Cerro Porteño draws with Palmeiras in Copa Libertadores, return leg set for August 19

Cerro Porteño salvaged a vital 1-1 draw against Palmeiras in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores Round of 16 tie, securing a heroic result in São Paulo. The Paraguayan side trailed to a goal from José López but earned a late equalizer in added time when Carlos Miguel scored an own goal following a cross from Jonatan Torres.

The draw leaves the series wide open for the second leg, which will be played next week at Cerro Porteño's home ground, La Nueva Olla, in Asunción. The winner of this matchup will advance to face either Liga de Quito or Mirassol in the next round.

Cerro Porteño has a favorable scenario for qualification, as they will play at home. Manager Ariel Holan urged fans to create an intense atmosphere, stating, "All I ask of the people is to make La Olla boil like the fans' support today. Now it's up to us."

A victory for Cerro Porteño in the return leg will see them directly qualify for the quarterfinals. If the match ends in another draw, the tie will be decided by penalties. A loss would eliminate them from the competition and send Palmeiras on to face Liga de Quito or Mirassol.

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All I ask of the people is to make La Olla boil like the fans' support today. Now it's up to us.