There was no update on Vélez’s fortunes in the Libertadores last night, I’m afraid, because their match against Internacional in Porto Alegre kicked off far too late at night (by UK time) even for my tastes. Forgive me, then, for leaving it until now to report that for once this year, a match involving one or more Argentine teams has actually finished 0-0. Inter striker Christian was sent off in the 27th minute for a second yellow card after diving in the box.
Olé say Vélez were the better side, which isn’t hard to believe for anyone who saw them thrash the defending champs 3-0 at their own place two weeks ago. With this result, Vélez have all but secured their qualification to the second round. They top Group 4 with 8 points from four matches – Nacional of Uruguay are second, with 4 points from three matches, whilst Inter, 4 points from four matches, could be on the verge of becoming the first defending champions in the history of the Copa to exit in the first round.
Tonight, at 1am UK time, River Plate take on LDU Quito in the Monumental in what’s really become a must-win match for them. River are third in Group 6, level on 4 points with LDU going into tonight’s match. Caracas, top with 6, play Colo Colo in Santiago tomorrow night.
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