Palmeiras took over the lead in Copa Libertadores Group F ahead of two straight home matches.
This time playing at Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima, Verdão once again beat Sporting Cristal.
Flaco López and Sosa sealed the 2-0 win on Tuesday night (5).
Advertisement
Watch the highlights soon.
Flaco makes the difference in a lively first half
Sporting Cristal did not just sit back and wait for Palmeiras.
They went after Abel’s team, making the game “dangerous.”
Verdão gradually grew into the match as the minutes passed.
Mainly thanks to Allan and Arias.
Enríquez was making the difference for Brazilian coach Zé Ricardo’s side.
But he could not prevent Flaco López’s fine goal after the Colombian’s cross (32′).
Carlos Miguel had to make saves, as Palmeiras struggled with the large number of crosses.
Advertisement
Arias had a great chance to extend the lead before halftime, but failed to take it.
The opponent pushes, but Verdão punishes
Sporting Cristal had no other option: they needed to go after at least one point in their final home game.
But they ended up helping the ruthless Palmeiras add another.
The well-worked counterattack should have been cut out by Lutiger.
Instead, he handed Sosa an “assist” to make it 2-0 (50′).
Persistent, the home side saw Carlos Miguel deny them twice.
Advertisement
And they could not even manage to pull one back.
Palmeiras did not play a completely solid match. But they showed the quality to score twice and put themselves in a good position in the Libertadores.
📊 Standings and schedule 📅
Sporting Cristal remained on six points and now have to keep an eye on Cerro Porteño (four), who will visit Junior (one) on Thursday (7).
The Peruvian side will wrap up their group-stage campaign with two away matches: Junior (5/20) and Cerro (5/28).
Advertisement
Verdão, meanwhile, moved up to eight points. And they too will be watching that already mentioned clash.
Their next two matches will be at home. They will host Cerro (5/20) and Junior (5/28).
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
