SANTIAGO – The first group stage matches were played last week in the Copa Libertadores. Three Chilean teams competed: Palestino, Universidad de Concepción and Universidad Católica. A review of last week´s round of South-American soccer.
Universidad Concepción – Sporting Cristal
In what was one of the highlights of the first group stage matches of the Copa Libertadores, Universidad Concepción and Sporting Cristal played out a thrilling match that ended 5-4 to the Chilean team. Rubio grabbed four goals, the first of which only came in added time in the first half and so Concepción went into the break with a slender lead. In comparison to the somewhat drab first half, the second was rampant.
On 51’ Rubio extended Concepción’s lead to 2-0 only for two quick goals from Gonzáles and Palacios, for Cristal, to cancel out the Chilean’s advantage. Orellana made it 3-2 and Rubio struck again to make it 4-2 for the home side. But Sporting Cristal weren’t finished, they rallied and quickly drew level again with two goals in the space of two minutes from Herrera and Palacios.
It seemed the game would finish in a draw, which was probably deserved considering the incredible resilience of the Peruvian side. It wasn’t to be their night though and on the 93rd minute Rubio struck his fourth goal to take the three points to Chile. A fantastic match. Concepción next play Olimpia on Tuesday night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebFuJARoc78
All round Chilean disappointment
In the other matches for Chilean teams there was all round disappointment. U. Católica never looked like getting going in their match and lost 4-1 to Libertad. Palestino suffered a soul destroying 1-0 defeat in Santiago in a match they really could of won and certainly deserved a point. U. Católica host Rosario Central on Wednesday night. Palestino travel to Argentina for their Wednesday night match to play in an empty stadium against River Plate, the holders of the trophy but a team also suffering a crowd ban as a consequence for last season’s disappointing crowd trouble.
Also read:
https://www.chiletoday.cl/triumphant-palestino-march-on-to-the-group-stage-of-copa-libertadores/
John is a volcanologist, sports fan, radio broadcaster, and accomplished musician. Born and raised in Britain, he has travelled extensively for his research on volcanoes. Whilst living in London, UK, John performed in the punk bands ‘And Now We’re Even’ and ‘Filthy Militia’ recording six studio albums and two EP’S over this time. He currently lives in Santiago, Chile where he works as a university professor in rock mechanics.