better grip on the game but couldn’t find another hole in the Guma’s defensive shield.  In the final minutes substitute Emilio Hernandez of Universidad de Chile was shown his marching orders for a nasty looking tackle on Sergio Aquino. It was a blemish on an otherwise excellent game of football, one that Libertad performed well in but ultimately the advantage lies with their adversary going into the second leg in Santiago.

Libertad XI: Rodrigo Muñoz; Carlos Bonet, Cristian Nasuti, Ismael Benegas, Miguel Samudio; Víctor Ayala, Victor Cáceres, Sergio Aquino, Luciano Civelli; José Ariel Núñez, Pablo Velázquez

Subs: Rodolfo Gamarra for Carlos Bonet, Cristian Ménendez for Pablo Velázquez, Maurito Caballero for Luciano Civelli

2nd Leg: Thursday 24th May, Santiago, Chile, 21.30 (02.30 BST)

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Libertadores 2012: Libertad vs Universidad de Chile preview

Libertad vs Universidad de Chile
Estadio Nicolas Leóz
16/05/2012, 18.30 (23.30 BST)

A fascinating game awaits as Libertad welcome the reigning Copa Sudamericana champions Universidad de Chile to Asunción for the 1st leg of the Copa Libertadores Quarter Final tie. This is the only tie in the last eight not involving Brazilian or Argentinian sides and will be an intriguing mix of styles, “La U’s” fluid and flexible attacking play will face a tactically adept Libertad who like to defend deep where they win the ball and build attacks. The Chileans might be favourites for the tie having brushed aside Deportivo Quito in style last week but the home side certainly have the right weapons to hurt their opponents.

Libertad training yesterday – Photo: Prensa Club Libertad

Libertad scored three times against Cruz Azul via set pieces and with the quality of Victor Ayala (who set up two in 2nd leg) over free kicks and corners it could be a tough night for the Chilean back line. Of course the Paraguayans haven’t got this far by just being a South American Bolton Wanderers, they are a good footballing side who enjoy longe periods of possession especially through centre midfielders like Víctor Cáceres and Jonathan Sanatana who are masters at keeping the ball. Jorge Burruchaga has made them very organised and they will play 4-4-2 and the midfield will drop deep in front of their defence when they lose the ball which makes them hard to break down. Admittedly Uni. de Chile experienced something similar when they faced Peñarol earlier in the tournament and managed to get a draw.

Angelo Henríquez is La U’s teenage sensation – Photo: taringa.net

It will be interesting to see how “La U” line up for this game, they usually play with a back three and their wing backs will be key. Matías Rodriguez on the right will want to pressure Miguel Samudio but must also track Luciano Civelli to help his team when they lose the ball. There is tremendous attacking talent in the side, the 17-year-old Angelo Henríquez up front with Gustavo Lorenzetti playing behind him. The Lorenzetti vs Cáceres battle could be key to this game and if the Paraguayan doesn’t stay tight and press well (with support of his teammates) the Chileans will run riot, just ask Nery Pumpido.

Libertad XI (probable): R.Muñoz; C.Bonet, C.Nasuti, I.Benegas, M.Samudio; V.Ayala, S.Aquino, V.Caceres, L.Civelli; P.Velázquez, J.A.Nuñez

Prediction: Libertad to take advantage of defensive frailities from dead ball, 2-1

SELECTED ODDS:  Libertad win 2.56, Draw 3.4, Uni. de Chile win 3.15; 2-1 scoreline 11.0, Over 2.5 goals 1.98

BEST BET: Both teams to score is only 1.7 but the safest option if you don’t think Libertad have enough to win

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STATS & TRIVIA

Libertad last 5 home in Copa Libertadores

Pld 5 W 4 D 1 L 0 GF 13 GA 4

Universidad de Chile last 5 away in Copa Libertadores

Pld 5 W 1 D 2 L 2 GF 4 GA 8

Previous meetings between Libertad and Uni. de Chile

1977 – Libertad 3-0 Uni. de Chile

1977 – Uni. de Chile 1-0 Libertad

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FULL SQUAD LIST:

GK: Rodrigo Muñoz, Bernardo Medina

DEF: Joe Bizera, Carlos Bonet, Ismael Benegas, Cristian Nasuti, Miguel Samudio, Gustavo Mencia

MID: Sergio Aquino, Luciano Civelli, Víctor Cáceres, Víctor Ayala, Jonathan Santana, Marcos Melgarejo, Néstor Camacho, Rodolfo Gamarra

