Ecuadorian forward Enner Valencia scored the winning goal for Brazil’s Internacional away to Bolivia’s Bolívar in La Paz in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.

The only conquest of the Hernando Siles Stadium, located at 3,650 meters above sea level, came in the 16th minute.

Both teams will meet again next Tuesday in the southern city of Porto Alegre.

The team from Colorado played cautiously in the first minutes, with their tight lines to prevent Bolívar from mounting attacks.

Bolívar’s Brazilian striker ‘Chico’ Da Costa had a clear option with a clipped shot that was neutralized by Sergio Rochet.

Those led by the Spaniard Beñat San José decided to press in the midfield and prevent the visiting team from falling out of the goal, but in the only oversight of the home team, Patrick managed to filter the pass that Valencia used and left the ball in the goal. behind Carlos Lampe’s net.

The Bolivian Academy’s response was immediate and the equalizer could have come through ‘Chico’, Argentinian Nicolás Ferreyra and Bolivian Gabriel Villamillo.

The Brazilians strengthened themselves in front of Rochet’s goal.

In the second half, the guests were not satisfied with the goal because in a few minutes they showed their decision to look for the opponent’s goal and use the desperation of the sky-blues to equalize.

Later, Bolívar regained control of the game and cornered those led by Argentina coach Eduardo Coudet.

The best chance was given by the Chilean Ronnie Fernández, who headed into the crossbar of Inter’s goal, and not long after that, ‘Chico’ also hit the frame.

As the minutes ticked by, both coaches adjusted their formations, Bolívar decided to reduce the marks and increase the offensive players, while Colorado increased the players in the midfield, without changing the result. (D)

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