- Decisive saves, defensive resilience and crucial goals defined the start of the knockout stage.
- These are the 11 players who stood out in the Round of 16 first legs.
All seven CONMEBOL Libertadores Round of 16 first-leg matches ended in draws, leaving every tie wide open ahead of the return fixtures. Despite the evenly matched results, several individual performances stood out: goalkeepers produced decisive saves, defenders held firm under pressure and goalscorers delivered at crucial moments. Meet the 11 players selected for the #EASportsFC Team of the Week.
Diego Sánchez (Coquimbo Unido): the goalkeeper was the ‘Pirates’ key performer in their 1-1 draw against Platense. He made seven saves and, in the 38th minute of the second half, denied Guido Mainero from the penalty spot before reacting quickly to stop Nicolás López’s effort from the rebound. That remarkable double save kept the Chilean side alive before they equalised in stoppage time.
Gustavo Velázquez (Cerro Porteño): the captain led another resilient defensive display against Palmeiras in São Paulo. He completed 14 defensive interventions and provided experience and composure during the Brazilian side’s strongest periods of pressure. His performance kept Cerro in contention until they secured a 1-1 draw with the final action of the night.
Branco Ampuero (Universidad Católica): the defender was one of the pillars of the Chilean side’s draw against Estudiantes in La Plata. He led Universidad Católica with 15 defensive interventions and stood firm against a ‘Pincha’ team that had taken the lead in the opening minutes. His assured display helped the ‘Cruzados’ remain within touching distance before finding a late equaliser.
Gustavo Henrique (Corinthians): the centre-back played a key role in the ‘Timão’s resistance against Rosario Central at the Gigante de Arroyito. He finished the match with 17 defensive interventions and protected the Brazilian penalty area during a second half in which the Argentine side held a 10-1 advantage in shots. He also responded after Allan’s dismissal to help Corinthians return to Brazil with a clean sheet.
Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo): the midfielder needed only one minute and 22 seconds after coming on to change the course of the match against Cruzeiro. He reacted quickly after Léo Ortiz’s header struck the post and finished the rebound with his left foot to make it 1-1. His immediate impact allowed the defending champions to earn a draw in Belo Horizonte.
Franco Ibarra (Rosario Central): he was one of the driving forces behind the ‘Canalla’ in their goalless draw against Corinthians. He recorded 75 touches, completed 44 passes, made eight defensive interventions and won eight duels. In the second half, he played a central role in directing the play towards the right flank, where Central built much of their dominance.
Eduardo (Mirassol): the experienced midfielder opened the scoring against LDU Quito with a well-timed run into the penalty area. At 36 years and 300 days old, he became the oldest player to score for a Brazilian club in a CONMEBOL Libertadores knockout match since Thiago Silva in 2024. He also became the first Mirassol player to score twice in this year’s competition.
Joaquín Tobio Burgos (Estudiantes): on his first start in this CONMEBOL Libertadores campaign, the forward needed only three minutes and 18 seconds to score his first goal in international competition. He capitalised on a rebound inside the penalty area to open the scoring against Universidad Católica and later created a clear opportunity for Fabricio Pérez in the second half. His direct running and confidence made him the ‘Pincha’s greatest attacking threat.
Keny Arroyo (Cruzeiro): the Ecuadorian scored one of the best goals of the week. He cut inside from the left side of the penalty area and sent a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner beyond Agustín Rossi. It was Cruzeiro’s only shot on target, while Arroyo, at 20 years and 179 days old, became the fourth-youngest player to score for the club in a CONMEBOL Libertadores knockout match.
José Manuel López (Palmeiras): ‘Flaco’ delivered when his team needed him most. With Palmeiras down to ten players, he arrived at the far post and opened the scoring against Cerro Porteño following Marlon Freitas’ header. The Argentine striker has now recorded seven direct goal contributions in this year’s competition, with three goals and four assists.
Michael Estrada (LDU Quito): the striker once again demonstrated his quality inside the penalty area to secure a draw against Mirassol. In the 37th minute of the second half, he pounced on a loose ball and produced a powerful finish to make it 1-1. His goal ended Mirassol’s run without conceding at home and extended a remarkable record: all three of his CONMEBOL Libertadores goals, excluding the preliminary stages, have come against Brazilian opponents.
