Juanfer Alfaro: 'They were very effective; when they arrived, they scored'

Olimpia midfielder Juan Fernando Alfaro faced the media with visible disappointment following the team's exit from the Copa Sudamericana in the round of 16. The Paraguayan club suffered a significant 4-1 defeat against Vasco da Gama at the Defensores del Chaco stadium, ending their continental aspirations.

Alfaro acknowledged the emotional blow of the loss, explaining that while Olimpia played a solid first half, they were undone by Vasco da Gama's clinical counter-attacks. "We played a good first half, they knew how to take advantage of the counter-attacks," Alfaro stated. "In our eagerness to score, we left ourselves unprotected at the back."

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I think we were very unprotected at the back when trying to score. They were very effective; honestly, when they arrived, they scored, and that's how the result came about.

The midfielder specifically highlighted the moments when Vasco da Gama secured their lead with consecutive goals. He attributed this to Olimpia's offensive urgency and the Brazilian team's sharp effectiveness. "I think we were very unprotected at the back when trying to score," he explained. "They were very effective; honestly, when they arrived, they scored, and that's how the result came about."

Despite the on-field outcome, Alfaro expressed profound regret for not being able to deliver a win for the club's dedicated supporters. "I am hurting because all the people came to cheer, and we wanted to give ourselves the win, give it to the people, and well, I'm hurting," he said, reflecting the shared disappointment of the club and its fanbase.

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I am hurting because all the people came to cheer, and we wanted to give ourselves the win, give it to the people, and well, I'm hurting.