Stalemate in Brazil Keeps Series Open

The first battle between Fortaleza and Vélez Sarsfield in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 ended without goals, leaving the outcome completely open for the return match in Argentina. The Brazilian side pushed hard at home, but the Argentine club showed resilience and even threatened to take an advantage despite the hostile atmosphere at the Arena Castelão.

Early on, Claudio Baeza almost silenced the crowd with a dangerous shot, followed shortly by a strike from Braian Romero that forced Helton Leite into action. Fortaleza answered through Marinho, whose long-range attempt went wide, but the home side suffered a major setback when Benjamín Kuscevic was forced off injured after just 20 minutes.

Both teams traded attacks throughout the first half, with Marinho and Breno Lopes leading Fortaleza’s offense, while Romero caused constant problems for the defense but couldn’t find the net.

Tactical Adjustments and Missed Chances

In the second half, coach Renato Paiva looked for fresh ideas, bringing on Adam Bareiro for Deyverson, but it was the entry of Venezuelan Kervin Andrade that gave Fortaleza more spark. On the visiting bench, Guillermo Barros Schelotto introduced Javier Machuca and Tobías Andrade to push for a breakthrough.

The match’s final twist came when Matheus Rossetto saw red in the 88th minute for a foul on Machuca, leaving Fortaleza with 10 men. However, even with the numerical advantage, Vélez couldn’t capitalize before the final whistle.

The goalless draw means any win in the second leg will send Vélez through, while another draw would force extra time. With both teams showing flashes of danger, the return match promises intensity, as a quarterfinal spot in South America’s top club tournament hangs in the balance.