Platense lost 2-0 to Fluminense at the Maracanã Stadium in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals. The Argentine team will need to overcome a two-goal deficit in the return match in Buenos Aires to qualify for the semi-finals.
The match started with an audacious approach from Platense, led by Martín Palermo, who sought to pressure their opponent. Despite this, they did not create clear chances until Nicolás Retamar made a long-range shot in the 18th minute, which was saved by goalkeeper Fábio.
Fluminense replied quickly, and in the 20th minute, Paulo Henrique Ganso initiated a counterattack after regaining possession, assisting Gustavo Nonato, who finished against the advancing goalkeeper Cozzani to open the scoring. The Brazilian team extended their lead 10 minutes later when Ganso threaded a pass to Hulk, who scored with a cross shot to make it 2-0.
In the second half, Fluminense adopted a more cautious stance, allowing Platense to have greater possession of the ball. However, the Argentine team struggled to capitalize on their advances in the final third. Although Platense attempted to improve their attack, they failed to trouble the opposing goalkeeper, except for a key save by Cozzani in added time.
This is the second defeat for Martín Palermo in his second stint as coach of Platense, which has now gone three matches without a win, including a recent draw against Deportivo Riestra and a loss to Defensa y Justicia. Platense reached this stage of the tournament after finishing second in their group and eliminating Coquimbo Unido in the round of 16.
In contrast, Fluminense advanced to the quarter-finals after finishing second in their group, and also overcame Independiente Rivadavia in the round of 16. In the upcoming calendar, Platense will face Estudiantes in La Plata, while Fluminense will take on Atlético Mineiro in the Brasileirao. The Copa Libertadores tie will be decided on September 15 in Vicente López.
Source: www.infobae.com
