Brazil is playing a significant role in the 2019 edition of the Libertadores Cup
Three of the six Brazilian clubs that reached the round of sixteen of the Libertadores Cup have already made it to the round of eight. One more Brazilian team, Grêmio, has excellent chances of becoming the fourth one
Goalkeeper Diego Alves of Flamengo fails to stop a kick during the penalty shoot-out of the Copa Libertadores between Flamengo and Emelec, in the Maracaná stage in the city of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).
LatinAmerican Post Staff
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The “gauchos” won the first leg of the round of sixteen 2-0. With a win tonight, Grêmio would join Palmeiras, Internacional, and Flamengo, the three Brazilian teams that have already secured places in the quarterfinals after eliminating Godoy Cruz, Nacional and Emelec respectively.
Leer en español: Brasil juega un papel importante en la edición 2019 de la Copa Libertadores
Last night, Flamengo needed a penalty shoot-out to beat Emelec, after winning 2-0 in regular time in Rio de Janeiro and then outscoring their opponent 4-2 in the shoot-out. Gabriel Barbosa, on loan from Internacional, scored twice in the opening 19 minutes of the game – including one from the penalty spot – to make the overall aggregate a 2-2 tie. Goalkeeper Diego Alves saved Dixon Arroyo’s kick in the shoot-out before another Emelec player, Nicolas Queiroz, hit the crossbar and missed the penalty giving Flamengo the win.
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Unfortunately for Brazil though, Flamengo and Internacional must now face each other after the latter claimed a 2-0 win at home over Nacional to wrap up a 3-0 aggregate win. Also, Palmeiras may have to play Grêmio if the team beats Libertad.
Regarding non-Brazilian teams, Cerro Porteno will meet defending champions River Plate after a come-from-behind 2-1 win over San Lorenzo in Asuncion. The first leg had ended in a scoreless tie.
Last year runner-up, Boca Juniors recorded a 2-0 victory over Athletico Paranaense at La Bombonera to secure a 3-0 aggregate win. Ramon Abila scored the opening goal of the second leg with a powerful finish in the 57th minute. Boca sealed their win in extra time with a goal by Eduardo Salvio as they moved into the round of eight, where they will face Ecuadorian team LDU Quito.
