15.11.06
Copa Sudamericana Semifinal
Paranaense 0 - 1 Pachuca

Match Highlights (new window)

Goal (new window)

In a match that seemed destined to be a draw due to poor finishing, Pachuca finally got it right when Damian Alvarez unleashed a strike from 20 yards out for the game's only goal.

Time and again, both Pachuca and Atletico Paranaense looked as though they were trying to walk the ball into the net. And even though Paranaense had the better of it, numerous chances in the box saw too many touches allow the defense to get into position to make the block.

It had all started so well for Paranaense. In the 5th minute Jancarlos' free kick rattled the crossbar and only a reaction save from Enrique Meza stopped Alan Bahia from scoring seconds later.

But in the 7th minute, it was Pachuca's turn.

From a free kick, Fernando Salazar found himself all alone behind the Paranaense defense only to have his effort denied by keeper Oswaldo Alvares. Salazar had appeared offside on the play, but only if the ball were touched after being headed on, otherwise the linesman had got it right.

Nonetheless, it would be Paranaense who would spend the better part of the first half and most of the second making glorious chances seem benign. When late on Denis Marques actually one-timed a shot inside the penalty area, it was straight at keeper Meza and it seemed too little too late.

In the end, it would be Pachuca's Damian Alvarez who would provide all the heroics.

When Alvarez' Argentine teammate Christian Gimenez hit him with a pass just across the midfield stripe, Alvarez was one-on-one against defender Danilo. The Brazilian defender kept his back to goal as Alvarez pushed him upfield.

When the rest of the Paranaense defense caught up, Danilo backed off and that was all the space Alvarez would need. He snapped off a quick strike from just outside the area. The ball slammed off the near post and in for the match-winner.

Pachuca take a 1 - 0 lead back home for next week's second leg.

Paranaense will be left to ponder what happened to all the goals and great finishing that has brought them all the way to the Copa Sudamericana Semifinals.

CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana Official Site - English (new window)

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