[ad_1]
More than six months had to wait for the Catholic University to see action again in the Libertadores. And it was worth the wait, after the 2-0 that gave Gremio this Wednesday night and that puts it back in the Group E fight.
Almost half a year has passed since that distant March 10, when the crusaders had lost to America de Cali. Enough time for Ariel Holan to think about how to face the cupbearer challenge and pay off the debts that the university team has in the international arena. Because everything easy that is given in Chile, abroad has not been able to translate it. Doing so is one of the club’s goals.
And this Wednesday they began to show signs of wanting to reverse that image. After an even start of collation, where in any case the UC was never in danger, the domain began to be all of the homeowner. At 30 ′ Fuenzalida had a shot on the post and the next play the ball went through the Porto Alegre area, who looked very bad in defense. It was a warning of things to come.
Of course, for that, Católica first had to see how Zampedri wasted an incredible head-to-head with the goalkeeper at 40 ‘. Four minutes later the same trans-Andean man defined in a great way a ball that Pinares pivoted to him. The fate of the strikers.
More about Libertadores Cup
Just 120 seconds later came the work of art from Pinares: after an exquisite deep pass from an active Aued, the former Union made a self-pass over the Brazilian goal and only had to push the ball with his head. Great goal from one of the best on the pitch.
In fact, UC had no low points. Saavedra, Fuenzalida and Puch also stood out. And that, in addition to being the merit of the players themselves, is attributable to Holan, who has managed to trot the two-time Chilean squad and who is now showing signs of life in the Copa Libertadores.
Yes, it is just a match. Yes, UC is still fourth in its group, although now by goal difference and one point behind the second. But you also have to weigh the rival, the budgets and the extreme situation with which those of the strip arrived. Before Gremio they exhibited character and desire, once and for all, not to leave the Cup early. Not for nothing did the Brazilians not kick on goal. If UC did something very well, it was the transition from attack to defense and vice versa.
If it is still not enough, it will be another issue. The truth is that Católica showed that it can compete.
[ad_2]
