Universidad Católica drew 1-1 with Sporting Cristal, thanks to a goal from the Argentinian. They remain third in the group, but on the next date they will have to visit Flamengo.
The visit to Lima was the turning point for Universidad Católica in their journey through the 2022 Copa Libertadores. It could be a boost to fight for qualification for the round of 16, or it could jeopardize their chances and end up with bleak prospects. The 1-1 draw with Sporting Cristal leaves options for the national team. It’s not a very favorable scenario, but it’s alive. All thanks to the head of Fernando Zampedri.
Rodrigo Valenzuela, who played in UC’s last visit to Peru for the Cup (in 2008, against Universidad de San Martín), faced his penultimate game in charge of the Crusaders, awaiting the take in charge of Ariel Holan. In addition to losses in defense, he also didn’t have Felipe Gutiérrez suspended. The absence of the former Sporting Kansas City weighed on the Chilean champion, as he did not have the clean start and the elaboration that the steering wheel gives him in the position of axis in which it is used. In addition, Sebastián Galani started again as a central defender, accompanying Asta-buruaga.
The first 45 minutes against the Celestes were the lowest for UC in Valenzuela’s brief spell in charge. On the defensive side, Católica placed two lines of 4 in their own field, leaving a Fabián Orellana floating free. 14 was the only one trying to draw something different. Meanwhile, Zampedri had to fight alone against the rival centre-backs. Little by little, Cristal took the pulse of the party and took the reins.
At minute 14, Parot headed the ball into the small area, avoiding the first. Then, in the 23rd minute, a deflected shot from Calcaterra threatened the cross board. And then, at minute 38, a Sosa header went wide. The Peruvian team made merits to go forward. It was just for the development of the meeting. It was convenient for UC to go to the break to rethink the ideas, in particular because of certain roles which did not work well (Leiva, imprecise and Fuenzalida, little brought in attack). But at minute 43, Percy Liza heads in, beating Galani’s low mark, and opens the account for Brewers. The so-called “psychological goal”, just before half-time.
Valenzuela didn’t move the board for the add-on, but UC came out with a different layout, seizing the initiative and managing the ball more. Orellana was always the one with the best footing in the rival pack. With his movements, he was able to create spaces against goalkeeper Duarte. However, this more attractive face did not imply greater attacking weight. Zampedri had to leave the box to intervene in the game. Just in the 65th minute, El Toro had one, through the set ball, but he deflected his shot.
With a little delay, because Católica needed a revulsive beforehand, the coach made some changes: Melano and Barticciotto entered, to give more scope to the attack (that was the idea). If UC were looking for him, they could find a price as Cristal only appealed to defend in the second half. And he got it with his shooter’s head.
In the 77th minute, still with Orellana as director of play for UC, Argentinian Fernando Zampedri received a pivot from Bruno Barticciotto and finished in Duarte’s small box. Celebration of the Cross in Lima. Relief from a restless Rodrigo Valenzuela, who knew he had to take something from the Peruvian capital to stay alive in the Cup.
In the first round, Talleres and Flamengo drew 2-2 in Córdoba (Mauricio Isla started in Mengao). In this way, the table of positions of the group indicates that the Fla is the leader with 10 points (which is expected in the initial bets), followed by the Argentines, with seven. Universidad Católica is third, with four, which would give the pass to the South American. Sporting Cristal is down with a unit. Although the chances of advancing remain for the Crusaders, the next game is against Flamengo, in Maracana, the most complex leg of the group stage. In Rio, UC can be eliminated if they lose and Talleres scores a point in Peru.
score sheet
S. Crystal 1: A.Duarte; J. Madrid, G. Chavez, O. Merlo, N. Loyola; J. Castillo and Yotun; H. Calcaterra, L. Sosa (80′, F. Pacheco), I. Ávila (87′, C. Olivares); and P. Liza (90′+3′, A. Hohberg). DT: R. Mosquera.
Catholic University 1 : S. Perez; R. Rebolledo (73′, B. Barticciotto), T. Asta-buruaga, S. Galani, A. Parot; JP Fuenzalida, I. Saavedra, J. Leiva, C. Cuevas (73′, L. Melano); F. Orellana (87′, D. Buonanotte); and F. Zampedri. DT: R.Valenzuela.
Goals : 1-0, 43 ‘, Liza, header after cross from Ávila; 1-1, 77 ‘, Zampedri, header in the small area.
Arbitrator : A. Rojas (COL). He reprimanded Orellana, Rebolledo, Zampedri (UC).
Lima National Stadium.
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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.