ATT: Pablo Velazquez, Cristian Menendez, José Ariel Nuñez, Maurito Caballero

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By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds up to date at the time of writing, vía Betfair

Copa Libertadores 2012: Libertad progress to quarter finals with confident win

Libertad vs Cruz Azul
Estadio Nicolas Leóz
(1-0) 2-0 – José Ariel Nuñez 10′, Víctor Cáceres 50′
Aggregate: 3-1

Two goals at the beginning of each half in an utterly professional and disciplined performance has taken Libertad into the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals for the third successive years. Both goals were headers from free kicks taken by dead-ball specialist Victor Ayala who was thrust into the starting eleven at the last minute when Jonathan Santana injured himself in the warm up. While that proved to be a stroke of good fortune for Jorge Burruchaga the World Cup Winner got everything else right with a perfect game plan reducing Cruz Azul to pot shots and long balls.

Libertad were a well drilled unit – Photo: Prensa Club Libertad

The stage was set in the opening minutes, Libertad allowed Cruz Azul onto them but were well organised, soaking up the pressure and marking tightly in their own half. It was epitomised by Cristian Nasuti who  made  a wonderful tackle at the edge of the box stating the Gumarelo’s intent. After just ten minutes Libertad were in front in the game and the tie thanks to José Ariel Nuñez’s fourth goal of the competition. The diminuitive striker managed to get in front of his marker at the near post and head home a fantastic delivery from Ayala. After the first leg this blog bemoaned the omission of Ayala and his threat from set pieces was emphasised when Pablo Velázquez nearly scored with a header only to be flagged offside. Velázquez played very well in the first half, often receiving the ball with his back to goal and bringing in his teammates, close to halftime he chested the ball down to Sergio Aquino on the edge of the box only for the midfielder to lash his volley over the crossbar. The halftime whistle would have come as a relief to Cruz Azul, they had been thwarted at every turn by a well-marshalled Libertad side and only registered one shot (off target) when Alejandro Vela managed to get in behind the defence but flashed his chance wide.

Cruz Azul made two changes early in the second period bringing on Javiers Orozco and Aquino but before they could have any effect the home side had doubled their lead and all but killed off the tie. On 50 minutes another amazing Ayala free kick was headed in by Víctor Cáceres as the Mexicans were undone again by a set play. A goal for the away team seemed highly unlikely, Libertad were well drilled and everybody showed immense workrate to assume the correct position once they lost the ball. Ayala nearly got the goal he undoubtedly deserved after 66 minutes with a long shot that stung José de Jesús Corona’s hands and the goalkeeper was alert to the follow up saving well from Velázquez. Two minutes later Corona was called into action again sticking out a hand while on the way down to deny Nuñez who had found himself through one-on-one. Substitute Rodolfo Gamarra was unlucky not to extend his side’s lead when Luciano Civelli motored down the left and crossed for his teammate only for the shot to be blocked incredibly by a Cruz Azul defender. The final 10 minutes were played out in relative calm as Libertad kept possession and won the ball back with strong marking in their own half as they had been doing all evening.

Nuñez celebrates his goal – Photo: Prensa Club Libertad

The win was the fifth time in six second legs that Libertad had kept a cleansheet to advance to the next round. In the final eight they await the victor of Deportivo Quito against Universidad de Chile with the Ecuadorians holding a 4-1 lead. Either team should be fearing this Paraguayan outfit who have tremendous quality combined with a coach who can organise them effectively.

Libertad XI: R.Muñoz; C.Bonet, C.Nasuti, I.Benegas, M.Samudio; V.Ayala, S.Aquino, V.Caceres, L.Civelli; P.Velázquez, J.A.Nuñez

Subs: Rodolfo Gamarra for José Ariel Nuñez, Cristian Menéndez for Pablo Velázquez, Joe Bizera for Miguel Samudio

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Libertadores 2012: Libertad vs Cruz Azul Preview

Libertad vs Cruz Azul
Estadio Nicolas Leóz
08/05/2012, 21.30 (02.30 BST)

Libertad will be slight favourites heading into this one by virtue of Velzáquez’s vital away goal in the first leg which means their opponents will have to come on the attack in tonight’s return game. That should suit Jorge Burruchaga’s side who enjoy soaking up the pressure before picking sides apart with their rapid passing game.

