Platense overturned Fluminense‘s advantage in the Copa Libertadores by netting two goals in the first half, leveling the aggregate score and putting the Tricolor under immense pressure in Argentina.
The return leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, held this Tuesday (15) at the Estadio Ciudad de Vicente López, brought an unexpected twist for fans.
Fluminense, who arrived in Buenos Aires with a 2-0 lead from the Maracanã, saw Platense equalize the aggregate score before the halftime break.
Under the guidance of Martín Palermo, the Argentine side adopted an aggressive stance from the start, rewarded by their offensive efficiency.
The Rio de Janeiro-based team, coached by Marcão, struggled to contain the hosts’ momentum, as the Argentine club had rested key players in the Argentine League specifically for this clash.
Platense’s dominance in the first half
The scenario began to shift in the 29th minute when Mainero capitalized on a loose ball at the edge of the box and fired a low shot.
The ball deflected off Hércules, leaving goalkeeper Fábio with no chance of making a save.
The goal provided a massive boost for Platense, who maintained intense pressure until the final moments of the first half.
Deep into stoppage time, in the 46th minute, Fluminense‘s defensive fragility was exposed once again.
Mainero beat his marker on the right flank and delivered a precise cross to Sepúlveda, who rose unmarked—due to a lapse in coverage by Thiago Silva—and headed the ball firmly into the net, sealing the equalizer.
The team needs to regain focus and adjust its defensive positioning for the decisive 45 minutes ahead.
The M360 Team commented on the Tricolor’s initial performance.
Impact on the pursuit of the semifinals
With the scoreline at 2-0 for the hosts, Fluminense‘s advantage brought from Rio de Janeiro, built by goals from Nonato and Hulk, was completely erased.
The current landscape of the match demands a more offensive approach from the Brazilian team, which relies on the return of Canobbio and star striker Hulk to chase qualification.
Marcão‘s strategy now involves containing Platense‘s momentum and avoiding a third goal, which would force the team into an immediate need for a comeback.
If the 2-0 result holds until the final whistle, the spot in the Copa Libertadores semifinals will be decided by a penalty shootout.
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