- The eight first-leg matches of the Round of 16 Playoffs produced 22 goals and plenty of excitement across the continent.
- Powerful efforts from outside the box, flowing team moves and exquisite assists marked the return of La Gran Conquista.
The CONMEBOL Sudamericana Round of 16 Playoffs began with thrilling encounters and high-quality finishes that gave some teams the upper hand while leaving other ties completely open ahead of the return legs.
In a week featuring goals of every kind, several players stood out with spectacular strikes and attacking moves that sent supporters into raptures.
Here is a look back at the best goals from the first legs of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana Playoffs:
Elías Cabrera put the finishing touch on Tigre’s unforgettable performance in Montevideo. The midfielder received the ball outside the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that flew inside the right post to seal a 3-0 victory over Nacional at the Gran Parque Central.
Hugo Rodallega once again proved his enduring quality in Independiente Santa Fe’s victory over Caracas. Just days before his 41st birthday, the Colombian striker received the ball on the edge of the box and fired a powerful left-footed effort into the corner to set his team on the way to a 2-0 win at El Campín.
Leandro Paredes and Miguel Merentiel combined to secure Boca Juniors’ victory over O’Higgins. The midfielder caught the Chilean defence off guard with an exquisite through ball using the outside of his right boot, putting the striker in the perfect position to score the only goal of the match at La Bombonera.
