Athletico Paranaense showed off their skills this Tuesday in their visit to Paraguayan Sportivo Ameliano, who fell in Asunción by 1-4 in the opening match of Group E in the Copa Sudamericana.

Uruguayan Gonzalo Mastriani (with a brace), Argentine Bruno Zapelli, and veteran Fernandinho scored to give the victory to coach Alexi Stival’s team, a two-time champion in 2018 and 2021 in the Sudamericana.

Forward Fredy Vera scored the only goal for the Paraguayans, who took to the field at the General Pablo Rojas Stadium without fear and aiming to surprise the visitors in their debut in the group stage of this competition.

Mastriani opened the scoring early, finding the net in the sixth minute, adding to the woes of the home team.

The adverse result didn’t discourage Ameliano, who stood their ground against the Furacão. Vera, in the 15th minute, leveled the score and his goal brought hope back to the home team.

The V Azulada team dared to push forward and attack, but as time passed, Paranaense grew stronger and capitalized on the opponent’s mistakes. Zapelli, in the 32nd minute, fired a shot that left Uruguayan goalkeeper Nicolás Rossi with no chance.

In stoppage time of the first half, Fernandinho repeated the feat against Ameliano’s goalkeeper, smashing a ball from outside the box with power to make it 1-3 before halftime.

The final result was sealed by Mastriani in the 73rd minute with a header that broke through the Guarani team’s defense, which looked lost on the field during the second half.

Apart from Ameliano and Paranaense, the E group includes Venezuelan Rayo Zuliano and Uruguayan Danubio.