Cruzeiro defeated Libertad in Paraguay, 2-0, gaining a good advantage in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals. With goals from Kaio Jorge and Lautaro Díaz, the Raposa asserted itself even away from home.
In the first half, it was all Cruzeiro on the field. At 18 minutes into the match, William launched the ball and Kaio Jorge scored a stunning goal that was only validated after a VAR review. Besides this chance that ended up in the back of the net, William and Gabriel Veron had good opportunities, but goalkeeper Martín Silva prevented the goals. In stoppage time, Lautaro Díaz found the net after chipping the goalkeeper in a lightning-fast attack.
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The second half saw a slightly better Libertad, but without creating any major chances. Due to the Paraguayans’ lack of effectiveness and the good advantage gained by the Minas Gerais team, the match ended with a 2-0 victory for Cruzeiro.
The return match of the Sudamericana quarter-finals will take place next Thursday (26th), at Mineirão, at 9:30 PM (Brasilia time).