The Copa Libertadores quarterfinals kicked off with several intense matches, setting the stage for dramatic return legs. Grêmio secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Fluminense at the Estádio Couto Pereira, with left-back Reinaldo emerging as the hero by scoring both goals. Grêmio’s coach, Renato Portaluppi, while pleased with the result, cautioned against complacency, stating, ‘Nothing is decided yet. We have 90 minutes left’.In another quarterfinal match, San Lorenzo drew 1-1 with Atlético Mineiro at the Estadio Pedro Bidegain. Alexis Cuello opened the scoring for San Lorenzo with a header in the 17th minute, but Paulinho equalized for Mineiro in the 58th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by San Lorenzo’s goalkeeper Facundo Altamirano. This result leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Belo Horizonte on August 20.Despite the draw, San Lorenzo’s performance was seen as a positive step for a team that has been struggling in their domestic league. Coach Leandro Romagnoli said, ‘The team played like it was their last game’, highlighting the importance of this result for the Argentine side.In other Copa Libertadores action, Colo-Colo of Chile secured a 1-0 victory over Junior of Colombia, with Vicente Pizarro scoring the only goal of the match.As teams prepare for the return legs, coaches are emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and improving performance. Fluminense’s coach, Mano Menezes, despite the loss, remained optimistic, stating, ‘I think the confrontation is open’. Similarly, Atlético Mineiro’s coach, Gabriel Milito, stressed the need for consistency, particularly in defense, as they look to advance in the competition.
Key points
- Grêmio secured a 2-1 victory over Fluminense in their Copa Libertadores quarterfinal first leg, with Reinaldo scoring both goals.
- San Lorenzo drew 1-1 with Atlético Mineiro, with Alexis Cuello scoring for San Lorenzo and Paulinho equalizing for Mineiro.
- Coaches are emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus for the return legs, with ties still open.
Contradictions👾There is a slight discrepancy in the reporting of San Lorenzo’s match result.
While most sources report a 1-1 draw, one source suggests San Lorenzo secured a 1-0 victory over Mineiro.
