Platense Beats Coquimbo on Penalties to Reach Copa Libertadores Quarterfinals

Platense has advanced to the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Chile's Coquimbo Unido. The Argentine club secured their place in the next round by winning 7-6 on penalties following a scoreless draw in regulation time at the Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso stadium.

The match was a tense affair, with both teams battling for a coveted spot in the quarterfinals, which comes with a $1.7 million prize from CONMEBOL. Platense, making its debut in the Copa Libertadores, added another historic chapter to its centenary history. This follows their earlier group stage victories away against Peñarol and Corinthians.

In the decisive penalty shootout, Platense converted all seven of their attempts. The crucial moment came when goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cozzani saved Salvador Cordero's penalty, sealing the victory for the "Calamar." Coach Martín Palermo had emphasized the importance of his players' performance, stating, "Juan Pablo is there to give us that hand, but you have to respond."

Platense's tactical approach in the second leg saw four changes, including the introduction of Gastón Togni and Kevin Retamar, which injected more verticality into their attack. Coquimbo Unido focused on exploiting the wings with the speed of Christian Zavala and Luis Riveros, while Guido Vadalá and Lucas Pratto were key figures in their central attack. Pratto, a veteran striker, had played over 100 matches and scored 30 goals in the competition, a notable statistic compared to Platense's starting lineup. Platense will now face Brazil's Fluminense in the quarterfinals.

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Juan Pablo is there to give us that hand, but you have to respond.