On an unforgettable night for the Aurinegros fans, Peñarol hit the table by beating Flamengo 1-0 at the legendary Maracaná Stadiumin the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. A goal of Javier Cabrera unleashed euphoria among fans of the Titmousewho saw how their team took a valuable advantage ahead of the rematch in Montevideo. Mengao had not lost at home at the Maracaná in international tournaments for 5 years: the last time was against Peñarol.
The match began with both teams measuring their strength, but it was Flamengo who took control in the first minutes, pushed by the fervent local fans. However, Peñarol’s defense, led by a solid Guzmán Rodríguez, stood firm against the attacks of the Brazilian team. The archer Washington Aguerre He also had an outstanding performance, intervening in key moments to keep the goal clean.
Peñarol hit quickly on the counter. At 13 minutes into the first half, El Cangrejo ran 70 meters to reach the rival area to receive a good pass from Maximiliano Silvera and score from the right to make it 1-0. The ball hit the right post of Agustín Rossi’s goal and crossed the line to open the scoring. The sepulchral silence that invaded the Maracaná contrasted with the shouts of joy from the players and the Aurinegros fans present.
This victory not only reinforces Peñarol’s dream of lifting the Copa Libertadores again, but also revives the club’s rich history in this competition. Peñarol has won the trophy five times (1960, 1961, 1966, 1982 and 1987), being one of the most successful teams on the continent. In addition, the Carbonero has achieved epic triumphs in Brazilian lands over the years like the one in 20119 against the same rival and in the same scenario 1-0 with Lucas Viatri’s goal, for the group stage of the Libertadores. That had been precisely Flamengo’s last defeat in their stadium in international tournaments.
Diego Aguirre’s team will seek to finish its task to get into the semifinals next Thursday when it receives the Brazilian team in its stadium.