Huracán created a stream of promising chances against Sporting Cristal, yet none found the back of the net. The first leg finished goalless, setting up a high-stakes return in Lima where a strong performance will be essential for progression.
The knockout tie remains open, with Huracán aware that the race is far from over. A solid result on the road will be required to advance to the Copa Libertadores 2023 group stage. For the Quemero, opportunities were plentiful in the early moments at the Tomás A. Ducó stadium, but finishing touch eluded them. The trip to Peru now becomes a test of nerve and resilience as they chase a spot among South America’s elite.
For the Quemero, the week carried heavy pressure. Following a narrow victory over Boston River to reach this stage, they faced a heated clásico with San Lorenzo. From the start they attempted to seize control, with Nicolás Cordero a constant attacking reference. One moment stands out: an instinctive save from Solís denied an opener from a tight angle, preserving the draw and lifting the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Lucas Chaves stayed vigilant to prevent a breakthrough by the Celeste, but a controversial moment occurred when a handball foul was initially called by referee Matonte, only for a VAR review to overturn the decision. That moment altered the momentum of the match.
The second half unfolded with end-to-end action, reflecting the high stakes. As time wore on, Sporting Cristal dropped deeper to protect their aggregate lead. In a dramatic late sequence, Chávez met a cross with a header that seemed to line up on the line after a knock-on from Cordero, a moment that could have shifted the balance but ultimately produced no goal. The final whistle left the teams level and the tie poised for a decisive night in Lima.
With everything still on the line, Huracán must win in Peru to lock in a place among the 32 teams vying for the group stage. The stage is set for a tense and dramatic second leg, where home advantage in Lima could swing the balance toward the host or finally grant Huracán the breakthrough they crave.
Next up in GOAL: the full action unfolds in detail.
HURACÁN – SP. CRISTAL, MINUTE BY MINUTE
- The match between Huracán and Sp. Cristal, minute by minute.
- Confirmed lineups for the Quemero and the Celeste.
- Good evening and welcome to another GOAL broadcast. Huracán hosts Sporting Cristal at the Tomás Ducó for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores 2023 third stage.
THE MATCH AGENDA
HOW TO WATCH LIVE ON TV AND STREAMING
The match between Huracán and Sporting Cristal is shown across South America on Fox Sports, available to subscribers of the local service. Online options include MiTelefe and PlutoTV, the free streaming service. To access MiTelefe, users can visit mitelefe.com/conmebol-libertadores or use the MiTelefe mobile app for smartphones and tablets.
FORMATIONS
HURACÁN
Chaves; Soto, Tobio, Sauro, Benítez; Hezze, Fattori, Acevedo; Cóccaro, Cordero and Gauto. Manager: Diego Daboven.
SP. CRYSTAL
Solis; Lora, Ignacio, Chavez, Loyola; Castillo, Pretel, Alarcón; Yotún, Brenner, Corozo. Manager: Tiago Retzlaff Nunes.
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