It was a clash of two Argentine giants as River Plate hosted Racing Club at El Monumental in the Copa Libertadores.
But before that, Independiente were away to Santos in Brazil and the lead up to that match was not without controversy. Just hours before kick off on Tuesday, CONMEBOL stated that last week’s 0-0 draw in Argentina would be turned into a 3-0 victory in favor of Independiente. The reason being that Santos had fielded Carlos SANCHEZ who was ineligible.
The match ended the same way the first leg did (prior to the change of decision) which was a 0-0 draw. It was more than enough to help Independiente reach the quarter finals of South America’s most prestigious club competition.
That night continued to be a good one for Argentine clubs. Atletico Tucuman were away to Atletico Nacional and having picked up a 2-0 victory in Argentina, Tucuman had a bit of a cushion going into the second leg. The nerves kicked in early for the Argentine side with Omar DUARTE scoring in the 12th minute for Nacional. However, goalkeeper Cristian LUCCHETTI was called into action on more than one occasion to help preserve Tucuman’s advantage.
With two Argentine clubs progressing, Estudiantes de la Plata looked to make it three out of three and came so close to doing so, had it not been for an injury time goal by ALISSON. Estudiantes had managed a 2-1 win in La Plata and only a 2-1 win for Gremio would take the match to penalty kicks.
Everon gave the Brazilian team a 1-0 lead just six minutes into the match but an equalizer just three minutes later by Lucas RODRIGUEZ helped ease the tension. It remained 1-1 up until ALISSON’s header beat Argentina international Mariano ANDUJAR.
The match required penalty kicks and Gremio went a perfect five for five while Gaston CAMPI missed for Estudiantes as Gremio qualified for the next round.
A big clash in the Round of 16 was River Plate hosting Racing Club. The first leg finished 0-0 in Avellaneda but the second leg saw three goals and three red cards.
Argentina international Lucas PRATTO scored the opening goal for River Plate in the 11th minute and the 2015 Copa Libertadores winners never looked back. Exequiel PALACIOS made it 2-0 and in the second half Rafael BORRE made it 3-0 to seal the win.
Enzo PEREZ received a red which means he would miss the quarter finals for River Plate while Ricardo CENTURION and Alexis SOTO also saw red.
