There is no doubt that Argentinos Juniors will look back ruefully on their Copa Sudamericana exit after surrendering a first leg away win and missing chances at the penalty spot to allow Colón to book their place in the quarter-final.

Victory in Santa Fe last week left Argentinos Juniors needing only a draw to progress to the next round where either Venezuelan side Zulia or Peruvians Sporting Cristal lie in wait but Cristian Bernardi’s headed goal 20 minutes from time drew Colón level and forced penalties.

✊ ¡Dos cabezazos en el área y gol de @ColonOficial! Christian Bernardi anotó el único gol de la noche para forzar los penales cuando sólo quedaban 20 minutos. pic.twitter.com/9hbS7eRWwn

— CONMEBOL Sudamericana (@Sudamericana) July 19, 2019

Credit to the visitors for working their way back into the tie but Argentinos Juniors still had opportunities to win it. Goalkeeper Lucas Cháves saved Colón’s opening two penalties only for Santiago Silva and Damián Batallini to both subsequently miss the target.

The two sides then successfully scored the remainder of their first five when in sudden death Bernardi struck the crossbar handing another chance to Argentinos. Francis Mac Allister saw his effort saved by Leonardo Burián and once Emanuel Olivera put Colón in front, victory was sealed by Burián saving from Enzo Ybañez.

Colón are certainly not among the favourites but have a favourable draw and will look at either Zulia or Sporting Cristal next as a winnable tie.

⚽🥅 ¡La definición por penales que clasificó a @ColonOficial en la #Sudamericana! Fueron 1⃣4⃣ remates, 7⃣ convertidos y 7⃣ errados. pic.twitter.com/uVROIWiI6Z

— CONMEBOL Sudamericana (@Sudamericana) July 19, 2019