El Nacional thrashes in La Paz and starts the Copa Libertadores at a steady pace

Forceful and overwhelming was the debut of El Nacional on his return to Libertadores Cup since 2017, tournament for which beat Nacional de Potosí 6-1, in Bolivia, a decisive score only in the first leg of phase 1. The rematch will be in Quito, on February 15.

In less than 15 minutes the Creoles sealed the match score. 4 from the start he got the 1-0 in action of Jorge Ordonezwho headed into the goal from Jerry Parrales’ center.

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Entrance blow for the Bolivians, absolute debutants in the tournamentwhich directed by Víctor Andrada they found no reaction and after 12 minutes they saw the game escape.

Defensive imbalances taken advantage of by the Creole team They were decisive in extending the score. From a corner kick, Jhonnier Chalá connected with his head and left goalkeeper Said Mustafá without chances, who without defensive support was sacrificed on the day.

The rival pressure caused a bad start for the Bolivians, the attacker Ronie Carrillo won the ball in front of the area and with a corner shot made it 3-0 in 15 minutes, which drowned out any reaction from the locals.

With little in attack, Nacional did not bring real danger to the visiting goal and only with a free kick by Gustavo Cristaldo (27 minutes) was he able to disturb goalkeeper Dany Cabezas.

More effective was The Nationalwhich had to Ordóñez and his double at minute 40after taking advantage of an action that was reviewed by the video arbitration system, validated before the legal position of the Creole attackers, to declare the 4-0.

At the end of the first part came two more goals, Martín Prost’s discount at minute 45more by visiting error than by improvement of the Bolivians, but The awakening of Nacional was well controlled by the Ecuadorians, who with Maicon Solís sealed the 5-1 (45+8 minutes) with whom they went to rest.

Controlled the game in the second half, the coach Ever Hugo Almeida moved his team with variants that did not blur his scheme, while Andrada was forced to rebuild his lines, although without finding improvements in their operation.

Without clarity in attack, Potosinos tried to surprise with long-distance shots and only Prost was the one who was most encouraged to reach the Creole area, although collided with a defensive wallwho despite the liberties granted did not experience any difficulties.

At another pace of play there was time for one last goalthe one of Gustavo Asprillawhich enabled by Byron Palacios defined within the area (89 minutes) to seal the 6-1 of the Creoles.

He return match is scheduled for Wednesday, February 15 (7:00 p.m.) at the Atahualpa Olympic Stadium, in Quito.

He winner of this series will advance to phase 2 and will face Deportivo Independiente Medellin (Colombia), on February 22 at home and on March 1 as a visitor. (D)