Platense and Coquimbo Unido drew 1:1 in a Copa Libertadores Round of 16 fixture on Tuesday night. The result leaves both sides level on ten points after six games, with Coquimbo holding the edge at the top of the group. It was a match where one team dominated and the other survived.
L. Gimenez gave Platense the lead in the thirty-fifth minute, and the home side pressed forward from there. Coquimbo responded with a penalty miss through G. Mainero in the eighty-third minute, a moment that changed the complexion of the game. By then the visitors had already seen their goalkeeper called into action seven times.
Platense controlled possession at fifty-two per cent and registered eight shots on target compared to Coquimbo's one. The hosts created three big chances against a single opportunity for the away side, yet the scoreline told a different story. And here's the thing: the statistics show dominance, but the result suggests Coquimbo found a way to stay in the game.
Five substitutions were made by each side in the second half, with Platense bringing on L. Pratto and F. Zapiola among others. Coquimbo introduced A. Camargo and L. Riveros as they searched for an equaliser. The match ended with G. Vadala's late goal in stoppage time, a moment that came after minutes of pressure.
Both teams now face a return leg that will decide who progresses. The table goes out of the window in these games, but a draw away from home is rarely a sign of weakness. Coquimbo return to first place on goal difference, with Platense remaining second.