Neither Cerro Porteno nor Jaguares can be blamed for a negative approach. Both sides have gone forward when they had their chances. Of course that was expected from Jaguares. They’ve never been a negative team and needing a goal to advance in this Copa Libertadores quarterfinal, they were always going to have a go. Seeing Cerro get forward is somewhat of a surprise though. The notoriously boring and negative team took their chances despite knowing a 0-0 draw would see them on away goals after a 1-1 first leg in Mexico. Even so, neither team could score in the first 45 minutes.
Cerro Porteno Vs. Jaguares, 2011 Copa Libertadores: First Half Ends Scoreless
Jaguares were without Jackson Martinez in the first leg and his return in this second leg has paid dividends. The Colombian is in the center of most of Jaguares’ forays forward and while not 100% sharp, he has commanded the attention of the Cerro defense. The problem for Jaguares is that Cerro is winning the battle in the midfield so while Cerro has been unimaginative in the final third, they are keeping Jaguares away from the ball. There are 45 minutes left and the way it is going, whoever scores a goal will likely be through to the semifinals.
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