Copa Libertadores 2012, Matchday 5: Wednesday Recap, Boca Juniors Win, Business As Usual Everywhere

Boca Juniors have at least temporarily stopped the bleeding, recovering from their terrible loss over the weekend with a Copa Libertadores victory over a domestic foe. Fluminense did the minimum that was required of them at home, while the day’s two marquee matchups both ended in draws.

A bad own goal from Clemente Rodriguez gave Arsenal an early lead, but Boca Juniors did well to fight back after two straight losses. Arsenal looked like a good and confident side in the minutes after, but Pablo Mouche struck for Boca in the 28th minute and changed the game. Arsenal never really looked the same. Pablo Ledesma netted the eventual winner in the 67th minute, with Rodriguez atoning for his earlier mistake with an assist.

Zamora did their normal thing and played for a 0-0 draw, and it almost worked. It took until the 57th minute for Anderson to break the deadlock for Flu. Zamora are really boring.

The marquee matchup of the week went more or less as expected, and reaffirmed the popular belief that these two teams will be heading to the knockout stages. Diego Souza scored the opener in the 16th minute for Vasco with a header, assisted by Fagner, but he did not leave a good last impression on the game. He was shown a straight red card in the 52nd minute for a foul on Ismael Benegas and Libertad would capitalize. José Núñez scored the equalizer in the 69th minute, assisted by Pablo Velázquez. Nuñez joined Diego Souza in getting sent off after scoring, completing duel Eric Cantona specials.

These teams are both going through. They looked like they knew as much on Wednesday. Corinthians almost nicked it late, forcing Jesus Corona into a save in stoppage time. That was, incredibly, the only save they forced him to make all game.