Defensor Squeeze Out a Win at Home.

By: Mauro | August 20th, 2008

In this week’s opening match, pitted Defensor Sporting of Uruguay and Libertad of Paraguay. Basically, Paraguay’s champion against Uruguay’s best side.

The match was evenly played, both team’s sharing possession but Defensor having the slight edge. Still, Libertad was able to have the clearest chance on goal with veteran Roberto Gamarra controlling the ball in the Uruguayan penalty area but keeper Martín Silva was able to knock it out of bounds.

During what seemed to be the Paraguayan champion’s best moment, Defensor were the recipients of a gift from defender Edgar Balbuena who, in an attempt to clear it, misjudged it and sent it into the goal in a way that I don’t think he could even if he tried. Unfortunately and undeservedly, 1-0 to Defensor.

The Urugayans tried to extend their lead in the following minutes but the surge only lasted a few moments while Libertad were able to regain control of the match and Defensor. In the 75th minute, Libertad was able to level the match. Osvaldo Martínez was able to equalize after a series of unfortunate bounces where he was able to get past the keeper and slot the ball in between the post and the last sprawling defender. 1-1.

Still, five minutes later, Defensor took advantage of a free kick when midfielder Pablo Gaglianone was able to head in a nicely taken corner for the go ahead goal. 2-1 to Defensor.

Libertad tried to find the game tying goal in the final minutes of the match but were left to savor the away goal they had earned thus far. Final Score, Defensor 2 – Libertad 1.

I had this match going 3-1 to Defensor the way the matches had been going, lots of scoring and all.

The second leg is going to be next Tuesday the 26 in Asunción, Paraguay which should be pretty interesting based on what was shown last night.

Feel free to check the CONMEBOL website for results and information about upcoming matches and for those of you in need of a bracket to get your heads around the competition, get one here.