Universidad Católica scored two quick goals in the first half to lead Barcelona SC 2-0 in Guayaquil, Ecuador, for the third matchday of the Copa Libertadores group stage. Fernando Zampedri opened the scoring at the 17th minute with an assist from Clemente Montes, who then made it 2-0 himself at the 22nd with a header.
Universidad Católica started strongly in their away match against Barcelona SC at the Estadio Monumental in Guayaquil on Wednesday, for the third matchday of Copa Libertadores Group D. The cruzados, coached by Daniel Garnero, took an early lead.
At the 17th minute, Clemente Montes dribbled down the right and crossed for Fernando Zampedri to anticipate his markers and poke the ball in for 1-0. "¡LO HICISTE VOS, FERNANDO!", celebrated UC's official social media account. Just five minutes later, at the 22nd, a corner kick found Justo Giani, who headed it back into the six-yard box for Montes to score with a header, making it 2-0.
Barcelona, needing points to stay in the qualification race, pushed forward but failed to score. A shot from outside the box by an opponent kissed the post at the 41st minute, and Zampedri missed a clear chance by colliding with the goalkeeper in stoppage time. At halftime, Católica led fairly, as reported by La Tercera.
In Group D standings, Cruzeiro and Boca Juniors top with 6 points each, followed by UC on 3 and Barcelona with 0.
