In a tight, goalless match, Cerro Largo managed to secure a valuable 0-0 draw away against Central Córdoba in the first leg of the play-offs for the Copa Sudamericana round of 32. The game was played at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero, where the Uruguayan side showed strong defensive organization to leave Argentina with a result that keeps the series wide open heading into the return leg in Montevideo.

First half with better chances

The Argentine side, known as El Ferroviario, controlled the early stages but failed to turn dominance into goals. Cerro Largo responded with two dangerous chances: a long-range shot from Sebastián Assis that narrowly missed the right post of Alan Aguerre, and a powerful effort by Mario García that was saved by the goalkeeper.

At the 31st minute, Leandro Otormín carved out space for a shot that was again stopped by Aguerre. The home team’s clearest chance came near halftime when Franco Alfonso attempted an overhead kick that was spectacularly saved by Gino Santilli, the Uruguayan goalkeeper.

Slower second half with everything to be decided in Uruguay

After the break, the game slowed down, and goal-scoring opportunities were scarce. Central Córdoba struggled to break down the visitors' defense and only created mild danger through a weak long-range shot by Casermeiro and a tame header by Florentín, both comfortably saved.

Cerro Largo, who have been inconsistent and have only one win in their last twelve matches, focused on maintaining a compact shape and holding the scoreline. The strategy paid off, and now they return home with a chance to finish the job.

The decisive match will be played next Tuesday at the Estadio Campeón del Siglo in Montevideo, where the Uruguayan team will look to take advantage of their home support. Meanwhile, Central Córdoba will visit Atlético Tucumán this weekend in the Argentine league, and the Melo-based club will rest ahead of the Uruguayan season, which begins in August.

With the first leg ending in a draw, the tie remains finely balanced, and just one goal could make all the difference in Uruguay.