América Makes History with 4-1 Victory over Peñarol in Copa Sudamericana Debut

Debut in the Copa Sudamericana, a ‘heavyweight’ opponent… None of that frightened América, who put on a show and made history: they thrashed Peñarol 4-1 this Wednesday (5/4). In Independência, the team was dominant from beginning to end to take the lead in Group F of the continental tournament.

Coelho’s initial dominance made a difference on the scoreboard even before the five minutes. At 2′, the birthday boy Éder scored with a header. Three minutes later, the Uruguayan Mastriani took advantage of a blunder in the defense to score against his home country’s team.

In the second half, the striker scored again, but it wasn’t the end. Wellington Paulista, who had just joined, closed the rout over the five-time Copa Libertadores champions with a beautiful header.

The Uruguayans even took advantage of Mansilla, but there was no more time to react. With the historic victory, Coelho assumes the isolated leadership of Group H, with a goal scored more than Millonarios-COL.

With morale, América will return to the field on Sunday, at 4:30 pm, in the Mineirão, to try to revert Atlético’s advantage in the final of the Campeonato Mineiro. Coelho was defeated by 3-2 in the first leg and needs to win by at least two goals difference to keep the cup.

As for the Sul-Americana, the Minas Gerais team will face Defensa y Justiça-ARG in the next round. The game is scheduled for April 19, Wednesday, at 7 pm (Brasília time), at the Norberto Tito Tomaghello Stadium, in Buenos Aires.

withering start

Pressure for the debut? Nothing. América started the duel with the giant Peñarol controlling the actions and was rewarded after 2′. Everaldo was fouled on the left end, and Benítez made the perfect cross for Éder, with a header, to open the scoring in Horto: 1 a 0.

In the following minutes, Peñarol balanced possession of the ball, but still struggled against Alviverde’s defense. The first danger shot occurred close to the 20th minute, when Arezo almost scored a bicycle kick goal, but stopped in Cavichioli.

América bet a lot on turnarounds, especially with Éder and Benítez. When the Uruguayans were under pressure, he even explored the long balls, looking for a ‘cone’ from Mastriani.

At the end of the first half, Peñarol had greater control of the ball, but it did not scare Cavichioli.

Building a historic scoreboard

With pain in his left knee, Benítez did not return for the second stage, giving way to fellow Argentine Martínez. Even without the number 10 shirt, Coelho came back the same way he started the match: pressing.

América’s offensiveness paid off again, this time at 10′. After a beautiful launch by Matheusinho, Juninho received it in the penalty area, penned the opponent’s defender and rolled for Mastriani, alone, to score his second and the third of the match: 3 a 0.

Peñarol, in turn, continued looking for the right side of the attack to threaten the hosts. Abel almost scored with a header from a corner kick, but it was Coelho who celebrated again in Horto.

After three moves by Mancini, Wellington Paulista – who had just come on – received a beautiful cross from Martínez and increased América’s advantage with a header: 4 a 0.

Shortly after, at 31′, Peñarol cashed out. Arezo opened on the right and Milans crossed for Mansilla to score: 4 a 1.

The goal, however, did not shake America. In counterattacks, the team almost extended, but hit the fatigue and lack of aim. End of the night with a rout of Coelho’s history over one of the biggest clubs on the continent.

America 4 x 1 Penarol

America

Matheus Cavichioli; Arthur, Iago Maidana, Éder and Marlon; Alê, (Mateus Gonçalves, at 20′ of Q2), Juninho (Lucas Kal, at 20′ of Q2) and Benítez (Martínez, at half-time); Matheusinho, Everaldo (Henrique Almeida, 39′ of Q2) and Mastriani (Wellington Paulista, 20′ of Q2)

Technician: Vagner Mancini

Penarol

Thiago Cardozo; Milans, Leo Coelho, Menosse and Lucas Hernandez; Christopher (Saravia, 20′ 2oT), Homenchenko (Abel Hernandez, 13′ 2oT) Rodriguez; Mendez, Rossi (Mansilla, 13′ of 2oT) and Arezo

Technician: Alfredo Arias

goals: Éder, at 2′ of Q1, Mastriani (2x), at 5′ of Q1, and at 10′ of Q2, Wellington Paulista, at 23′ of Q2; Mansilla, at 31′ of Q2

yellow cards: Lucas Hernández and Menosse

Reason: 1st round of the South American group stage

Local: Independence, in Belo Horizonte

date and time: 5/4/2023, at 9 pm

Referee: Guillermo Guerrero (EQU)

assistants: Byron Romero (EQU) e Danny Avila (EQU)

WAS: Juan Lara (CHI)