Former Benfica striker contributes to the Argentinians’ rout, securing their qualification for the knockout stage.
Cruzeiro, coached by Artur Jorge, earned a point against Boca Juniors at La Bombonera (1-1), provisionally maintaining their lead in Group D of the Libertadores. The start of the fifth round of the initial phase of the competition also saw a goal from Angel Di MarIa in Rosario Central’s thrashing of Universidad Central (4-0).
Buenos Aires hosted a thrilling match between Boca Juniors and Cruzeiro, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Argentinians scored first, through Miguel Merentiel, following a corner taken by Leandro Paredes (15m), and Cruzeiro equalized at the start of the second half through Fagner (54m).
From then on, the game became crazy. Gerson was sent off for Cruzeiro in the 68th minute for a mistimed tackle, but the clearest chances until the end belonged to the Brazilians, wasted by Christian and Neyser Villarreal, the latter in the 87th minute, one-on-one with Brey.
In the 90th minute, Miguel Merentiel celebrated his second goal, making it 2-1 for Boca, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Romero on Joao Marcelo.
The draw leaves Cruzeiro alone at the top of Group D in the Libertadores Cup, with eight points, one more than Boca Juniors and Universidad Católica, who host Barcelona SC in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, Rosario Central, with Angel Di María, thrashed Venezuelan side Universidad Central 4-0, securing their place in the knockout stage with one matchday remaining in Group H. The former Benfica striker scored in the 71st minute, finishing off an excellent individual effort by Giovanni Cantizano.
Also noteworthy are the victories of Fluminense and Mirassol, both by 2-1, against Bolivar and Always Ready, respectively, and the impressive triumph of Coquimbo Unido at home against Tolima (3-0).
Former Benfica player Lorenzo Melgarejo scored Libertad’s consolation goal in their 4-1 defeat against Independiente del Valle, while Santa Fe beat Platense 2-1.
