MONTEVIDEO, August 14 (Xinhua) — The Uruguayan football team Peñarol defeated the Bolivian team The Strongest 4-0 this Wednesday in Montevideo, in a first-leg match of the Round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores de América.
The Carbonero was overwhelming tonight at their Estadio Campeón del Siglo, achieving a significant goal difference for the return match next Wednesday in La Paz, at 3,600 meters above sea level.
After a crushing start, Peñarol quickly opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a precise finish in the penalty area from attacking midfielder Leonardo Fernández.
With The Strongest unable to respond, the hosts did not hold back and extended the lead in the 16th minute through forward Maximiliano Silvera, who scored from close range.
The third goal for Diego Aguirre’s team came from Jaime Báez in the 36th minute, taking advantage of a masterful assist from Leonardo Fernández, the standout player of the match.
In the second half, the hosts lost some of their frantic pace, although the Bolivian team did not trouble them offensively, which would be a recurring theme throughout the match.
The score was finalized with a goal from forward Facundo Batista in the 72nd minute, following a push with the ball near the goal line.
The tie between Peñarol and The Strongest will be decided on August 21 with the return match taking place in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia.