August 20 – Ecuador’s Barcelona eliminated Fluminense 3-3 on aggregate to prevent an all-Brazilian affair in the last four of the Copa Libertadores.
The Ecuadorians stood between Fluminense and total domination of the competition by Brazilian’s clubs after Palmeiras, Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro had all won their quarterfinals. A 2-2 draw from the first leg offered Barcelona a relatively comfortable position going into the return leg.
At the Monumental stadium in Guayaquil, Uruguayan forward Gonzalo Mastriani broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, but veteran striker Fred equalised for the Rio club from the penalty spot. It was not enough and the hosts progressed by virtue of the away-goals rule.
“We played two balanced games,” reflected Fluminense coach Roger Machado at a news conference. “In the first game, we were better most of the time and we weren’t able to achieve the superiority we created in goals.”
“The second game, we created enough to beat the opponent. We were halted by the goalkeeper, and a lack of precision, at times. But I think we played a great game. With two draws, we leave the competition very upset.”
The Ecuadorians will play 2019 winners Flamengo in the last four while the reigning champions Palmeiras take on Atletico Mineiro in the other semi-final.
Montevideo will host the competition’s final at the historic Centenario Stadium on November 20.
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