CONMEBOL Libertadores
Cruzeiro vs Flamengo | HIGHLIGHTS | Copa Libertadores | beIN SPORTS
Cruzeiro and Flamengo played to a 1-1 draw at the Mineirão in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores Round of 16 tie, with Keny Arroyo and Lucas Paquetá taking center stage in an all-Brazilian matchup that remains wide open ahead of the return leg at the Maracanã.… Show More
Cruzeiro and Flamengo played to a 1-1 draw at the Mineirão in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores Round of 16 tie, with Keny Arroyo and Lucas Paquetá taking center stage in an all-Brazilian matchup that remains wide open ahead of the return leg at the Maracanã.
Cruzeiro and Flamengo played to a 1-1 draw at the Mineirão in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores Round of 16 tie, with Keny Arroyo and Lucas Paquetá taking center stage in an all-Brazilian matchup that remains wide open ahead of the return leg at the Maracanã.
Arroyo broke the deadlock with a brilliant individual effort early in the second half, but Cruzeiro's advantage lasted only 15 minutes. Paquetá came off the bench and needed just a minute and a half to score Flamengo's equalizer.
Keny Arroyo lights up the Mineirão with a stunning goal
There was little to separate the two sides during a first half in which both created opportunities.
Cruzeiro threatened through Arroyo after just six minutes, while Samuel Lino responded for Flamengo with a low effort that forced Otávio Costa into a strong save.
The match then became increasingly disrupted by fouls and misplaced passes before opening up again late in the first half.
Arroyo capitalized on a Jorginho mistake in possession and sent a cross-shot wide. At the other end, Giorgian de Arrascaeta set up Bruno Henrique, whose effort went narrowly past the post.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 52nd minute.
William advanced down the right and found Arroyo. The forward beat Samuel Lino, shifted the ball onto his left foot and curled a superb effort into the top corner to put Cruzeiro ahead.
Lucas Paquetá needs just 90 seconds to respond
Flamengo pushed forward after falling behind, with Leonardo Jardim turning to his bench and introducing Lucas Paquetá and Pedro for Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique.
The move paid off almost immediately.
Ayrton Lucas delivered a free kick toward the far post, where Léo Ortiz rose highest and headed the ball against the crossbar.
The rebound stayed alive inside the box and Paquetá reacted quickly to fire it into the net, just a minute and a half after coming on.
The 1-1 draw leaves neither side with an advantage heading into the second leg at the Maracanã next Wednesday, where Cruzeiro and Flamengo will battle for a place in the quarterfinals.
