After just three minutes of play in the second leg of their Copa Libertadores semifinal, it looks like Cerro Porteño’s dream run in the competition is over. They’ve managed to upset Estudiantes La Plata and get past a flawed, but entertaining Jaguares de Chiapas team to this point, but thanks to a 3rd minute goal by Ze Eduardo, the superior Santos FC has a crippling away goal and 2-0 aggregate lead.
Cerro Porteño Vs. Santos FC, 2011 Copa Libertadores Semifinals: Ze Eduardo Goal Gives Santos Massive Lead
It may seem harsh to write Cerro’s obituary with 87 minutes remaining in the game, especially in a competition as wild as Copa Libertadores, but it’s tough to see them coming back from this. Their success has been based on their defense, and they play a very compact and defensive style. Shifting away from that and into a more attacking style of play seems like something that is a bit over their heads, especially against the team that is arguably the most talented team outside of Europe.
The goal came on a free kick, drawn by Neymar, who was fouled hard on the left wing, about 25 yards out from goal. Elano stepped up to take the free kick and delivered a great curling ball to the near post, which was headed in powerfully by Ze Eduardo.
Cerro have already made a substitution, bringing Juan Iturbe into the game for Ivan Torres.
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