Palmeiras Dominate Universitario in Libertadores Clash
It was a night that Universitario de Deportes and their fans will want to forget quickly. The highly anticipated first-leg match of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 against Palmeiras turned into a one-sided affair, with the Brazilian giants securing a commanding 4-0 victory at the Estadio Monumental in Lima. The home side had entered the week with optimism, returning to training on Monday under coach Jorge Fossati and preparing meticulously to defend their home turf. The players had been concentrated since Wednesday, fine-tuning tactical details at Campo Mar ‘U’ and later at the Monumental, aiming to take advantage in front of their crowd.
However, once the match began, the plan unraveled almost immediately. Palmeiras struck early, with captain Gustavo Gómez opening the scoring from the penalty spot after a foul by MatÃas Di Benedetto. Just minutes later, José “Flaco” López doubled the lead, capitalizing on a lapse in Universitario’s defensive marking. The atmosphere in the stadium, initially electric, began to tense as the Brazilian side’s composure and speed in transition became evident.
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The third goal, delivered by Vitor Roque just before halftime, was a hammer blow. JoaquÃn Piquerez sent a long ball over the defense, and Roque outpaced Williams Riveros before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike past goalkeeper Sebastián Britos. Although Universitario’s players claimed offside, replays confirmed Roque had been perfectly onside. By that point, Palmeiras had total control, playing with confidence and efficiency.
In the second half, the ‘verdao’ continued to manage the game, adding a fourth goal that sealed the tie beyond reasonable doubt. For Universitario, the night was marked by frustration, as promising moves broke down before reaching the final third, and the few chances created were wasted. Their starting lineup — featuring names like Edison Flores, Alex Valera, and Aldo Corzo — could not find the breakthrough against a disciplined Palmeiras defense marshaled by Gómez.
Before the match, former Universitario striker Juan José Oré had voiced hope that the ‘Cremas’ could exploit Palmeiras’ recent internal issues, including tensions with their fan base. He had urged the players to be precise and give their all, especially at home. But in the end, the Brazilian side showed why they are considered one of South America’s most consistent forces in recent years.
Now, Universitario face an uphill battle for the return leg in Brazil. Overturning a four-goal deficit away from home in the Libertadores is a monumental task, and history shows it is rarely done. Still, pride and professional honor will be on the line, and Fossati’s men will be expected to fight until the final whistle. For the fans, the hope remains that lessons will be learned, and the team will return stronger, even if this year’s continental campaign has been dealt a heavy blow.
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