Athletico-PR Holds Cerro Porteño to 1-1 Draw in Sudamericana Playoffs
Athletico-PR faced Cerro Porteño on Thursday in the first leg of the Sudamericana playoffs at General Pablo Rojas Stadium in Paraguay.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Christian scored for Athletico-PR, while Miguel Ángel netted for Cerro Porteño.
This result means Athletico-PR needs a win in the second leg to advance to the Round of 16. Another draw would lead to a penalty shootout.
Athletico-PR finished one point behind Sportivo Ameliano in the Sudamericana standings.
Cerro Porteño, coming from the Libertadores, was eliminated after finishing third in their group. The winner will face Belgrano-ARG in the next round.
Before their next match on Thursday, Athletico-PR will face Red Bull Bragantino in the Brasileirão on Sunday at Nabi Abi Chedid Stadium. Cerro Porteño will only play again for the decisive playoff match.
Miguel Ángel scored for Cerro Porteño at the 33rd minute, shooting past Athletico-PR’s goalkeeper Léo Linck after a pass from Derlis Rodríguez.
In stoppage time of the first half, Diego Churín had a chance to extend Cerro Porteño’s lead with a penalty. However, he struck the ball too hard, sending it over the bar.
Athletico-PR equalized in the second half through Christian. At the 24th minute, Christian capitalized on a precise cross from Canobbio, heading the ball into the net.
Athletico-PR Holds Cerro Porteño to 1-1 Draw in Sudamericana Playoffs
Athletico-PR also had a penalty chance, but Jean, the former São Paulo goalkeeper, guessed correctly and saved Fernandinho’s shot.
This match matters because it sets the stage for the crucial second leg, with both teams having clear paths to victory.
The Sudamericana playoffs offer a vital opportunity for clubs eliminated from the Libertadores to compete for continental glory.
Athletico-PR and Cerro Porteño, both with rich histories, are fighting for a chance to continue their campaigns in international competitions.
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