Copa Libertadores: Libertad and Arsenal de Sarandi storm into group stage

The free-scoring Paraguayans came out on top in a riveting match in Asuncion, while Arsenal hung on for victory with a draw in Peru

Feb 1, 2012 3:20:00 AM

By Daniel Edwards

Libertadores 2012: El Nacional vs Libertad
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Libertad 4-1
 El Nacional
Libertad win 4-2 on aggregate

Paraguayan giants Libertad had no trouble turning round a first-leg deficit in Asuncion on Tuesday evening, blowing away the visitors to ensure a place in the first round proper of the 2012 Copa Libertadores.

Trailing 1-0 after the opening match in Quito, the Repolleros knew that only a win against their Ecuadorian opponents would be sufficient to progress from the competition's preliminary stage. They could not have asked for a better start when Pablo Velazquez turned in with just one minute on the clock.

Erick Minda restored Nacional's lead in the first half, but further strikes from Jose Nunez and Rodolfo Gamarra saw Libertad take a slim advantage. It was left to Luciano Civelli in the final minute of stoppage time to fire home from close range, and confirm the Paraguayan victory.

Libertad go into Group 5 of the Libertadores, where they will face Uruguay's Nacional, Alianza Lima of Peru and Brazil's Vasco.

Sport Huancayo
 1-1
 Arsenal de Sarandi
Arsenal de Sarandi win 4-1 on aggregate

Gustavo Alfaro's Arsenal team were far from impressive in the 3000m heights of Huancayo, but did enough to restrict their opponents to a 1-1 draw and move into the Libertadores group stages with comfort.

Given the steep task of chasing a three goal disadvantage after the opener, Huancayo threw everything at the Argentines as they tried to make the next phase of the Libertadores. The Arse defence was holding firm, until a slip from Lisandro Lopez allowed striker Sergio Ibarra to drill in seconds before half time, and give the Peruvians a lifeline.

Ibarra and Huancayo pushed harder still after the break, but Cristian Campestrini was in excellent form in goal and, even when the keeper was beaten, the frame of the net also ensured that the Argentines' hosts would not add to their tally. Their passage was assured with five minutes left, when Luciano Leguizamon nodded home a bouncing long-ball to round off a bizarre passage of play.

Arsenal set up a Group 6 clash with compatriots Boca Juniors, and will also face Fluminense and Venezuelan side Zamora in the next round.


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