Coach Garnero: Universidad Católica Did Not Deserve to Lose Against Estudiantes

Universidad Católica coach Daniel Garnero assessed the 1-1 draw against Estudiantes de La Plata in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 as a fair result. He felt the team's approach in Argentina was sound, despite a difficult start to the match.

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The flow of the game was difficult, it cost us. But well, the result ends up being fair. The truth is we didn't play a game to lose it.

"The flow of the game was difficult, it cost us. But well, the result ends up being fair. The truth is we didn't play a game to lose it," Garnero stated. He noted that the team "loosened up" after scoring and could have created more attacking opportunities.

Garnero also lauded striker Fernando Zampedri, describing him as "the most important player in the history of the club. He is a living legend." However, he expressed concern over Zampedri's suspension for the next match due to yellow cards, calling it "a very important loss." The coach emphasized the need for the team to prepare to perform their best and secure qualification without him.

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The team loosened up after the goal. Moods change and we could have found some deeper attack.

Looking ahead, Garnero addressed the team's significant injury list this semester, noting they have reached a crucial stage of the competition with a depleted squad. He expressed a desire for the possibility of new signings, stating, "I hope a reinforcement possibility can also be reactivated, because it's not just one position where we have problems."

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He is the most important player in the history of the club. He is a living legend. (...) Not having him the next game is a very important loss, but we have to prepare to do the best game and achieve qualification.

The return leg between Universidad Católica and Estudiantes is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, at the Claro Arena.

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We had a lot of surgery this semester and reached a very important stage with the squad hit. Hopefully, a reinforcement possibility can also be reactivated, because it's not just one position where we have problems.