🎥 One foot in the next round? Palmeiras go top by beating Cristal

Palmeiras took sole possession of the top spot in Copa Libertadores Group F ahead of two straight home matches.

This time playing at Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima, Verdão once again beat Sporting Cristal.

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Flaco López and Sosa secured the 2-0 win on Tuesday night (5).

Highlights coming soon. 

Flaco makes the difference in a lively first half

Sporting Cristal did not just sit back and wait for Palmeiras.

They went after Abel’s side and made the game “dangerous.”

Verdão grew into the match as the minutes passed.

Mainly thanks to Allan and Arias.

Enríquez was making the difference for Brazilian coach Zé Ricardo’s team.

But there was no stopping Flaco López’s fine goal after the Colombian’s cross (32′).

Carlos Miguel had to come up big, as Palmeiras struggled with the number of crosses they faced.

Arias had a great chance to double the lead before halftime, but failed to take it.

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The hosts push, but Verdão punish them

Sporting Cristal had no other option: they needed to go after at least a point in their final home game.

But they ended up helping the ruthless Palmeiras extend the lead.

The well-worked counterattack should have been cut out by Lutiger.

Instead, he provided an “assist” for Sosa to make it 2-0 (50′).

Persistent, the home side then saw Carlos Miguel deny them twice.

And they could not even pull one back.

Palmeiras did not put in a fully solid performance. But they showed the efficiency to score twice and put themselves in a good position in the Libertadores.

📊 Standings and schedule 📅

Sporting Cristal remain on six points and now have to hope Cerro Porteño (four) slip up when they visit Junior (one) on Thursday (7).

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The Peruvian side will wrap up their group-stage campaign with two away games: Junior (20/5) and Cerro (28/5).

Verdão, meanwhile, moved up to eight points. And they will also be watching that already-mentioned clash.

Next come two home matches: Cerro (20/5) and Junior (28/5).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.