Universidad Catolica Vs. Penarol, 2011 Copa Libertadores: Penarol Holding Slim 2-1 Aggregate Lead At Halftime

Penarol entered the second leg of their Copa Libertadores ahead 2-0 on aggregate, putting them in good position to advance if they could play decently at Universidad Catolica. They’ve gone to Chile and played better than decently, but it doesn’t show on the scoreboard right now and their 2-1 aggregate lead is down to 2-1 at halftime. Early pressure and what looked to be a surefire goal didn’t pay off for Penarol, then Fernando Meneses tallied for UC to put all the pressure on Penarol to hold on in the second 45 minutes.

It looked like Penarol would add to their 2-0 aggregate lead just three minutes in and get a vital away goal, but Paulo Garces made a sensational fingertip save on a clever redirection. What looked to be what would have been the end of the tie with a Penarol goal wasn’t and UC was still alive.

They would take advantage of that in the 17th minute when Lucas Pratto held the ball at the top of the box, fending off defenders with his back to goal. That’s when he spotted Meneses making a run on the right and laid a perfectly weighted pass through the defense to him. Meneses made no mistake with the shot either, hitting it hard to the far post to get UC the first of what will need to be at least two goals.

Penarol and UC both had their chances in the rest of the half. The closest came just before the final whistle when a Penarol shot from 20 yards got through traffic in front of the goal and had the goalkeeper frozen, but just went wide of the post. UC has had their opportunities going forward, but have struggled to put them on goal, something that they will have to improve upon if they are to find at least one goal and their way into the semifinals.