In a key match of Group B of the Copa Libertadores, Independiente del Valle secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Universitario de Deportes, thanks to a stunning goal from Jordy Alcívar in the 82nd minute. With this win, the Ecuadorian team earned their first three points in the group, while the Peruvians remain winless and sit with zero points in the group stage.

Alcívar’s Stunner Sinks Universitario

The match began evenly, with Universitario showing a more offensive approach in the first 45 minutes. The Peruvians had a clear chance at the end of the first half when Álex Valera struck a volley that hit the crossbar, denying them the lead. Furthermore, in the opening minutes, Edison Flores saw his goal ruled out by the VAR for offside in the previous play.

Despite Universitario’s efforts to take the lead, it was Independiente del Valle who capitalized on the key moment in the final minutes of the match. In the 82nd minute, a well-executed free kick from Alcívar became a stunning goal from outside the box, which surprised the Peruvian defense and goalkeeper José Carvallo, who had no chance of stopping the ball as it found the top corner of the net. The goal came after a defensive lapse from the Peruvians, who, despite their efforts to hold off their opponent, couldn't stop the ball from going in.

Dominated but Didn’t Finish

Throughout the match, Universitario had several opportunities to take the lead, but luck was not on their side. The Peruvian side controlled possession in various stages of the game and created dangerous chances, such as when Valera came close to scoring with his shot off the crossbar. However, the team coached by Ángel Comizzo was unable to capitalize on their chances, while the Ecuadorian defense stood firm and resisted the attacks.

Independiente del Valle, on the other hand, fought throughout the game, but it wasn’t until the final minutes when they managed to tip the balance thanks to the brilliance of Jordy Alcívar, who gave his team the much-needed relief with his goal.}

Standings and Upcoming Matches

With this win, Independiente del Valle moves up to third place in Group B with 3 points. On the other hand, Universitario remains at the bottom with zero points, already suffering two defeats in the early stages of the competition. The group leaders are Barcelona and River Plate, both with 4 points.

In the next round, Independiente del Valle will host River Plate on April 23, while Universitario will visit Barcelona the following day, in search of their first win in the Copa Libertadores.