Copa Libertadores Review: Flamengo, LDU Quito pip Penarol on dramatic final day

Flamengo and LDU Quito sensationally advanced to the Copa Libertadores last 16 at the expense of Penarol on a dramatic final day in Group D.

On matchday six, Flamengo drew 0-0 with Penarol and LDU Quito scored four goals in the final 25 minutes in their 4-0 rout of lowly San Jose on Wednesday.

The results left all three teams on 10 points but Flamengo (+6) and LDU Quito (+4) pipped Penarol (+2) on goal difference.

Neither Penarol nor Brazilian visitors Flamengo could find a goal in Montevideo, where both teams finished with 10 men.

 There weren’t any goals tonight between @Flamengo_en & @OficialCAP, but there were plenty of fireworks as #Flamengo secured a spot in the Round of 16!#CONMEBOLLibertadores! pic.twitter.com/nWtXGxvRZh

— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@TheLibertadores) May 9, 2019

Flamengo’s Para was sent off for a second yellow card just past the hour and Penarol’s Giovanni Gonzalez followed in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Despite the stalemate in Uruguay, 1981 champions Flamengo joined fellow Brazilian sides Palmeiras, Cruzeiro, Internacional, Athletico Paranaense and Gremio in the round of 16.

LDU Quito – the 2008 champions – also advanced as Penarol dropped down to the Copa Sudamericana thanks to Anderson Julio’s second-half hat-trick.

After Cristian Martinez broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, Julio scored three goals in 20 minutes to send the Ecuadorians through.

 The second of Anderson Julio’s three goals tonight was the one that started the party for @LDU_Oficial!#CONMEBOLLibertadores pic.twitter.com/uA54VefSBP

— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@TheLibertadores) May 9, 2019

Elsewhere, Emelec progressed to the knockout round as Deportivo Lara lost in Group B.

A 90th-minute penalty from Brayan Angulo saw Emelec claim a dramatic 2-1 win at Cruzeiro, who were already assured of a last-16 berth.

The result ended Cruzeiro’s flawless run, having won five successive games without conceding a goal as Emelec improved to nine points – four points clear of Deportivo Lara, who fell 3-0 to Huracan.

 @CSEmelec are into the #CONMEBOLLibertadores Round of 16 after tonight’s 2-1 win over @Cruzeiro! pic.twitter.com/qmmeMULDCp

— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@TheLibertadores) May 9, 2019

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Palmeiras ended their Group F campaign with a 1-0 victory against fellow round of 16-bound outfit San Lorenzo.

In the other Group F match, Melgar defeated hosts Junior 1-0.

Meanwhile, Gremio beat Universidad Catolica 2-0 to join Group H winners Libertad – who lost 2-1 to Rosario Central – in the next round.