Independiente del Valle Edges Rosario Central 1-0 in Libertadores Battle

Independiente del Valle secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rosario Central in the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores group stage at the Estadio Banco Guayaquil. The Ecuadorian side showed resilience and tactical discipline to claim all three points against the Argentine visitors.

Match Overview

The only goal came in the 35th minute, when forward Junior Sornoza converted a penalty after a VAR check for a handball inside the box. Rosario Central pushed for an equalizer in the second half but found the home defense, led by center-back Richard Hernán, impenetrable.

Key Moments

• 34' Penalty awarded: Handball by Rosario's defender, confirmed after VAR review.
• 35' Goal: Sornoza steps up and sends the goalkeeper the wrong way.
• 72' Red card scare: Rosario's midfielder escaped a second yellow after a late tackle, staying on the pitch.

Tactical Approach

Independiente del Valle employed a compact 4-4-2, absorbing pressure and hitting on the counter. Rosario Central dominated possession (62%) but lacked incision in the final third, managing only three shots on target. The home side's goalkeeper, Moisés Ramírez, made a brilliant save in stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet.

Group Impact

This result puts Independiente del Valle in second place in Group H, level on points with leader Palmeiras. Rosario Central remain in third place with zero points, needing a turnaround in their next match against Corinthians.