Arsenal vs Olimpia Match Preview
After fighting out a goalless draw in Paraguay, Arsenal de Sarandi have everything in their favour to reach the next phase of the Copa Sudamericana when they entertain Olimpia in the return leg of the tie in Argentina on Wednesday.
Arsenal, whose only international title came in 2007 when it won the Sudamericana, need to be on the alert because as Olimpia proved against Emelec, they are very strong when playing on the road. It is likely to be a very evenly balanced clash, that could be decided by a single goal.
Arsenal vs Olimpia Match Report
Arsenal de Sarandi advanced to the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana after defeating Olimpia 3-2 in an action-packed encounter in Argentina on Wednesday.
After a goalless draw in Paraguay, the tie was completely wide open, but it was Arsenal who took the initiative, by piling heavy pressure on the visiting goal.
Arsenal were rewarded for their attacking approach in the 15th minute, when Cristian Trombetta put them ahead after connecting to a precise Adrian Gonzalez free-kick with an unstoppable header. Four minutes later Emilio Zelaya doubled Arsenal's lead, when he met another Gonzalez ball with a clever finish.
It seemed that Gustavo Alfaro's side were cruising, however, two well-taken goals from Pablo Zeballos brought Olimpia level entering the break.
Understandably the second half was much different to the first, as both teams needed some time to breathe, and were more than happy to slow down the tempo a touch.
It seemed that the match was destined for a draw, but this was not to be the case, as six minutes from full-time Gustavo Blanco Leschuk headed home the winner for Arsenal, even though he was clearly in an offside position.
Arsenal advanced to the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana, a tournament which they had won in 2007, when they beat Club America of Mexico in the final.