Santacruz boost Nacional hopes

Julio Santacruz revived Nacional’s hopes of Copa Libertadores glory as his injury-time goal earned the Paraguayan side a 1-1 draw with Argentinian giants San Lorenzo in the first leg of the final.

San Lorenzo dominated the match at the EstadioDefensores del Chaco in Asuncion, but had only Mauro Matos’ 19th-minute effort to show for their superiority. Matos fired home a right-footed volley following a Hector Villalba cross from the right, Emmanuel Mas having struck a post for the visitors earlier in the half.

But the hosts hit back in the third minute of added time as Santacruz converted following a Hugo Lusardi cross. The second leg will be played next Wednesday at the Estadio Pedro Bidegain in Buenos Aires.

“We made a great effort and deserved the win,” Matos told Argentinian Channel 7. “Next week we’ll have 90 minutes which will be just as tough as these. Being at home will be an advantage, but we have to stay calm, recover and focus on the next game.”

Santacruz added: “All the games have been very tough so far. If we had lost this game it would have been very difficult in Argentina, but the draw gives us hope.”

M.D