Libertad vs Independiente Valle

Independiente del Valle walked away from Asunción with a 3-2 win over Libertad in Copa Libertadores Group H, powered by a brilliant hat-trick from Carlos González — all three goals delivered by header. González broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute with a clinical header, only for Lorenzo Melgarejo to level for the hosts six minutes later, also with his head. The second half was all IDV: González headed his second home on 50 minutes and completed his treble on 64. Mateo Carabajal twice struck the woodwork, and an early visitor goal was ruled offside. A Melgarejo penalty on 84 — after Jhegson Méndez fouled a Libertad attacker — trimmed the deficit, but it was too little, too late. Independiente del Valle now top Group H with seven points from three games, three clear of Rosario Central. Libertad remain pointless and are staring at an early Libertadores exit.