Eduardo Coudet’s decision to rotate his side for the Copa Libertadores has so far not quite worked out and after luckily snatching a draw from their opener against Nacional, El Canalla slumped to defeat away to Palmeiras. Unquestionably hindered by the torrential rain that soaked the pitch through the first half, Central were second best and it was little surprise when Jonathan Cristaldo poked the Brazilians in front.
Once the rain subsided after the break, Central looked more like the side that we are now accustomed to and should have found an equaliser. Franco Cervi provided the greatest threat and when he was scythed down on his way into the penalty area it handed Marco Ruben a glorious opportunity. Fernando Prass dived to his right and managed to tip the effort around the post to deny the Argentine Primera’s most lethal finisher.
Coudet introduced Giovani Lo Celso and Central continued to find holes in the Brazilian defence. However, the equaliser never appeared and with the visitors committing more players forward, former Vélez youngster Agustín Allione doubled the lead on the break.
With group two remaining tight, Central are still in contention but need to start producing their Primera form. Uruguayan side River Plate visit Rosario next week in what should be a first three points of the tournament.
golazo argentino 