In a thrilling opener for Group G of the 2025 Copa Libertadores, Palmeiras edged out Sporting Cristal with a narrow 3-2 victory at the Estadio Nacional in Lima on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing both teams' resilience and determination.
The Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras, one of the favorites to lift the trophy, struck first with a goal from 17-year-old Estevao at the 38-minute mark. Estevao capitalized on a chaotic situation in the box, demonstrating poise and skill to find the net, giving Palmeiras an early lead.
However, Sporting Cristal, the Peruvian side, refused to back down. They equalized in the second half when Jesús Pretell unleashed a stunning long-range shot in the 67th minute. The goal not only marked Pretell's first in the tournament but also represented a significant moment for Peruvian football, as it was the first goal scored by a Peruvian team in the group stage of this year’s edition.
Just minutes later, Palmeiras regained the lead through Joaquín Piquerez, who converted a penalty kick in the 82nd minute after a foul by Cristal's Leonardo Sosa. Piquerez's calm finish put Palmeiras back in front, but the drama was far from over.
In a remarkable display of tenacity, Martín Távara responded for Cristal just a minute later, leveling the score at 2-2 with a brilliant left-footed strike that left Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton with no chance. The equalizer sent shockwaves through the stadium, igniting hopes of a potential upset among the home fans.
As the match approached its conclusion, it seemed both teams might settle for a draw. However, in a heartbreaking twist for Cristal, Richard Ríos, who had come on as a substitute in the second half, scored a decisive header in the dying moments of the game, sealing the victory for Palmeiras at 90+2 minutes.
Ríos’s goal came after a well-executed set piece, showcasing his aerial prowess and determination. The Colombian had earlier been the subject of a VAR review for a hard foul but escaped with just a warning, and he made sure to make his presence felt when it mattered most.
Despite the loss, Sporting Cristal displayed commendable fighting spirit throughout the match. Head coach Guillermo Farré praised his team's performance, saying, "We showed great character, especially after going behind twice. We have to build on this performance moving forward."
Next up, Sporting Cristal will face Bolívar in La Paz, where they will look to bounce back from this tough defeat. Meanwhile, Palmeiras will host Cerro Porteño in São Paulo, aiming to maintain their winning momentum.
This encounter was a testament to the competitive spirit of the Copa Libertadores, as both teams fought tooth and nail for every inch on the pitch. The match not only entertained fans but also set the tone for what promises to be an exciting group stage.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these two teams to see how they adapt and respond to this thrilling opener. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the journey in the Copa Libertadores is just beginning.
