Guaraní was 2-0 (3-0 on aggregate) and in a huge reaction, América MG scored 3 goals against him in the complementary round. The key had to resort to penalties, where Guaraní was up 4-2. America came from behind again and ended up winning (5-4) in sudden death to qualify for the next phase.
The rematch between Paraguayans and Brazilians corresponding to Phase 2 of the Conmebol Libertadores 2022 was played today at the Defensores del Chaco stadium.
América de Belo Horizonte arrived confident despite the loss (0-1) they suffered in the first leg, mainly due to the return of Argentine Germán Conti and midfielder Alé to the starting eleven.
Guaraní, who began defensively, had about four minutes of pure inspiration and at the hands of a penalty executed by Fernando Fernández (13′), after a Maradonian action by Guillermo Benítez, and a powerful header by defender Marcos Cáceres (15 ‘), he went ahead 2-0 to settle the passport.
Things seemed to be going for the best for Cacique because the visiting team began to be filled with warnings, which reduced the aggressiveness with which they made their incursions.
However, Guaraní relaxed and América went into stoppage time with a goal from Wellington Paulista (59′).
And it all came crashing down…
Paulista’s goal opened the game and gave America courage, who came closer to the goal defended by Colombian Devis Vásquez with more danger.
Guaraní went from comfort to total desperation as Wellington Paulista once again made himself felt to level the set (2-2) at 75′ and put América just one goal overall in the series (3-2) .
The cast led by Fernando Jubero endured the last 15′ like a cat belly up, but in added time a formidable shot by Pedrinho appeared (90’+3′) for 2-3.
3-3 on aggregate and on penalties!
The kickers remained infallible in the shootout until the Brazilians’ third shot, which hit the crossbar. Sergio Bareiro seemed to put the match point (4-2), but Ramírez sustained the illusion of America. Davis Vazquez sent his shot to the post (4-3) and Rodolfo made it 4-4, so the shootout entered ‘sudden death’.
Rodi Ferreira made a mistake at the start of the one-on-one (4-4) and Vazquez stopped Patrick. Choco Fernández missed again for Guaraní (4-4) and, finally, Everaldo sealed the final 5-4, crazy.
Guaraní was left out and not even enough to go to the South American.
Now, America awaits in Phase 3 the winner of the key between Barcelona de Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Universitario (Peru), which they define from 9:30 p.m. tonight (2-0 advantage for the Ecuadorians) in Lima.
