Cerro Porteño advances to Copa Libertadores Group Stage with Victory Over Melgar
March 12, 2025
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay – Cerro Porteño secured a spot in the Copa Libertadores group stage after a dominant 4-2 victory over Melgar of Peru. The Paraguayan side,known as the “Ciclón de Barrio Obrero,” will now await the draw on March 17 to determine their opponents in the prestigious South American tournament.
Argentine Flair Fuels Cerro porteño’s Libertadores Run
Argentine players played a crucial role in Cerro Porteño’s victory. Sergio Araújo opened the scoring early in the match,and Federico Carrizo added another goal in the second half.Francisco da Costa, from Brazil, and Alexis Fariña also contributed to the scoreline, sealing the win for the home side.

Match summary: Cerro Porteño 4, Melgar 2
Cerro Porteño showcased an impressive attacking display in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores qualifier. After winning the first leg 1-0 in Arequipa, the Paraguayan team completed the task at home. Araújo’s early goal in the 12th minute set the tone, while Carrizo’s strike in the 56th minute extended the lead. Da Costa scored in the 70th, and Fariña added the final goal in the 79th minute. Melgar responded with goals from Tomás Martínez via penalty in the 51st minute and Percy Liza in the 88th minute, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Cerro Porteño’s advantage.
Coach’s Corner: Diego Martínez’s reaction
“I am happy with the team; we have achieved one of the objectives for this semester,” said Cerro Porteño’s coach, Diego Martínez, after the match. “Now, we will try to put the club at the highest level.” Martínez also noted, “It was the best game of the year, and paradoxically, something happened that we don’t like, which is not having so much control of the ball.”
Match Details and Key Moments
- Final Score: Cerro Porteño 4,melgar 2
- Goals:
- Cerro Porteño: Sergio Araujo (12′),Federico Carrizo (56′),Francisco da Costa (70′),Alexis Fariña (79′)
- Melgar: Tomás Martínez (51′ penalty),Percy Liza (88′)
- Stadium: La Nueva Olla,Asunción
- Referee: Raphael Claus
Tactical Formations
Cerro Porteño lined up in a 4-3-3 formation,featuring Roberto Fernández in goal,alan Benítez,Víctor Velázquez,Matías Pérez,and Guillermo Benítez in defense. The midfield consisted of Gastón Giménez, Robert Piris da Motta, and Gabriel Aguayo. Upfront, the attack was led by cecilio Domínguez, Sergio Araujo, and Federico Carrizo.
Melgar countered with a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Carlos Cáceda in goal, Matías Lazo, Pier Barrios, Leonel González, and Nelson Cabanillas in defense. The midfield comprised Horacio Orzán, Tomás Martínez, Walter Tandazo, Kenji Cabrera, and Lautaro Guzmán, with Cristian Bordacahar as the lone striker.
Looking Ahead
Cerro Porteño’s place is secured in the Copa Libertadores group stage, and they could face Argentine teams such as Vélez, Racing, River, Talleres, Estudiantes, and Central Córdoba in the tournament.
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**What tactical formation did Cerro Porteño utilize in their victory over Melgar, and how did it contribute to their attacking success?**
Cerro Porteño Advances to Copa Libertadores Group Stage with Victory Over Melgar
March 12, 2025
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay – Cerro Porteño secured a spot in the Copa Libertadores group stage after a dominant 4-2 victory over Melgar of Peru. The Paraguayan side,known as the ”Ciclón de Barrio Obrero,” will now await the draw on March 17 to determine their opponents in the prestigious South American tournament.
Argentine Flair Fuels Cerro porteño’s Libertadores Run
Argentine players played a crucial role in Cerro Porteño’s victory.Sergio Araújo opened the scoring early in the match,and Federico carrizo added another goal in the second half.Francisco da Costa, from brazil, and Alexis Fariña also contributed to the scoreline, sealing the win for the home side.
Match summary: cerro Porteño 4, Melgar 2
Cerro Porteño showcased an extraordinary attacking display in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores qualifier. After winning the first leg 1-0 in Arequipa, the Paraguayan team completed the task at home. Araújo’s early goal in the 12th minute set the tone, while Carrizo’s strike in the 56th minute extended the lead. Da Costa scored in the 70th, and Fariña added the final goal in the 79th minute. Melgar responded with goals from Tomás Martínez via penalty in the 51st minute and Percy Liza in the 88th minute, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Cerro Porteño’s advantage.
