Club Libertad earned a valuable 0-0 draw against River Plate on Thursday at La Huerta stadium in Asunción in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16. The result leaves the series wide open ahead of the decisive return leg on August 21 at Buenos Aires’ Monumental stadium.

Home side on top in first half

Playing at home, the Paraguayan side showed more initiative in the first half. The Gumarelo created the best chances to break the deadlock, with goalkeeper Franco Armani playing a key role in keeping the Argentine side’s clean sheet intact.

Lorenzo Melgarejo tested with off-target shots that still unsettled River’s backline. The clearest chance came in the 32nd minute when Hugo Fernández broke free on a counterattack and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, forcing a spectacular save from Armani.

River Plate struggled to create depth in attack and only threatened with a long-range effort from Colombian Kevin Castaño, which missed the target.

River responds but can’t find the net

In the second half, coach Marcelo Gallardo sought more attacking presence by bringing on Juan Fernando Quintero, Sebastián Driussi, and Ignacio Fernández. The changes worked, with River taking control and pushing into the final third.

Facundo Colidio had two clear scoring opportunities, but goalkeeper Martín Silva was up to the challenge. Later, Ignacio Fernández and Quintero also tried their luck, without success. In the closing minutes, a Quintero free kick and a powerful shot from Gonzalo Montiel were again denied by Silva, cementing his status as man of the match.

The goalless draw leaves everything to play for in Buenos Aires. Both Libertad and River Plate will need a win to advance to the quarterfinals, while another draw would send the tie to penalties. The second leg promises a high-stakes showdown at the Monumental.