If by chance Rosario Central don’t progress to the next stage of the Copa Libertadores, El Canalla will look back at this game and think how on earth did we not win? Palmeiras, in desperate need of a win, left the Gigante de Arroyito with a point after a 3-3 draw despite Central dominating for almost the entirity of the match.
An uncharacteristic, wayward backpass by Damián Musto gifted Gabriel Jesús an early opener for the visitors but the hosts were quickly back on level terms when Alejandro Donatti, on his 100th appearance for the club, scored via a deflected free kick.
Further poor defending from a free kick allowed Gabriel Jesús to flick Palmeiras back in front and so it stayed until the break. However, the lead lasted just five minutes after half time and it was the game’s outstanding player who scored it. A smartly taken free kick caught the run of Benfica-bound Franco Cervi and the youngster clipped the ball over Fernando Prass.
When Marco Ruben put Central in front from the penalty spot for the first time in the evening it looked as though El Canalla would hold on for the points and guarantee their place in the knockout stages but further slack marking from a set-piece allowed Lucas Barrios to steer Palmeiras level.
The point vitually confirms Central’s place in the last 16 but it would take defeat to Nacional in the final group game and for Palmeiras to defeat River Plate and sneak through on goal difference. Neither result are out of the question and so Eduardo Coudet will be disappointed to have thrown away victory last night.
golazo argentino 