Guaraní (Paraguay) frustrated the fans of América-MG in the club’s debut in Libertadores. This Wednesday (23), Coelho was surpassed by the rival by 1 to 0, at Independência, in Belo Horizonte, for the second preliminary phase of the competition.
The teams will meet again next Wednesday (2), at Defensores del Chaco Stadium, in Asunción (Paraguay), at 19:15 (Brasilia time). Paraguayans have the advantage of a draw. The Pitmen need to win by two goals or more to qualify for the full 90 minutes. If the Brazilians triumph by a goal, the definition of a spot in the third and final preliminary round will be on penalties. Whoever advances will face Universitario (Peru) or Barcelona de Guayaquil (Ecuador).
America had the initiative in the first half. At 12 minutes, midfielder Juninho hit the crossbar, after giving the marker a hat. In the 25th minute, striker Wellington Paulista played on goalkeeper Davis Vásquez’s exit, but the Paraguayan defender pulled away practically over the line. Gradually, the visiting team got it right defensively on the field and Coelho started to insist on crosses, with little success.
The American pressure didn’t let up in the second half, but the aim didn’t help. Guaraní, who had scared off in the 28th minute, with midfielder Marcelo González, hitting the post, with his head, ended up punishing the home team in the 45th minute. defender Iago Maidana and left Jailson’s reach, dying in Coelho’s nets. The Minas Gerais team insisted, without success.
