2011 Copa Libertadores: Jaguares Chiapas Earn Win While Independiente Stumble To 1-1 Tie

After getting off to a fast start, LDU Quito were seriously outplayed in the final 30 minutes of their Copa Libertadores match away to Independiente, and they have a serious mountain to club. The hosts took the lead off of a 23rd minute penalty kick scored by Leonel Nuñez, and they only continued to push forward and create scoring opportunities after that point. Independiente’s finishing has not been up to par, but since somewhere around the 15th minute, nothing has been up to par for LDU Quito, who should consider themselves fortunate to still have a change to get a positive result.

If this result holds, LDU Quito would no longer control their own destiny in Group 8, while Independiente would go into third place, behind Godoy Cruz on goal differential. A draw would put LDU Quito into a position to control their own destiny, while Independiente will have to win by a two goal margin if they want to say the same thing about themselves.

It’s been a game of two distinct segments so far in the Copa Libertadores match between Independiente and LDU Quito, with Quito looking dangerous to start the match and Independiente dominating more recently. The hosts have taken advantage of that momentum swing, along with some slightly favorable refereeing, to create a goal and go ahead 1-0 on the 23rd minute.

The goal was a penalty kick, converted by Leonel Nuñez, but the circumstances that led to the penalty were a bit questionable. Referee Carlos Torres pointed to the spot in the 22nd minute on a set piece scuffle, when Alexander Dominguez was judged to have taken down Leonel Galeano unfairly. Dominguez also received a yellow card in addition to Independiente being granted a penalty, which was harsh due to the fact that the infraction took place as part of a set piece scrum, similar to many others that one would see in any game. His challenge didn’t look malicious or intentional, so a yellow on top of a penalty was unnecessary, but what really matters is the goal. Independiente are up 1-0, and LDU Quito have some work to do.

The groups are all starting to take shape in the 2011 Copa Libertadores, and this week should see most of them sort themselves out further. Qualification spots are up for grabs in at least six groups, with only Group 7 being completely settled, while Group 2 is virtually settled and all others are wide open. There are no less than seven fixtures of serious importance in the competition this week, with Independiente and LDU Quito getting us started with Tuesday’s only major fixture.

Independiente Vs. LDU Quito