Angel Di Maria scored his first goal in the Copa Libertadores, 20 years after his debut and having returned to the competition this year, as Rosario Central secured a dominant 3-0 away win against UCV.
Rosario Central surged to the top of Group H in the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday, clinching a dominant 3-0 away victory over Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) in Caracas. The match saw World Cup winner Angel Di Maria net his historic first goal in the competition’s history.
For the opening 30 minutes at UCV’s Estadio Olimpico in the Venezuelan capital, both sides struggled to settle, creating few clear-cut opportunities and managing only two shots on target each.
However, the Argentine side broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Ignacio Ovando connected with a corner-kick delivery, deflecting the ball into the net. Rosario Central grew in confidence and found their rhythm but could not extend their lead before the interval.
Early in the second half, Rosario Central carved out a chance that left a player one-on-one with UCV goalkeeper Giancarlo Schiavone. Schiavone committed a foul, conceding a penalty which Di Maria coolly converted.
UCV then crafted their clearest opportunity, a slick passing move that presented Juan Camilo Zapata with an open goal. What seemed like a certain goal was denied by a superb save from goalkeeper Conan Ledesma, who tipped the ball onto the crossbar.
Enzo Copetti sealed the 3-0 scoreline in the 93rd minute, securing Rosario Central’s second away victory.
Next Tuesday, the Venezuelan club will host Independiente del Valle of Ecuador in Caracas, while Rosario Central welcome Libertad to the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, in matches for the fourth round of the group stage.
In Group H, Independiente del Valle and Rosario Central both lead the standings with seven points. UCV sits third with three points, while Libertad of Paraguay remains at the bottom with zero.