Libertad came from behind to beat Nacional 2-1 in Montevideo to put themselves in a commanding position two games into the Copa Libertadores campaign. This match always looked like it would have a major impact on the top spot in Group 5, and although it looked as if Nacional would make its home advantage count, Libertad made the most of its second half chances to emerge victorious.
Copa Libertadores 2012, Matchday 2: Libertad Comes From Behind To Win At Nacional
Marcos Aguirre opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after a wonderful assist by Vicente Sanchez, who got tangled up with a defender in the penalty box following good work by Tabare Viudez on the left. Sanchez ended up on his back, but did just enough to free up the ball and slide it across to Aguirre, who made no mistake from six yards out.
Libertad mounted a strong response after the break, led by Paraguay midfielder Victor Caceres. They managed to equalize on a clever counterattack, which featured two crossfield passes before Rodolfo Gammara slipped the ball into left back Miguel Samudio's path. The defender made no mistakes as he fired through Leonardo Burian's legs to make it 1-1. A few minutes later, Caceres' brilliant run led to the winner. A flick beat two players and then a pass to Victor Ayala opened up enough space for the substitute to attempt a long-range shot. It was heading wide, but the alert Mauro Caballero was able to get a faint touch on it to redirect the ball past Burian and into the back of the net.
Although Nacional mounted a strong reply, with Viudez blowing a gilt-edged chance in the 74th minute by dallying on the ball for too long, which allowed Rodrigo Munoz to make a sublime flying save, it was Libertad who looked more likely to score in the final few moments. Ultimately, the Paraguayans were full value for their win, and they’ll expect to win Group 5 now after negotiating their most difficult fixture with all three points.
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