O Cruise played out a goalless draw with Catholic University this Wednesday (7), at Claro Arena, in Santiago, for the fourth round of Group D of the Copa Libertadores.
With the result, both teams reached seven points. The Chilean team remains in the lead on goal difference, while Cruzeiro takes second place.
How was the game
O had one of the best opportunities of the first half in the 18th minute. In a counterattack, Kaio Jorge was launched and was left with the free goal after a collision between Bernedo and a Universidad defender. Even without a goalkeeper, the attacker finished wide.
Universidad responded in the 41st minute. After disarming Matheus Pereira, Giani had the remainder and hit looking for the angle, but Otávio made the save.
In stoppage time, at 46, Kaio Jorge once again caused a scare for Cruzeiro by taking a long-range risk, forcing Bernedo to make a save.
Despite having more possession of the ball in a first half of few emotions, Cruzeiro was unable to turn their dominance into goals, and the teams went into the break with the score at zero.
Right at the beginning of the second stage, the scenario became more complicated for the visitors. Keny Arroyo was sent off after a foul in Zuqui and left Cruzeiro with one player less.
With the Brazilian team further back after the departure of number 99, Universidad started to put pressure on and created opportunities. Montes was in danger in the 10th minute, while Zampedri was a scare in the 18th minute. In the 21st minute, Palavecino also had a chance to open the scoring.
The Cruzeiro goalkeeper was called in again in the 41st minute, when Giani received a low cross from Arancibia in the area and finished in the middle, but Otávio made the save.
Unable to react, coach Artur Jorge’s team managed to hold off the pressure from the home team and secured a goalless draw away from home.
Next round
On May 19th, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at La Bombonera stadium, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Universidad Católica faces Barcelona de Guayaquil on the 21st, at the same time, at Claro Arena, in Santiago, Chile.
