On August 14, 2014, San Lorenzo faced Nacional Asunción in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final at the Estadio Pedro Bidegain, also known as Estadio Nuevo Gasómetro, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. San Lorenzo secured a 1-0 victory, winning the final 2-1 on aggregate, and claimed their first-ever Copa Libertadores title.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- San Lorenzo: 1 (Néstor Ortigoza 36′ (pen.))
- Nacional Asunción: 0
- Aggregate: 2-1 in favor of San Lorenzo
- Possession:
- San Lorenzo had 55% possession, while Nacional Asunción had 45%. San Lorenzo’s ability to control possession allowed them to dictate the pace of the game and manage their lead after scoring the crucial goal.
- Shots:
- San Lorenzo registered 10 shots, with 4 on target, reflecting their measured approach and focus on defense after taking the lead. Nacional Asunción managed 8 shots, with 3 on target, but they struggled to break down San Lorenzo’s organized defense.
- Passing Accuracy:
- San Lorenzo had a passing accuracy of 82%, completing 375 passes out of 457 attempts. Nacional Asunción had a passing accuracy of 78%, completing 304 passes out of 389 attempts. San Lorenzo’s superior passing allowed them to maintain control and prevent Nacional from building sustained pressure.
- Defensive Statistics:
- San Lorenzo made 18 tackles compared to Nacional Asunción’s 16, showing their determination to protect their lead. The defensive pairing of Mario Yepes and Walter Kannemann was particularly effective, limiting Nacional’s attacking opportunities.
- Set Pieces:
- The only goal of the match came from a penalty. In the 36th minute, San Lorenzo was awarded a penalty after Julio Santa Cruz was judged to have handled the ball in the box. Néstor Ortigoza stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and giving San Lorenzo the crucial lead.
- Individual Performances:
- Néstor Ortigoza was the standout performer for San Lorenzo, scoring the decisive penalty and controlling the midfield with his calm and composed play. Mario Yepes and Walter Kannemann were solid in defense, repelling Nacional’s attacks. For Nacional Asunción, goalkeeper Ignacio Don made a few important saves to keep his team in the game, but they were unable to find the equalizer.
- Tactical Overview:
- San Lorenzo, managed by Edgardo Bauza, employed a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions. Nacional Asunción, under Gustavo Morínigo, used a 4-4-1-1 formation, aiming to create opportunities through counter-attacks and set pieces. San Lorenzo’s disciplined approach and effective game management were key to their success in the match.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw four yellow cards, three for San Lorenzo (Héctor Villalba 23′, Emmanuel Mas 48′, Mauro Cetto 90+3′) and one for Nacional Asunción (Julio Santa Cruz 35′). The fouls were tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing dangerous attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- San Lorenzo won 5 corners compared to Nacional Asunción’s 4, reflecting the closely contested nature of the match. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating their attempts to stretch the opposition’s defense and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
San Lorenzo’s 1-0 victory over Nacional Asunción in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final secured their first-ever Copa Libertadores title, a historic achievement for the Argentine club. The match was tense and closely contested, with San Lorenzo ultimately prevailing thanks to a first-half penalty converted by Néstor Ortigoza.
After taking the lead, San Lorenzo managed the game effectively, focusing on maintaining their defensive structure and preventing Nacional Asunción from finding a way back into the match. Nacional Asunción, despite their efforts, struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized San Lorenzo defense.
The victory was a culmination of years of effort for San Lorenzo, and the title was celebrated passionately by their fans, who had long awaited this moment. For Nacional Asunción, reaching the final was a significant achievement, but they were unable to overcome a determined San Lorenzo side.
This match marked a historic night for San Lorenzo, as they lifted the Copa Libertadores trophy for the first time in their history, cementing their place among the elite clubs in South American football.