Libertad training on Sunday ahead of game – Photo: Prensa Club Libertad

The Gumarelo are likely to line up with the same side that took to the field in the Estadio Azul last week with the only doubt between Jonathan Santana and Rodolfo Gamarra. The latter offers more attacking threat on the wing which could help Libertad profit from counter attacks. Both players are on good form having scored one each at the weekend against Guaraní while the team are performing postively and haven’t tasted defeat for ten games. Defence will be key here, the recent return of Cristian Nasuti alongside Ismael Benegas is a boost but it is Carlos Bonet and Miguel Samudio at full back who must be aware to the threat of Maranhão who drifted to either flank in the first leg.

Cruz Azul will have had a gruelling journey (at least 15 hours long) but have the small positive that they played and won in this stadium earlier in the year. Other than the aforementioned Maranhão the Mexicans were dangerous up front with Edixon Perea and his strike partner Javier Orozco has thrived against Paraguayan opposition so far in the tournament. La Maquina must avoid giving away too many free kicks something they were guilty of throughout the opening encounter, if not they will be punished.

Libertad XI (probable): R.Muñoz; C.Bonet, C.Nasuti, I.Benegas, M.Samudio; S.Aquino, J.Santana, V.Caceres, L.Civelli; P.Velázquez, J.A.Nuñez

Prediction: Libertad to keep their good run of form going and qualify by the single goal, 1-0

SELECTED ODDS:  Libertad win 1.75, Draw 3.75, Cruz Azul win 5.9; 1-0 scoreline 6.9, Under 2.5 goals 1.76

BEST BET: Libertad cleansheet is evens and although they have leaked goals so far Burruchaga’s side are a different proposition in the knockout stages, they have kept four cleansheets in their last five continental second legs – could be worth a punt

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STATS & TRIVIA

Libertad last 5 home in Copa Libertadores

Pld 5 W 3 D 1 L 1 GF 14 GA 8

Cruz Azul last 5 away in Copa Libertadores

Pld 5 W 1 D 2 L 2 GF 4 GA 3

Libertad vs Mexican sides in Copa Libertadores (since 2000)

Pld 11 W 5 D 3 L 3 GF 13 GA 10

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FULL SQUAD LIST:

GK: Rodrigo Muñoz, Bernardo Medina

DEF: Joe Bizera, Carlos Bonet, Ismael Benegas, Cristian Nasuti, Miguel Samudio, Jorge Moreira

MID: Sergio Aquino, Luciano Civelli, Víctor Cáceres, Víctor Ayala, Jonathan Santana, Marcos Melgarejo, Néstor Camacho, Rodolfo Gamarra

ATT: Pablo Velazquez, Cristian Menendez, José Ariel Nuñez, Maurito Caballero

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By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds up to date at the time of writing, vía Betfair

Copa Libertadores 2012: Libertad in driving seat against Cruz Azul

Cruz Azul vs Libertad
Estadio Azul
(1-0) 1-1 – Javier Orozco 27′; Pablo Velázquez 70′

Libertad scored a valuable away goal having fallen behind for the seventh consecutive time in this year’s tournament (expertly predicted in my preview!) and now look like favourites to progress into the Quarter Finals. The result takes the Asunción club’s unbeaten run to nine games and marked their sixth victory against Mexican opposition. Jorge Burruchaga lined up his standard 4-4-2 but to the surprise of this author, he left out Nestor Camacho who has been very impressive in recent league games replacing him with Luciano Civelli and dropped Victor Ayala for Sergio Aquino.

The major talking point in the early stages was the nasty head injury to Cruz Azul’s goalkeeper José de Jesús Corona caught by Pablo Velázquez’s knee unintentionally as he was put through one-on-one by a clever pass from his strike partner José Ariel Nuñez. It was a rare chance for Libertad from open play as they look organised but found their best chances coming from set pieces. The biggest threat had been from the home team, especially Maranhão who floated away from his left hand side position and often received the balls in pockets of space. It was the Brazilian who set up the first goal (following an excellent passing move) for Javier Orozco to tap in on 27 minutes, Maranhão had drifted behind Carlos Bonet at the back post to nod down Edixon Perea’s cross.

Libertad battled well - Photo: EFE

At the break Libertad were trainiling and had really missed Victor Ayala as the best chances were from dead ball situations rather than open play with Nuñez often with his back to goal which isn’t his forté. Libertad had defended well in general when they lost possession, getting two banks of four sitting deep to frustrate the Mexicans but had almost conceded a second from Perea’s flicked header so had to keep concentrating.

