Melgar drew 0-0 with Inter de Porto Alegre in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals. The 'Dominó' couldn't land the first blow in Arequipa and is preparing for the return match in Brazil. However, the 'Colorado' coach praised the performance of the Peruvian team.
Despite dominating the entire match, Melgar couldn't score against Inter de Porto Alegre and coach Mano Menezes was quite surprised by the quality of the 'Dominó'. The Brazilian coach revealed that they expected an intense game, but the red-and-black team managed to complicate them in the Copa Sudamericana.
Menezes praises Melgar, but does not underestimate them
In a press conference, Menezes highlighted Melgar's campaign in the Copa Sudamericana and made a request to Brazilian clubs ahead of the quarterfinal rematch.
"We played against a great rival. We have to learn to recognize that. We have to lose the Brazilian habit of thinking that everyone is less than us. Melgar is a well-constructed team, plays good football, has a great coach, they work well," commented Menezes.
Similarly, the coach of Inter de Porto Alegre praised the goalless draw achieved in Arequipa. However, he pointed out that the second leg will be very complicated and the tie is open for any team.
"We achieved our goal because, after the initial difficulties, we had a better defensive adjustment. In the second half, we defended well. With ten men, we defended even better. We knew that the match was quite challenging. We expected an opponent with that quality," he said.
When will Melgar play in the Copa Sudamericana again?
The second leg match between Melgar and Inter de Porto Alegre will take place on August 11th at 17:15 local time in Brazil. The 'Dominó' will seek to secure their spot in the next round of the international tournament and continue making history.
After the goalless draw at the Monumental Stadium of UNSA, the tie is still open and Melgar will try to cause a major upset in the Copa Sudamericana if they manage to qualify for the semifinals.