Barcelona ends up against the ropes in its debut of 2018 Copa Sudamericana
Barcelona ended in a scoreless draw against the modest Paraguayan team General Díaz that could have easily won the match in the additional minutes if it wasn't for the torero goalkeeper Máximo Banguera, who was sent off for abruptly ending a counterattack by Wilson Ibarrola when the match was about to end, in the 90+5th minute.
Immediately, there were different reactions on social media. Banguera, hero or villain? There were more who approved the foul committed by the goalkeeper, who was near the center circle, far from his goal, with all his teammates in the General Díaz's side of the field on a corner kick that seemed to be the last action of the first leg match.
If Banguera hadn't committed the foul, when he was already surpassed by Ibarrola, he surely would have scored unguarded. "Máximo saved Barcelona", it was read last night. "It's the first time I applaud an expulsion, it was that or a goal", commented another internaut.
Por favor quien está tratando de echarle la culpa a Máximo Banguera. Cuidado es bueno saber que el equipo estaba expuesto, eso significa que el arquero está en la misma situación, para mí lo manejo bien. Yo hubiera hecho lo mismo, ósea estaría expulsado ahorita. Apoyo a Máximo!!
— Carlos Luis Morales (@CLMoralesB) 21 de febrero de 2018
NADIE debe reclamarle nada a banguera él nos ha salvado de una VERGÜENZA se tuvo que sacrificar para no perder
— Jose Andres (@San_Duchito) 21 de febrero de 2018
Esos que putean a Banguera deberían de dejar de ver fútbol y ponerse a jugar al té con sus muñecas... Si no es por Banguera el equipo perdía.
— R. (@Raidkkonen) 21 de febrero de 2018
Si no te defiende como Banguera al arco de Barcelona. #NoTeAmaHpta pic.twitter.com/agn0PuKwpS
— ¡Vamos Barcelona! (@vamosbsc) 21 de febrero de 2018
But others didn't see it that way: Why did he come out all the way to the midfield, why did he "take down" the opposing forward when the defenders could've reached him, were part of the questioning towards Barcelona's number 1, who won't be able to play in the second leg match in Paraguay on March 7th.
General Díaz ended the regular 90 minutes resisting the aerial attacks by Ariel Nahuelpán and Juan Dinenno, the torero team's weapons on Tuesday night. The crossbar and the post prevented the ball from entering the Monumental.
For the second leg match, a new scoreless draw will take the tie to penalties, while a draw with goals will give Guillermo Almada's team the qualification. (D)