Vélez Sarsfield and Olimpia drew 1-1 this Thursday in Buenos Aires, on Matchday 4 of Group H in the Copa Libertadores. The result leaves the Argentine side tied at the top of the group with Peñarol, while the Paraguayan team stays alive thanks to the point earned.

A strong first half for Vélez

The team managed by Guillermo Barros Schelotto opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, following a brilliant move by Francisco Pizzini, who set up Maher Carrizo one-on-one with keeper Gastón Olivera, and Carrizo calmly slotted it home. Despite the setback, Olimpia responded with a couple of chances: a bicycle kick from Hugo Adrián Benítez that tested keeper Tomás Marchiori, and a free kick from Rodney Redes that rattled the crossbar.

Olimpia fight back and equalize at the death

In the second half, both teams made changes. Former Vélez striker Lucas Pratto came on for Olimpia and received a warm welcome from the home crowd. The Argentine side kept control and nearly doubled their lead on a counterattack, ending with a header from Emanuel Mammana to Thiago Silvero, who was denied by a quick intervention from Olivera.

Just when it seemed like the match was over, a powerful run from Derlis González in the 92nd minute ended in a pass to Hugo Fernández, who slotted in the equalizer and kept Olimpia’s hopes alive in the group.

With this result, Vélez and Peñarol are tied at the top of Group H with seven points each, followed by San Antonio Bulo Bulo with six, and Olimpia in last place with two points — though they still have a mathematical chance to advance. Next week, on Wednesday, Olimpia will visit Peñarol in Montevideo, while Vélez will host San Antonio Bulo Bulo in Buenos Aires.