Coach’s Corner: Diego Martínez’s reaction
“I am happy with the team; we have achieved one of the objectives for this semester,” said Cerro Porteño’s coach, Diego Martínez, after the match. “now,we will try to put the club at the highest level.” Martínez also noted, “It was the best game of the year, and paradoxically, something happened that we don’t like, which is not having so much control of the ball.”
Match Details and Key Moments
- Final score: Cerro Porteño 4,melgar 2
- Goals:
- Cerro Porteño: Sergio Araujo (12′),Federico Carrizo (56′),francisco da costa (70′),Alexis Fariña (79′)
- Melgar: Tomás Martínez (51′ penalty),Percy Liza (88′)
- Stadium: La Nueva Olla,Asunción
- Referee: Raphael Claus
Tactical Formations
Cerro Porteño lined up in a 4-3-3 formation,featuring Roberto Fernández in goal,alan benítez,Víctor Velázquez,Matías Pérez,and Guillermo Benítez in defense. The midfield consisted of Gastón Giménez, Robert Piris da Motta, and Gabriel Aguayo. Upfront, the attack was led by cecilio domínguez, Sergio Araujo,and Federico Carrizo.
Melgar countered with a 4-5-1 formation,featuring Carlos Cáceda in goal,Matías Lazo,Pier Barrios,Leonel González,and Nelson Cabanillas in defense. The midfield comprised Horacio Orzán, tomás Martínez, Walter Tandazo, Kenji Cabrera, and Lautaro Guzmán, with Cristian bordacahar as the lone striker.
Looking Ahead
Cerro Porteño’s place is secured in the Copa Libertadores group stage, and they could face Argentine teams such as Vélez, Racing, River, Talleres, Estudiantes, and Central Córdoba in the tournament.
Alianza Lima secures Spot in Copa Libertadores Group Stage
Alianza Lima has advanced to the group stage of the Copa Libertadores,South America’s premier club competition.
Gorosito Comments on Boca Juniors’ investment
Following Alianza Lima’s qualification, Pipo Gorosito made remarks regarding Boca juniors’ meaningful investment in their squad.
Argentinian Teams aim to Avoid Alianza Lima ”Curse”
With Alianza Lima’s entry into the group stage, Argentinian teams will be looking to avoid what has been described as a “curse.”
CONMEBOL Sanctions Cerro Porteño After Racist Act
CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American soccer, has sanctioned Cerro Porteño after a young Palmeiras player was subjected to racist abuse, following complaints by Vinicius Jr. Incidents of racism have also been reported at the U20 level.
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Q&A: Cerro Porteño’s Copa Libertadores Qualification
Get the lowdown on Cerro Porteño’s exciting victory:
What is the Copa Libertadores?
The Copa Libertadores is the most prestigious club football tournament in South America, equivalent to the UEFA Champions League in Europe.It features top teams from across the continent competing for the title.
Who is Cerro Porteño?
Cerro Porteño is a prominent Paraguayan football club, nicknamed “Ciclón de Barrio Obrero.” They are known for their passionate fanbase and have a rich history in Paraguayan football.
Who were Cerro Porteño’s key players in the match?
Argentine players Sergio Araújo and Federico Carrizo were instrumental, each scoring a goal. Francisco da Costa (Brazil) and Alexis Fariña also contributed to the scoring, securing the victory.
What formation did Cerro Porteño use?
Cerro Porteño deployed a 4-3-3 formation, designed to maximize their attacking potential.
When is the Copa Libertadores group stage draw?
The draw to determine the group stage matchups is scheduled for March 17, 2025. This is when Cerro porteño will learn their group stage opponents.
What is the significance of the victory over Melgar?
The win over Melgar secured Cerro Porteño’s place in the lucrative and competitive group stage of the Copa Libertadores. This guarantees them more high-profile matches and a chance at continental glory.
What challenges might Cerro Porteño face in the group stage?
They could possibly face strong Argentine teams like River Plate or Boca Juniors, known for their tactical prowess and passionate fanbases. Away matches in high-altitude cities like La Paz, Bolivia, can also pose a important challenge.
What is the CONMEBOL sanction against Cerro Porteño?
CONMEBOL sanctioned Cerro Porteño following a racist incident involving a Palmeiras player. This highlights the ongoing fight against racism in South American football.
Cheer on Cerro Porteño as they embark on their Copa Libertadores journey! Stay tuned for the draw and follow their progress in the group stage.