Melgar Edges Puerto Cabello 1-0 in Copa Sudamericana Match

Arequipa, Peru — Melgar defeated Puerto Cabello 1-0 on April 22, thanks to a header from Argentine Pier Barrios. The victory took place during the third match of Group G in the Copa Sudamericana.

The win gives Melgar four points in the group standings, while Puerto Cabello is left with just one point. Lanús and Vasco da Gama lead the group with five points each.

The match was a crucial one for Melgar, who had struggled recently with three consecutive losses. Coach Walter Ribonetto‘s team had previously drawn 3-3 at home against Vasco da Gama and suffered a significant 3-0 defeat against Lanús.

Barrios scored the only goal of the match in the 42nd minute, causing a huge celebration at the Estadio Monumental de la Universidad Nacional San Agustín (UNSA). Earlier in the game, Jorge Echeverría of Puerto Cabello attempted to score with a shot on goal, but Melgar’s captain, Horacio Orzán, intercepted the attempt.

In a tense second half, Melgar’s Lautaro Guzmán was sent off for a foul on Junior Cerdeño, leaving the team with ten players. Despite the disadvantage, Melgar continued to press forward, and Miguel Tavares had a chance to score, but his shot hit the post.

At 71 minutes into the match, Kenji Cabrera found the net, but the referee annulled the goal after reviewing it through VAR.

Looking ahead, Melgar will face Lanús on May 6, while Puerto Cabello will compete against Vasco da Gama on May 7.

Puerto Cabello, managed by Vasco Fáísca, previously drew 2-2 with Lanús and lost 1-0 to Vasco da Gama.