2-1: Libertad wins a fierce battle

Paraguayan Freedom won this Wednesday over Asunción by 2-1 Caracasin the intense against the second day of group B of Libertadores Cup leading with four points. Repollero from the Paraguayan capital prevailed with goals from Óscar Cardozo, minute 3, and Lorenzo Melgarejo, in minute 34. Ghana winger Kwaku Bonsu Osei scored for the Venezuelan team, in minute 20.

In a close first half, Cardozo surprised with an early goal, after taking advantage of a ball cleared in the half by Alain Baroja and left to serve for the skinny Paraguayan striker.

In favor of the score, Libertad was encouraged to advance towards the rival area, where Caracas did not want to give space.

Provisional parity was achieved by Osei, after sending a pass from Eduardo Ferreira behind the net. However, a header from Melgarejo put a lock on the scoreboard early on, though it didn’t silence things.

So, the first half ended with four warnings: Rubert Quijada, Osei and Fereira, of the Venezuelan club, as well as Bautista Merlini, of Libertad. Edson Castillo, also from Caracas, saw a yellow card in the second half.

Gumarelo was not discouraged after the break and rehearsed a few arrivals, which their visitor responded to with attempts from the wings. The last quarter of the commitment was a heart attack. Both the local team and the guest performed dangerous plays that vibrated on the stands.

With this result, Libertad, who came from a 1-1 draw with Bolivian The Strongest, accumulated 4 points and was the interim leader of Group B.

The Venezuelan club maintained the unity it achieved on its first home date, when it drew 0-0 with Brazilian Athletico Paranaense.

The other members of this group, The Strongest and Paranaense, will appear this Thursday. The match was held at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción, under the leadership of Argentine referee Facundo Tello.