As expected Burruchaga went more attacking in the second half and early on Velázquez was finding more freedom while Nuñez was receiving the ball facing goalwards and the two combined for the clearest chance of the match on the hour. Nuñez squaring to his partner only for Velázquez to hit the ball straight at the substitute goalkeeper. With the Gumarelo looking dangerous down the left, they introduced Rodolfo Gamarra on the right in an attacking change as they tried to unbalance a wobbly Cruz Azul. On the 7oth minute Libertad got a deserved equaliser thanks to a wonderful left foot cross by Carlos Bonet. So good was the centre from the right back on his weaker foot that three Libertad players were lining up to head home, in the end it was Velázquez who profited with his third strike in the competition.

Civelli tracking back - Photo: AFP

As expected the goal drew a response from La Maquina urged on by the local crowd and substitute Emanuel Villa could have won it but blazed over on the half volley after finding himself free in box with just Rodrigo Muñoz to beat. With eight minutes remaining Muñoz pulled off a world class save to deny Orozco a second goal, he was at full stretch as he tipped the ball over the bar in a heart-stopping moment for Libertad fans. The away team almost nicked a win, substitute Cristian Menendez had ball in the net in stoppage time but the whistle went for a dubious foul in the build up and the goal was disallowed. On the whole a very positive night for the Paraguayan team who play the return leg at the Nicolás Leóz on Tuesday 8th May.

Libertad XI:  R.Muñoz; C.Bonet, C.Nasuti, I.Benegas, M.Samudio; S.Aquino, J.Santana, V.Caceres, L.Civelli; P.Velazquez, J.A.Nuñez

Subs: Rodolfo Gamarra for Jonathan Santana, Victor Ayala for José Ariel Nuñez, Cristian Menendez for Pablo Velázquez

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Libertadores 2012: Cruz Azul vs Libertad Preview

Cruz Azul vs Libertad
Estadio “Azul”
01/05/2012, 22.30 (03.30 BST)

Paraguay’s lone flag bearer in the Copa Libertadores, Libertad, are in Mexico City tonight for the 1st leg of their Last 16 tie with Cruz Azul. The team traveled north on Saturday via Peru and Costa Rica, since then they have been acclimatising to the altitude and the earthquakes (today there was a tremor measuring 5.7 on the richter scale). This game represents their sixth visit to the Central American nation and they have only suffered one defeat previously.

Libertad train in Mexico - Photo: Club Libertad Prensa

In recent weeks Libertad have begun to show their potential, currently on an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions (winning their last four). Much seems to be thanks to changes in personnel, with Nestor Camacho replacing Luciano Civelli on the left and Jonathan Santana slotting into central midfield ahead of Sergio Aquino. Camacho in particular has been the matchwinner in recent matches with his goals and contributions to the Gumarelo attack, the sleight winger is difficult to stop when running with the ball and has the ability to drift inside and play key passes. As always Victor ‘Topo’ Caceres is pivotal to the side, in games where he has been manmarked Libertad have struggled but if he can find pockets of space in the final third he will be a threat.

Cruz Azul missed out on the liguilla - Photo: EFE

Cruz Azul had a tough derby game against América at the weekend where they played very well according to local experts but ended up drawing and miss out on the playoff stages or ‘liguilla‘. Striker Javier Orozco was influential in the two games against Nacional in the knockout stages and Cristian Gimenez from just over the border (Chaco Province in Argentina) is their playmaker. They have been fairly dominant at home so far, putting four past Táchira and Nacional in Mexico City while drawing 0-0 against Corinthians.

Libertad XI (probable): R.Muñoz; C.Bonet, C.Nasuti, I.Benegas, M.Samudio; V.Ayala, J.Santana, V.Caceres, N.Camacho; P.Velazquez, J.A.Nuñez

Prediction: I think Libertad will be cautious but with the set piece service of Victor Ayala and the ability of Nestor Camacho they will have a goal threat, 1-1

SELECTED ODDS:  Cruz Azul win 1.86, Draw 3.75, Libertad win 4.9; 1-1 scoreline 8.0, Under 2.5 goals 1.87

BEST BET: In all six Copa Libertadores games Libertad have conceded the first goal but only lost once so if you are brave hold out and lay Cruz Azul when they score – if you have more brains than balls Under 2.5 goals seems a decent bet in this one

