During the 2013 edition of the South American Cup, the former goalkeeper showed off in the foothills, refusing the classification of the Crusaders. In a game that ended 4-3 in favor of the Brazilians, today’s quarterback had a memorable performance. Next Thursday, June 30, he’ll once again tread home from UC in search of another epic night, this time from the bench.
Rogerio Ceni will return to San Carlos de Apoquindo. This time as coach of Sao Paulo, the same team he championed nearly a decade ago that knocked out the Crusaders at home on October 23, 2013, in a memorable display. .
Thus, Ceni will seek in front of the UC to put his name back on the scene. Like nine years ago, the former goalkeeper is going through tough times.
Questioned by his fans and widely criticized by the Brazilian press, the strategist sees the foothills as an ideal setting to redeem himself from his bad situation on the tricolor bench. Similar situation when he wore the tricolor, since at that time he was 40 years old and in Brazil he was removed.
And what happened that day? Ceni had an amazing night. One of those that gamers dream of. In the first leg, the marginals had a tough game in Brazil in which they managed a meritorious 1-1 draw that left them on the hook for the second leg. .
In charge of the UC was an old acquaintance: Martín Lasarte. Machete knew the result as a visitor had been positive, but he had to confirm it in San Carlos. And a minute after the start of the duel, it became clear what the match and the performance of the goalkeeper would be, since 30 seconds later he denied the goal to Nicolás Castillo.
The match had started in the best possible way for the hosts, as 17 minutes after the start of the first leg, Ismael Sosa gave UC the lead. However, the difference didn’t last long for the hosts, as just three minutes later Aloisio managed to equalise.
The night was already epic. In a home-and-away game, UC continued to press for victory and qualification. In this context came the goal of Chiqui Cordero, who managed to convert the second .
An advantage that wouldn’t last long, as a fine pass from Ganso left Aloisio alone to score his second personal goal. So, 25 minutes into the first half, the game was 2-2.
The Ceni exhibition
It was at this point that the enormous figure of Rogerio Ceni began to emerge with more presence. The then 40-year-old began his show by successively covering each cross country attempt. At 36′, the goalkeeper denied the goal to Milovan Mirosevic, who with a powerful header could not beat the resistance of the Brazilian. .
Then, an incredible left-footed shot from Tomás Costa in the 43′ was drowned out by the goalkeeper, who had to make a complex contortion to save his goal, arching back and injuring himself. .
And, if the goalkeeper covered everything, luck was also with him, since in a one-on-one with Castillo, the right denied the goal to whoever was the crossed nine that day.
Thus, once the first 45 minutes had passed, the Brazilian was already, by far, the figure of the match. Already in addition to UC the match was put uphill, when Edemilson scored the 3-2. Silence gripped San Carlos. However, those at Lasarte kept trying.
Before the draw slipped past Mirosevic’s feet, a monumental intervention from Ceni drowned out Cordero’s goal cry in the 68th minute. .
Chiqui had taken advantage of a clearance after a corner and violently finished the bottom right corner of the goalkeeper. There, Ceni stretches and, in an impossible save, sends the ball. But there was still more to come.
Still on the score of 3-3, the Catholic is already besieging the Brazilians. As blessed by the stars, Ceni denied another impossible goal to UC at minute 72′. This time, after a shot from Ramiro Costa that the goalkeeper sent with his right hand above the crossbar.
The gestures of the Argentinian shooter were eloquent. There was no way to convert. And as the epilogue approached, the keeper continued to rise in figure after fending off a header from Hans Martínez in the 83′, closing his fence again. .
Unfortunately for the cross aspirations, at minute 85 Welliton scored 4-3 which would ultimately be the final result, dooming UC’s fate and knocking them out of the Copa Sudamericana that year.
Thus, almost ten years later, the archer who denied everything at the Catholic University returns to San Carlos. On this occasion, the roles will be reversed and it will be from the bench where he will watch the match. In Copa Sudamericana first leg, UC want to redeem themselves at home and show Ceni that football has revenge .
The match between the two teams is scheduled for Thursday, June 30 at 8:30 p.m. in San Carlos de Apoquindo.
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Source: Latercera
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
