Copa Libertadores 2026 Roundup: Debutants Delight As Newcomers Make History | OneFootball

Tuesday evening in the Copa Libertadores saw The Strongest take on Deportivo Táchira of Venezuela in the second leg of their first-phase tie.

The Strongest had taken a narrow 2–1 lead in the first leg in La Paz, but the Venezuelan side went into the return match knowing a goal would shift the tie back in their favour.

It was the Venezuelan side who dominated the night from the outset. Early in the game, Adalberto Peñaranda had a great strike that The Strongest keeper, Luis Banegas, denied.

Then a dangerous cross from Carlos Sosa was met by a bullet header from Rodrigo Pollero, whose powerful finish rocketed into the back of the net, leaving the keeper with no chance and giving Táchira the lead on the night.

The second half continued in the same vein, with the Venezuelan outfit dominating proceedings. They registered eight shots, four of which were on target, keeping The Strongest pinned back for long spells.

The Bolivian side did not register a shot on target until they were awarded a penalty after a handball from Lautaro Lusnig inside the area.

In truth, it looked like a harsh decision, with little the defender could have done about it. Justice ultimately prevailed, however, as Jesus Camargo stood firm despite having had a relatively quiet evening, producing a strong save to deny Victor Abrego and send the tie to a penalty shootout.

From 12 yards, it was perfection from the Venezuelan side, converting all five of their penalties. The decisive moment came when Widen Saucedo saw his effort saved — the only miss of the shootout.

The victory sends the Venezuelan side through to the next stage of the Copa Libertadores, where they will now take on Deportes Tolima.

Alianza Lima v 2 de Mayo

Wednesday evening’s action saw Alianza Lima host Paraguayan side 2 de Mayo, who were playing just their second ever Libertadores match and their first outside of Paraguay.

Alianza Lima, a vastly experienced side in the competition, were expected to complete the job, and they were handed a golden opportunity to do so when they were awarded a penalty in the 39th minute. Erick Castillo stepped up, but his effort was saved.

It looked like a slightly harsh decision for handball, something that has become all too common not just in the Copa Libertadores, but across continental competitions, with similar soft penalties awarded in the Champions League in recent seasons.

Regardless of the debate, it still required a save, and Angel Martinez produced a strong one. The 23-year-old stood firm, making an excellent stop to deny Castillo from the spot and keep his side level at a crucial moment in the tie.

In the second half, they would finally find the breakthrough. The ball fell kindly to Luis Advincula, who struck a wonderful effort that clipped the inside of the post before nestling into the net, firing Alianza Lima 1-0 ahead on the night.

However, moments later, Alianza Lima goalkeeper Alejandro Duarte clattered into Pedro Delvalle inside the box. This one looked far more straightforward, and the VAR review confirmed it. The Paraguayan forward clearly got to the ball first before being wiped out.

Wilson Ayala stepped up and calmly struck his penalty into the back of the net past  Duarte, firing them into the lead on aggregate.

The goal proved decisive. It meant 2 de Mayo progressed to the next stage of the Copa Libertadores, ensuring their historic journey would not end at the first hurdle and leaving Alianza Lima stunned at the hands of a Libertadores debutant. They will face another Peruvian side in Sporting Cristal in stage two.

Universidad Católica v Juventud

The final tie of stage one of this year’s Copa Libertadores saw Universidad Católica and Juventud of Uruguay battle it out in Ecuador for a place in the next round.

The first leg had ended 1-0 in favour of Universidad Católica, who took a slender advantage into the return fixture in Uruguay.

However, the second leg could not have started any better for the hosts. Inside just six minutes, Jose Fajardo calmly finished a one-on-one chance, doubling their aggregate lead and putting them firmly in control of the tie.

Juventud would score their first-ever goal in the Copa Libertadores when Federico Barrandeguy delivered a dangerous cross into the box, and Renzo Sanchez rose highest to head home, giving the debutants a lifeline in the tie.

Things would get even better for the Uruguayan side when a clumsy challenge from the Universidad Católica goalkeeper, Rafael Romo, left the referee with little choice but to point to the spot.

Barrandeguy, who had provided the assist for the first goal, stepped up to take the penalty and smashed it into the back of the net.

The conditions in Ecuador made the contest even more dramatic. Heavy rain throughout the evening created extremely difficult playing conditions, with the slick surface and relentless downpour making it hard for both sides to control the tempo of the match.

Things got even better for Juventude after the break, as they were awarded another penalty early in the second half. This time, Pablo Largo stepped up and produced the same outcome, firing his effort into the net to put the Uruguayans 3-1 ahead on the night and 3-2 up on aggregate.

However, the momentum quickly swung back in favour of the Ecuadorian side.

Universidad Católica responded with two goals in quick succession. First, Jhon Chancellor found the net, before Jose Fajardo grabbed his second of the match to turn the tie back in their favour and restore their aggregate lead.

Then, in the dying embers of the game, just when it looked like Catolica were going to hang on, a mishit effort from Gonzalo Gomez turned into the perfect assist for Patricio Pernicone. The goal sent the Juventud players and travelling fans wild as they had dragged the tie back and forced a penalty shootout.

From the spot, the first five penalties were converted before Gomez missed. Chancellor then missed for Catolica, keeping things level.

Ramiro Peralta calmly converted his penalty before Jeronimo Cacciabue failed to score, handing Juventud the chance to win it.

Fernando Mimbacas stepped up with the opportunity to send the Uruguayan side into the next round, and he did exactly that, sealing progression and setting up a second-round tie with Paraguayan outfit, Guaraní, capping off a historic night for Juventud.