Libertadores result today: Arrascaeta scores first goal of the competition | OneFootball

Libertadores 2026 started this Tuesday (03)

Flamengo will debut in the Copa Libertadores da América in April, but the competition started this Tuesday (03). In the preliminary phase, The Strongest (BOL) defeated Deportivo Táchira (VEN) 2-1 at the altitude of La Paz, at the Hernando Siles Stadium. However, a player with a name similar to Arrascaeta caught attention in the match.

At 41 minutes of the first half, Adrián Estacio scored for the home team. However, Brazilian referee Paulo Cesar Zanovelli was called to the VAR. Upon review, the referee saw a handball by Jaime Arrascaita, whose name is similar to the Flamengo star. Thus, the goal had to be annulled.

In the second half, Arrascaita redeemed himself and opened the scoring with a penalty kick at 11 minutes. Despite playing at the altitude of La Paz, Táchira managed to equalize. With 18 minutes played, Carlos Calzadilla leveled the score for the Venezuelans. However, also from a penalty, Victor Abrego secured the win for the Bolivians.

WHAT PHASE IS THIS IN THE LIBERTADORES?

As the current champion, Flamengo enters the group stage of the Libertadores. Before that, however, there are three knockout rounds, which will place four teams in the main stage of the competition. Among the Brazilians in the pre-stage, Bahia and Botafogo will debut in the second knockout match.

Besides The Strongest and Deportivo Táchira, who will face each other again next week, there are two other clashes in this first preliminary phase of the Libertadores. This Wednesday (04), 2 de Mayo (PAR) will play against Alianza Lima (PER). On Thursday (05), Juventud (URU) will face Universidad Católica (EQU).

WHEN WILL THE LIBERTADORES GROUP DRAW TAKE PLACE?

On March 18, Conmebol will hold the group draw for the Libertadores. As the current champion, Flamengo will be the top seed of Group A. It is important to note that Mengão cannot face another Brazilian team in the initial phase, except if the team comes from the preliminaries, like Bahia and Botafogo.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.