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STATS & TRIVIA

Libertad last 5 away in Copa Libertadores

Pld 5 W 2 D 0 L 3 GF 4 GA 8

Cruz Azul last 5 home in Copa Libertadores

Pld 5 W 2 D 3 L 0 GF 10 GA 3

Libertad vs Mexican sides in Copa Libertadores (since 2000)

Pld 10 W 5 D 2 L 3 GF 12 GA 9

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FULL SQUAD LIST:

GK: Rodrigo Muñoz, Bernardo Medina

DEF: Nery Bareiro, Carlos Bonet, Ismael Benegas, Cristian Nasuti, Miguel Samudio, Gustavo Mencia, Jorge Moreira

MID: Sergio Aquino, Luciano Civelli, Víctor Cáceres, Víctor Ayala, Jonathan Santana, Carlos Martinez Arce, Néstor Camacho, Rodolfo Gamarra

ATT: Pablo Velazquez, Cristian Menendez, José Ariel Nuñez

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By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds up to date at the time of writing, vía Betfair

Copa Libertadores 2012: Cruz Azul vs Nacional

Cruz Azul vs Nacional
Estadio Azul
(2-1) 4-1 - J.Orozco 21′, Maranhão 45+2′, O.Bravo 66′, E.Perea 81′; G.Cristaldo 43′

Nacional traipsed north to Mexico in a game that had no bearing on the group having already been knocked out and they finished off a dismal campaign with another defeat. The four Cruz Azul goals left them on four points with four losses only picking up a win at home to Táchira and a draw in Venezuela.

Gustavo Cristaldo collected a consolation goal - Photo: Ultima Hora

Javier Orozco, who scored twice in this fixture in Asunción, was once again a thorn in the tricolor’s side popping up for the opener on 21 minutes. Javier Aquino was given way to much time to bring the ball into the Nacional half and popped a ball over the top which Orozco brought down well before drilling past Ignacio Don in goal. Like that first game Nacional raised hopes briefly with an equaliser through ex-Luque midfielder Gustavo Cristaldo, a well worked goal. Cristaldo played a one-two with Angel Orué to unlock the Mexicans defence and bearing down on the goalkeeper he lifted the ball over him with a delightful chip. But the side were stung minutes later in first half stoppage time when the Brazilian Maranhão let fly from the edge of the penalty area with a strike full of so much venom it beat Don at his near post.

In the second half Maranhão turned provider as Cruz Azul turned the screw, on 66 minutes he tapped Aquino’s cross back into the danger area where veteran striker Omar Bravo was on hand to turn the ball in the net. In the latter stages of the match the Brazilian ran at Nacional before slipping in substitute Edixon Perea with a delicate pass. The Colombian, formerly at Bordeaux, showed his quality with a finish through Don’s legs to complete the rout.

Nacional have now lost four games in a row and parted ways with manager Javier Torrente all eyes are on ex-player Gustavo Moríngio who was in charge last night and has to try and stop the rot on Monday against Tacuary.

Nacional XI: I.Don; R.Mazzacotte, H.Miranda, R.Piris, M.Miers; C.Ruiz Peralta, M.Riveros, S.Torales, G.Cristaldo; A.Orué, A.Bogado

Subs: G.Cano for A.Orué, C.Florenciañez for A.Bogado, D.Orué for C.Ruiz Peralta

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Libertadores 2012: Olimpia out in thriller while Libertad secure first place

Yet another dramatic night in the Libertadores for Paraguayan representatives saw Olimpia throw away a lead to incredibly miss out on qualification, something that seemed certain after beating Flamengo two weeks ago. Libertad were already through but managed to come from behind to win for the fourth time in this year’s competition and seal top spot. The Gumarelo are Paraguay’s lone flag bearers in the next round with Nacional already eliminated.

