Fearless Deportivo Lara stuns Independiente de Avellaneda in Copa Libertadores
Fearless Deportivo Lara from Venezuela shocked the seven-time Copa Libertadores champion, Independiente de Avellaneda, with a 1-0 victory in their debut match on Thursday. Independiente, led by Ecuadorian Fernando Gaibor, had a great chance to equalize with a header.
Colombian Carlos Sierra scored the only goal in the 11th minute, assisted by fellow Colombian Herlbert Soto. This unexpected victory puts Lara on top of the tough Group 7 with 3 points, leaving Colombian team Millonarios and Brazilian team Corinthians with 1 point each after their goalless draw. Independiente has won the Copa Libertadores more times than any other team, in 1964, 1965, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, and 1984.
Lara controlled the ball with Pedro Ramirez as their playmaker and defended fiercely when they didn't have possession. Sierra's early goal boosted the team's confidence.
It was Ramirez who started the play, passing the ball to Soto, who evaded a defender and crossed from right to left to find Sierra in the box. Sierra, a versatile midfielder, pushed the ball into the net.
Independiente tried to react after falling behind but Lara's defense neutralized their attempts. Gaibor missed a great opportunity to equalize in the 25th minute with a header over the crossbar.
The main weapon of the Argentine champions against the secure Lara defense were shots from long distance by players like Maximiliano Meza and Martin Benitez. Benitez came close to equalizing with a powerful shot in the 28th minute, but Lara's goalkeeper Carlos Salazar made a crucial save.
Lara continued to attack and Soto tested Independiente's goalkeeper Martin Campaña. In the second half, Independiente pushed harder, forcing the Venezuelan team to defend deeper, but their attacks lacked power. Jhonathan Menendez had a long-range shot in the 48th minute.
Independiente's coach, Ariel Holan, made substitutions, bringing in Juan Manuel Martinez and later Leandro Fernandez. They crowded their attack.
'El Burrito' Martinez had the clearest chance for the visitors in the 67th minute with a powerful shot in the box, but Sierra cleared the ball off the goal line. With desperation, Independiente continued to press, but Lara maintained their organization and still dared to attack.
Three minutes before the end of regulation time, Juan Falcon hit the post after a counterattack with a pass from Ramirez. Independiente had chances to equalize but also to suffer a worse defeat. However, the 1-0 score remained unchanged.
Deportivo Lara's next match will be on March 14 when they visit Corinthians. The next day, Independiente will host Millonarios.