River Plate 2 - 2 Libertad

Midfielder Carlos Bonet’s brace gave Paraguayan outsiders Libertad a valuable 2-2 draw away to River Plate in the first leg of their Libertadores Cup quarterfinal on Thursday.

Three of the goals came in a five-minute span late in the game, as River, who eliminated Corinthians of Brazil in the previous round, twice came from behind.

The Millonarios misfired four times and forced three saves from Libertad goalkeeper, Aldo Bobadilla, as they took a dominated the first half.

Though River was on the attack, it was Libertad that took the lead.

In the 38th minute, Bonet struck a crunching volley which thumped against the underside of the crossbar and hit the back of the net.

Libertad, who gave up only three goals in their previous eight games in the tournament, frustrated River for most of the second half, until the dramatic finale.

Reserve Daniel Montenegro evened the match in the 77th minute, rifling home from outside the area with a goal which went in off the post.

Libertad was not swayed.
Left alone deep inside enemy territory, he hit a looping shot that Lux was unable to reach.

But River responded.

Ernesto Farias buried a header in the 82nd minute which at least helps the home team salvage some of the game.

River Plate has plenty of time to adjust as the rematch will be July 19th in Paraguay.

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