Libertad took an early lead on defending Copa Sudamericana champions Universidad de Chile, but will be heading to Santiago as underdogs after they conceded in the second half. The Paraguayan side started the game aggressively, but turned slightly conservative after their opener and were made to pay for it. La U weren’t at their best on Wednesday night, but Jorge Sampaoli will be happy with the 1-1 draw his side got out of the match.
Libertad Vs. Universidad de Chile, 2012 Copa Libertadores: La U Snag Away Goal, Draw
Victor Caceres, Libertad’s star netted the opener at the end of a nifty counter-attacking move. Pablo Velazquez started the attack with a great through ball to Jose Nuñez, who the La U defense was able to catch up to. Nuñez slammed on the brakes, then played a great backheel pass into the path of Luciano Civelli, who surged down the left flank before playing a cross into the center of the box. Caceres timed his late run perfectly and got onto the end of the ball, finishing off the chance to give his side a 7th minute lead.
La U playmaker Gustavo Lorenzetti netted a slightly lucky equalizer in the 55th minute. He took an ambitious rip from 30 yards out and his shot appeared to take a slight deflection off of a Libertad defender. The ball’s course didn’t alter much, but it changed direction just enough to throw off Rodrigo Muñoz. He reacted slowly and let the shot skip by him at the far post, letting in a huge La U away goal.
The result was a great one for the visitors, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for them. They’ll have to play the second leg without Emilio Hernández, who managed to get himself sent off in the 89th minute.
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