Palmeiras Seal Copa Libertadores Last-16 Spot with Win over Cerro Porteño
In a hard-fought encounter, Palmeiras continued their perfect run in Group G with a 2-0 victory over Cerro Porteño in Asunción, securing their spot in the Copa Libertadores last 16 with two games to spare. According to reports from FDPRadio, the Brazilian side, led by Portuguese manager Abel Ferreira, dominated the Paraguayan outfit, nicknamed El Ciclón del Barrio Obrero, under the guidance of Diego Martínez.
The match, which took place on Wednesday, was a closely contested affair, with Palmeiras ultimately asserting their superiority through a goal from Estêvão in the 41st minute. The young Brazilian midfielder scored with a powerful left-footed shot that beat Cerro Porteño goalkeeper Alexis Arias. As FDPRadio notes, Estêvão’s strike proved to be a crucial turning point in the match, allowing Palmeiras to take control and dictate the pace of the game.
The victory was sealed in stoppage time, courtesy of a stunning individual effort from Vitor Roque, who scored in the 94th minute to cap off a impressive display from the Palmeiras youngster. As reported by FDPRadio, Vitor Roque’s goal was the icing on the cake for Palmeiras, who have now accumulated 12 points from four matches, making them the first team in the Copa Libertadores to qualify for the last 16 with a perfect record.
In contrast, Cerro Porteño’s defeat leaves them second in Group G, but with the same four points as Sporting Cristal, who were due to face Bolivian outfit Bolívar in La Paz. As FDPRadio highlights, the Peruvian side will host Cerro Porteño in Lima in the penultimate round of group games, with the two teams set to battle it out for a spot in the last 16 alongside Palmeiras, who will welcome Bolívar to Sao Paulo.
Palmeiras’ impressive form has seen them storm to the top of Group G, and FDPRadio quotes, "The Verdão, directed by Portuguese manager Abel Ferreira, dominated the Ciclón del Barrio Obrero of Diego Martínez and in a rocoso party, corresponding to the fourth day of the group stage, patented his domain from a goal of Estêvão in minute 41 thanks to a left hand that defeated the goalkeeper Alexis Arias."
As the Copa Libertadores continues to heat up, Palmeiras will look to maintain their perfect record, while Cerro Porteño and Sporting Cristal will battle it out for a spot in the last 16. With FDPRadio providing comprehensive coverage of the tournament, fans can stay up to date with all the latest news and developments from the competition.
In related news, the upcoming fixtures in Group G promise to be exciting, with Sporting Cristal hosting Cerro Porteño and Palmeiras welcoming Bolívar to Sao Paulo. According to FDPRadio, these matches will be crucial in determining the final standings in the group, with several teams still in with a chance of progressing to the last 16.
