If it weren’t for a single play by Oribe Peralta then the first leg of this CONCACAF Champions League preliminary stage would be going exactly as Olimpia wanted it to. They’re playing with six defenders and doing everything possible to get out of Mexico with the chance to advance to the group stage in next week’s second leg at home. Olimpia has defended well, forcing Santos into attempting many overly ambitious shots from distance, while occasionally going forward with a chance of their own. Then, Peralta had to go out and ruin it with a great goal to put Santos in front 1-0 at halftime.
Santos Laguna Vs. Olimpia, CONCACAF Champions League: Peralta Has Santos Up At Half
As much as Santos is trying to generate some sort of an attack, they just can’t break Olimpia down. Olimpia are organized and while unentertaining, they are committed to making this a match played 35 yards from goal. It’s been successful too and Santos spent most of the first half visibly frustrated.
In the 29th minute, Peralta had himself a brilliant individual moment though. He was played in behind the defense, but really didn’t have a step on the defense. He got to the ball just before the defenders, but quickly had a shoulder in his chest and was on his way to the turf. That didn’t stop Peralta though, who just barely poked the ball par the keeper while on his way to the ground for the goal.
Down a goal, Olimpia didn’t change their approach. They will continue to defend, knowing that a 1-0 defeat isn’t a bad result on the road. if they can keep the deficit to just a goal then they can look to jump on their Mexican opponents at home next week.
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