Liga de Quito Hold Desperate San Lorenzo

Liga de Quito defended for long periods of their Copa Libertadores quarterfinal against San Lorenzo, but were able to pick up a valuable 1-1 draw that puts them in the driving seat for the return leg next week in Quito, Ecuador. Meanwhile, Club America recorded a vital 2-0 victory over Santos in Mexico City.

Liga de Quito, who eliminated Estudiantes de La Plata in the previous round, pushed to the attack early on, and dominated their opponents, with skilful attacking football.

San Lorenzo looked nervous, and although they tried to inflict pressure on the Ecuadoreans they were not in good form.

In the 13th minute San Lorenzo almost went ahead, but a Gonzalo Bergessio effort came off the right post.

Moments later Claudio Bieler should have scored for Liga, but the Argentine shot awfully wide when he was sent through on goal with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Andres D'Alessandro almost put the Argentines ahead in the 24th minute, but his powerful free kick was well saved by Liga goalkeeper Jose Francisco Cevallos.

Liga looked strong in the midfield, but were restricted to long distance efforts, that never troubled Agustin Orion.

In the 36th minute Orion tried to control a back pass with some juggling, but he lost control of the ball and Bieler lobbed the ball into the back of the net.

Three minutes later San Lorenzo captain Adrian Gonzalez drew the Argentines level when he curled in a brilliant free kick to the delight of the strong 40,000 crowd.

After the break San Lorenzo dominated their opponents, but didn't attack with any authority, while Liga looked to swift counterattacks.

Liga, who have participated in the Copa Libertadores thirteen times, almost went ahead in the 57th minute, but they had a goal bound effort cleared off the line by a San Lorenzo defender.

From then on San Lorenzo pushed forward in large numbers, but although they piled heavy pressure on their opponents they just couldn't break through a very well disciplined defense.

Minutes later Luis Bolanos sped down the left flank but his powerful effort hit the side netting. It was a further sign that the nine-time Ecuadorean champions were looking for a victory.

But Ramon Diaz's side responded with two good long distance efforts, the second being an outstanding drive from D'Alessandro that flashed inches wide of the right post.

Seconds later the usually reliable Andres Silvera was clear on goal with just the goalkeeper to beat, but he shot weakly.

Liga, who defended for practically the entire second half, held onto a vital 1-1 draw, that puts them in the driving seat for the return leg in Quito.
(goal.com)