Universidad Católica defeated Cruzeiro 2-1 in Belo Horizonte in the second group stage match of the Copa Libertadores, securing their first win in Brazil in 15 years. Justo Giani opened the scoring with a header in the 29th minute, Matheus Pereira equalized from the penalty spot in the 60th, and Jimmy Martínez sealed the victory in stoppage time with another header.
Universidad Católica, coached by Daniel Garnero, lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation at Mineirao Stadium before 43,929 spectators. The Chilean side remained compact in the first half, containing attacks from Cruzeiro, the third most valuable club in the Brasileirao. At the 29th minute, Fernando Zuqui took a corner and Justo Giani headed in for 1-0, silencing the stadium.
In the second half, Cruzeiro pushed forward and at the 57th minute Colombian referee Carlos Betancur awarded a controversial penalty for a foul by Clemente Montes on Kaiki. Matheus Pereira converted it in the 60th minute to tie 1-1, despite protests from the cruzados that the VAR upheld.
UC held firm as Garnero made substitutions, bringing on Matías Palavecino, Sebastián Arancibia, and Jimmy Martínez. In the 90+4th minute, Martínez headed a cross from Jhojan Valencia for the 2-1 winner. This marks UC's first Copa Libertadores win in Brazil since 2011 against Gremio, as reported by La Tercera.
