Lanús lost on the night to Estudiantes but went through to the round of 16 in the 2007 Copa Sudamericana all the same, having won the first leg (which was played absolutely ages ago, even I’d forgotten about it) 2-0. El Granate were 2-0 down at half-time and Estudiantes looked on course to overturn the deficit, but it wasn’t to be.
In the first half, El Pincha, despite having a number of players injured (not least Seba Verón) had set out their stall to attack, as they needed to, and the breakthrough came just eight minutes in through Emiliano Pirchio’s smart finish after Pablo Piatti had crossed. Pablo Alvarez doubled the lead and drew Estudiantes level on aggregate in the 21st minute, applying the decisive touch to a Leandro Benítez free kick.
In the second half, though, it fell apart as Sebastián Domínguez’s own goal left Lanús 3-2 up and took the momentum away from the hosts. Thus calmed, Lanús controlled the ball better for the last half hour and Pablo Lugüercio’s introduction for Estudiantes could do little to change things. In the first round proper, Lanús will play either Atlético Paranaense or Vasco da Gama (Vasco having won the first leg 4-2 away).
For the goals from tonight’s game, check back tomorrow.
Photo nicked from tycsports.com
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