Cobresal and Palestino left open tonight the definition of the first round bracket of the South American Cup 2021 by drawing without goals in the first leg, played at the El Cobre Stadium in El Salvador.

The goalkeepers were the main ones responsible for the game not having goals in the small north. Leandro Requena and Cristopher Toselli they emerged as figures with outstanding interventions.

In a first period without many dangerous arrivals, the Albinaranjas warned at 11 minutes with a surprise irruption of Iván Smith at the near post, but Toselli was very attentive in the advance.

In addition, the duel won in dynamics and at times of danger. From the beginning, at 46 ‘, striker Juan Sánchez Soteldo had it for the colonia team with a header to the ball in the area that hit the post.

He would warn the visitor again at 57 minutes through the talented midfielder Luis Jiménez, who saw goalkeeper Requena ahead and fired at the goal from long distance, but managed to go back and clear the local goalkeeper.

Shortly after, at 59 ‘, Cobresal would arrive with a powerful shot from Sebastián Varas that met the solid reaction of the former Catholic University goalkeeper.

When the clock struck minute 65, things would get complicated for the team led by Gustavo Huerta. Oscar Salinas saw the red card when he hit Agustín Farías.

With one man too many, José Luis Sierra’s men were more aggressive but failed to break the fence and go ahead to the rematch duel, to be played on Thursday, April 8 in Santiago.