In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio José Amalfitani, Vélez Sarsfield emerged victorious over Peñarol with a dramatic 2-1 win in their first match of Group H in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2025. The match, held on April 2, 2025, showcased both teams' determination, but it was Vélez who ultimately triumphed with a last-minute goal.
The game kicked off with both teams displaying cautious strategies. Vélez, under the guidance of coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto, aimed to establish dominance early on, while Peñarol, known for their solid defensive play, sought to absorb pressure and counterattack. The first real opportunity fell to the hosts when Braian Romero's shot from the edge of the penalty area went wide, followed by a missed header from Lagos after a corner kick.
Peñarol responded with a dangerous attack in the 21st minute. Javier Cabrera delivered a cross that found Leo Fernández, who skillfully maneuvered past two defenders but ultimately struck the outside of the net with a powerful shot, narrowly missing the opening goal.
As the game progressed, Vélez began to find their rhythm, generating a few promising chances. A close-range effort from Bouzat was thwarted by Peñarol's goalkeeper, Martín Campaña, who displayed quick reflexes to keep the score level.
After a tense first half that ended without goals, the second half brought immediate action. Just two minutes in, Leo Fernández nearly scored an Olympic goal from a corner, hitting the post. However, the breakthrough came shortly after, in the 47th minute, when a well-placed cross from Javier Cabrera was met by Fernández, who finished decisively to put Peñarol ahead 1-0.
With their backs against the wall, Vélez had to push forward. They created several attempts to equalize, including a volley from Elías Gómez that sailed over the bar and a powerful shot from Montoro that grazed the post. Their persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Maher Carrizo found the back of the net with a spectacular long-range strike, leveling the score at 1-1.
The equalizer sparked renewed energy in the Vélez squad, and they surged forward in search of a winning goal. Michael Santos nearly put them ahead with a brilliant shot that forced another fantastic save from Campaña. As the match approached its climax, it became clear that Vélez was hungry for victory.
In a heart-stopping finale, a free-kick taken by Braian Romero was initially saved by Campaña, but the rebound fell perfectly for Álvaro Montoro, who was quick to react and score the winning goal in the dying moments of the game. The dramatic 2-1 victory sent the home crowd into a frenzy as Vélez celebrated a crucial win in their Libertadores campaign.
This victory not only marks an important start for Vélez in the tournament but also serves as a confidence booster following their earlier struggles in the domestic league. The fans, who had been anxious following the team's disappointing opening in the Torneo Apertura, were thrilled to witness their team fight back and secure a memorable win.
As the group stage progresses, Vélez Sarsfield will look to build on this momentum. They are placed in a competitive Group H, alongside Olimpia from Paraguay and San Antonio Bulo Bulo from Bolivia, with the latter being newcomers to the international scene. The stakes are high, and Vélez aims to capitalize on their home advantage in upcoming matches.
With this victory, Vélez has signaled their intent to be a formidable contender in the Copa Libertadores, a tournament that has historically been a platform for South American clubs to showcase their talent and ambition. The thrilling nature of their comeback against Peñarol has undoubtedly set the tone for what promises to be an exciting campaign.
In the broader context of the tournament, Peñarol will need to regroup and reassess their strategy as they look to bounce back in their next fixture. The Uruguayan side, despite their early lead, will take lessons from this match and aim to improve their performance as the competition unfolds.
As the dust settles on this exciting encounter, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how both teams adapt and respond in their upcoming matches. With the Libertadores being one of the most prestigious tournaments in South American football, every point is crucial, and every match tells a story of its own.
