Copa Libertadores: Penarol and Union Espanola earn the remaining group stage berths

Fabian Estoyanoff's first half goal killed off the tie in Venezuela while Tigres threw away a two goal lead and were eliminated by their Chilean opponents

Feb 3, 2012 3:50:00 AM

By Tom Webber

More On :  Caracas, Peñarol, Tigres, Unión Española
Celebra la Union Española
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Caracas 1-1
 Penarol
Penarol win 5-1 on aggregate

Last year's runners-up secured the group stage berth with a comfortable score draw in Venezuela. After taking an early lead Penarol coasted for the rest of the game knowing they had secured safe passage with a vital away goal.

Ex-Valencia player Fabian Estoyanoff put Penarol ahead with 27 minutes gone when he drilled in from Marcelo Zalayeta’s lay off. The goal essentially killed the tie as Caracas needed six in reply to progress.

Penarol continued to have the better of the game as Caracas only committed men forward half-heartedly. When they did, their finishing let them down with Jesus Gomez the main culprit, sending their best chance wide with just over an hour played.

Edwin Peraza headed in a consolation goal for the hosts in the 78th minute much to the delight of the home crowd but it was far too little, far too late.

Penarol will face stern opposition in Group 8 where they will come up against 2011 Copa Sudamericana champions Universidad de Chile, Godoy Cruz, and Atletico Nacional.

Tigres
 2-2
 Union Espanola
Union Espanola win 3-2 on aggregate

Tigres dominated the early proceedings, moving the ball well around the box and looking extremely threatening.  It was not long until they found the breakthrough with Alan Pulido bagging a first half brace. The young striker’s first was a free header from Alberto Acosta’s cross and the second was a poacher’s effort as he capitalised on an embarrassing defensive error.
The Chileans were offered a way back into the game on 37 minutes when Jose Rivas scythed down Gonzalo Barriga in the area, receiving a red card and giving away a penalty. Emanuel Herrera sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot and put his side ahead in the tie on away goals.
The teams were levelled up when Mauro Diaz received two yellow cards in quick succession with just shy of 30 minutes to play. Despite the setback Los Diablos Rojos took an aggregate lead when Oscar Jaime headed in from Barriga’s beautifully flighted cross in the 70th minute.
After a slow start the Chileans fought their way back into the game, earning a respectable draw on the night and ensuring their progression to the group stage.
 
Tigres dominated the early proceedings, moving the ball well around the box and looking extremely threatening.  It was not long until they found the breakthrough with Alan Pulido bagging a first half brace. The young striker’s first was a free header from Alberto Acosta’s cross and the second was a poacher’s effort as he capitalised on an embarrassing defensive error.

The Chileans were offered a way back into the game on 37 minutes when Jose Rivas scythed down Gonzalo Barriga in the area, receiving a red card and giving away a penalty. Emanuel Herrera sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot and put his side ahead in the tie on away goals.

The teams were levelled up when Mauro Diaz received two yellow cards in quick succession with just shy of 30 minutes to play. Despite the setback Los Diablos Rojos took an aggregate lead when Oscar Jaime headed in from Barriga’s beautifully flighted cross in the 70th minute. Tigres pushed for the two goals they needed but the visitors defended well and held on until full time.

Group 3 awaits the victors where compatriots Universidad Catolica, Junior and Bolivar will all prove difficult away trips.


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