UCV vs Libertad

Universidad Central opened their Libertadores Group H campaign in style, defeating Libertad Asunción 3-1 at the Estadio Olímpico in Caracas on April 9. The most dramatic moment arrived deep in stoppage time, when Francisco Solé buried a composed penalty into the right corner to put the game firmly beyond doubt. Juan Manuel Cuesta opened the scoring on 30 minutes for the Venezuelan hosts. Libertad's Lorenzo Melgarejo leveled the tie just after the hour mark (61'), briefly renewing the Paraguayans' hopes. Yeiber Murillo restored the home side's advantage in the 88th minute, and Solé's clinical late penalty — converted in the sixth minute of added time — completed a memorable evening for the home faithful. The result sends Universidad Central to the top of Group H with a perfect three points from matchday one. For Libertad, the opening defeat makes recovery essential — they'll need a sharper showing when the sides cross paths again later in the group stage.