In 2014, San Lorenzo sneaked through the Copa Libertadores group stage by the skin of their teeth only to end up lifting the trophy. The following year, Los Cuervos fell at the first hurdle and it looks as though Pablo Guede’s side will have to do it the hard way again this year. Defeat away to Liga de Quito in their group six opener was a disappointment but Wednesday night’s draw with Toluca in Bajo Flores has made life complicated for San Lorenzo.
The home side were gifted a perfect start when referee Enrique Osses awarded the softest of penalties after Martín Cauteruccio was nudged over in the box. Néstor Ortigoza dispatched the penalty with customary ease but the lead was to last less than a minute. Toluca immediately attacked and San Lorenzo’s absent defence allowed Carlos Esquivel to smash the ball past Sebastián Torrico.
Somehow the scores remained locked despite a host of chances at either end. Both goalkeepers repelling any efforts on target but Triverio and Mussis coming within inches at either end.
The point does little to help San Lorenzo, who must now travel to Brazil to face Grêmio knowing that defeat will make qualification a huge order. The Brazilians were 4-0 winners of Liga de Quite last night and victory would put five points between them and El Ciclón.
golazo argentino 