Cali surprises at the start of the Cup with victory over Corinthians

Maximum demand in the debut in the Women’s Copa Libertadores and Deportivo Cali was up to the task. The Valle del Cauca club beat Corinthians 1-2, defending champion and top winner of the tournament with three titles, at the Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda stadium in Quito for Group A, sending a message to the other rivals by beating one of the favorites in the tournament.

Good first quarter of an hour for the Colombian team. Those directed by Jhon Ortiz surprised with high pressure, forcing errors from the Brazilians at the start and forcing them to split. There were even a couple of options to go up on the scoreboard, but Manuela Pavi’s right hand was controlled in two stages by Paty and then the ’10’ made a great play on the wing, put the center in and Ingrid Guerra, run over, sent it over.

Then the work began for Stefany Castaño, who was quick to shrink in front of Juliete and later made a reflexive save after a corner kick and header at the near post. However, she could do nothing at minute 24, when a cross came from the right and Victoria Albuquerque won the defender’s back and crossed her head to the ground.

Comeback in four minutes

It seemed that the defending champion was going into the break with an advantage, but at 42 ‘the ball appeared still to achieve equality: Kelly Caicedo’s long frontal free kick for Guerra’s header entering the small area. The forward started enabled, all legal and madness on the bench of Cali.

And the author of the tie was key to turning it around. Guerra’s pure speed to prevent the ball from going over the baseline, he passed to the middle, Pavi put his body to prevent the clearance and the ball from reaching Tatiana Ariza, who hooked her skilful leg and put it on top with her right hand, impossible for Paty [45+1′].

Cali defended the advantage and the duel of winners is coming

The complementary stage was more interrupted by infractions and some annoyances after clashes in ball disputes. Timao had the initiative, but the Valle del Cauca club defended itself well and the head, the leg of a defender or even the crossbar always appeared at the right moment to avoid equality. Cali was able to score the third on a counterattack, but Guerra missed the goal.

This victory leaves Cali at the top of Group A along with Olimpia, his rival on the second date this Sunday, October 16. The Paraguayan club beat Always Ready 2-0 in the first round of this date 1.