Cruzeiro hand Estudiantes heaviest Libertadores defeat
Reuters - Thursday 17 February 2011, 03:23
BUENOS AIRES - Brazil's Cruzeiro scored one of
the fastest goals in the Libertadores Cup and went on to hammer
old Argentine foes Estudiantes 5-0, their worst defeat in the
competition, on Wednesday.
Estudiantes, South American champions in 1968, 1969, 1970
and 2009, suffered their previous worst defeats, 4-1 away to
Argentina's Independiente in 1984 and Alianza Lima of Peru last
year.
Striker Wallyson benefitted from a deflection off defender
German Re with the ball looping over goalkeeper Agustin Orion
into the net after 48 seconds to put twice champions Cruzeiro
ahead at home in the Aligator's Arena ground.
Cruzeiro never looked back as they exacted revenge for their
defeat by Estudiantes in the 2009 final with two goals from
their Argentine playmaker Walter Montillo.
"We had to run faster and work harder than them, who have
dangermen such as (winger) Enzo Perez, who is in good form,
(striker Gaston) "Gata" Fernandez and (Juan Sebastian) Veron,"
Montillo said.
"We didn't expect this result. But this is only the first
three points of 18 in play (in the group)," added the man of the
match.
Midfielder Roger scored Cruzeiro's second, laid on by
Montillo, in the 17th minute then returned the compliment for
the Argentine in the 38th.
Estudiantes were overrun in defence by the speed of their
opponents, who played quick diagonal balls in from the wings,
and the 35-year-old Veron cut a solitary figure in in midfield.
Montillo scored again the 58th with a low shot and Wallyson
completed Estudiantes' humiliation six minutes from time when a
poor clearance went in off his chest.
Brazilian holders Internacional were held 1-1 away by
Ecuador's Emelec in a Group Six match at the George Capwell
stadium in Guayaquil.
Defender Fernando Gimenez headed an equaliser for Emelec in
the fourth minute of added time after Inter's Argentina
midfielder Mario Bolatti, signed from Fiorentina a week ago, had
given them the lead in the 79th with a header from a corner.
An all-Chilean clash in Group Four between Union Espanola
and Universidad Catolica ended 2-2.