At the Arena Castelão, Fortaleza drew 0-0 with Vélez Sarsfield on Tuesday (12), in the first leg of the 2025 Conmebol Libertadores round of 16.
The first half was lively, with the Argentines threatening with Braian Romero as early as the 9th minute. Helton Leite made the save.
The Laion goalkeeper also made his presence known in Carrizo’s shot and Mammana’s dangerous header.
The Tricolor do Pici’s best opportunity came from Breno Lopes’ “shot”, but Marchiori sent it to the corner.
After the break, Fortaleza returned a little better, circling the Argentine area more, but with few finishes.
In the final minutes, Matheus Rossetto committed a hard foul, received his second yellow card followed by a red card, and left the Leão’s situation even more complicated.
With the draw, whoever wins next Tuesday (19), in Argentina, advances to the quarterfinals of the Libertadores.
In case of another tie, the spot will be decided on penalties.
Before that, however, Fortaleza returns to the field on Saturday (16), when they visit Fluminense at the Maracanã, for the 20th round of the Brasileirão.
📸 THIAGO GADELHA – AFP or licensors
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