Olimpia vs Emelec
Estadio Defensores del Chaco
(1-0) 2-3 – Arnaldo Castorino 45′, Pablo Zeballos 91′; Marcos Mondaini 67′, Angel Mena 88′, José Luis Quiñonez 93′

A huge crowd urged Olimpia on in their quest for a fourth Copa Libertadores title in the national stadium, Defensores del Chaco, and with both sides needing a win to progress it was an incredibly open first half. Sergio Orteman was bullying Emelec in midfield, surging past players and creating opportunities for the lively Arnaldo Castorino his first start in the Copa Libertadores. But Emelec threatened with the pace of Enner Valencia on the right and Paraguayan Fernando Gimenez on the left. It was the latter who had the best chance of the half midway through the first period, unmarked at the back post with Martin Silva having committed himself he was left with a simple tap-in but spooned over from a few yards out. The Ecuadorians were punished for that miss on the stroke of halftime, Pablo Zeballos led a counter attack from deep and played in Vladimir Marín, the Colombians shot was saved but fell to Castorino who made no mistake.

The game continued at a frantic pace in the second half but there was no notion of the drama to come as Olimpia seemed to have control of the match, attacking well down the flanks but then they were rocked by a nasty clash between central defender Enrique Meza and goalkeeper Silva on 52 minutes. Meza, who had made two vital interceptions in the first half, had to be replaced immediately and Silva only lasted until the 65th minute when he was taken off for Victor Hugo Centurión playing only his third game for the club. Marcos Modaini equalised just a couple of minutes after that substitution, the Argentinian was the best player on the pitch and stooped to head into the corner from an almost impossible angle. Olimpia were shell-shocked and instead of seraching for an equaliser they were clinging on as the Guayaquil club sensed victory. They thought that victory had come in the 88th minute, substitute Marlon de Jesus bursting down the left side and pulling back for another replacement Angel Mena who had time and space to score. But there was plenty more drama to come.

Olimpia fans packed the stadium - Photo: D10.com.py

Five minutes of stoppage time was announced a result of the Silva/Meza incident and in the first of those minutes Olimpia equalised, a clever free kick routine saw Marín find Fabio Caballero well outside of the box his pinpoint pass turned in by Zeballos. Over in Rio de Janeiro the Flamengo players and fans rejoiced, a draw put them through! In fact they were still celebrating when two minutes later Emelec did the unthinkable, a corner from the left was whipped in by Mondaini and 26-year-old midfielder José Luis Quiñonez scored only his seventh goal for the club and his first in the Copa Libertadores. Emelec had secured qualification at the expense of Flamengo and Olimpia beating both of them 3-2 with last minute winners, for the Paraguayan champions it is back to the drawing board. This was not the plan.

Olimpia XI: M.Silva; F.Nájera, A.Romero, E.Meza, S.Ariosa; E.Aranda, S.Orteman, F.Caballero, V.Marín; P.Zeballos, A.Castorino

Subs: S.Candia for K.Meza, V.H.Centurión for M.Silva, M.Biancucchi for F.Nájera

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Alianza Lima vs Libertad
Estadio Alejandro Villanueva
(1-0) 1-2 – Paolo Hurtado 23′; Nestor Camacho 53′, José Ariel Nuñez 75′

Libertad had already qualified going into this game but they wanted to secure topspot and did so with what is now a typical ‘come-from-behind-to-win’ routine. This is the fourth consecutive year the Guma have reached the last 16 as they shrugged off an indifferent league campaign to become the only Paraguayan club to progress to the knockout phase.

Alianza took the lead it what was a dead rubber for them, a long ball from Edgar Gonzalez (ex-Olimpia and Cerro Porteño) found Paolo Hurtado who lifted the ball over Rodrigo Muñoz from a tight angle. But Libertad responded thanks to two goalkeeping errors from the hapless Colombian Jaime Rivera. A deflected Miguel Samudio freekick fell to left winger Nestor Camacho who let fly with a rasping drive that squirmed under Rivera on 53 minutes having just entered the fray as a substitute. With 15 minutes to go, Rivera’s tame clearance from a back pass fell invitingly to José Ariel Nuñez who scored with a low shot.

Another victory from the jaws of defeat another knockout phase for Libertad, could this be their year?

Libertad XI: R.Muñoz; C.Bonet, C.Nasuti, I.Benegas, M.Samudio; S.Aquino, J.Santana, V.Caceres, L.Civelli; C.Menendez, J.A.Nuñez

Subs: N.Camacho for L.Civelli, V.Ayala for S.Aquino, P.Velazquez for C.Menendez

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OFF THE BALL

Such is the pull of Olimpia on big Copa nights that our outdoor viewing session was gatecrashed by two policemen who had cruised by and realised we would be watching the game. They enjoyed some chorizo and coca-cola during the 2nd half. I wanted to take a photo but wasn’t allowed!

By Ralph Hannah