Alianza Lima shines with Guerrero and Barcos in Copa Libertadores group stage

Paolo Guerrero and Hernán Barcos seem immune to the passage of time. At 41 years old each, the veteran strikers guided Alianza Lima to a 3-2 victory over Talleres de Cordoba on Tuesday in the third matchday of Group D of the Copa Libertadores 2025.

With Alianza shining Lima, the lights went out in Quito: Liga and Flamengo, two former champions of the tournament, sealed a lackluster goalless draw in Group C.

The brilliance of "Depredador" Guerrero and "Pirata" Barcos was key in Lima, proving that age is no barrier to scoring goals.

Guerrero put Alianza Lima ahead after 11 minutes and extended the lead in the 57th, both goals almost identical, fighting for the ball in the area to then score with a man on him.

However, Talleres de Córdoba did not give up. Federico Girotti, with a penalty in the 64th minute and another goal in the 69th, left everything level.

But in the 5th minute of stoppage time, when it seemed that a draw was inevitable, Hernán Barcos appeared in the penalty area to score the winning goal and give the Peruvians an epic victory.

On Wednesday, in Asunción, the third matchday of Group D will be completed, when leaders Libertad of Paraguay will face Sao Paulo.

Tame draw between former champions

In contrast, Liga de Quito and Flamengo seemed to settle for a 0-0 draw in a match that left much to be desired.

The lack of intensity and almost no scoring situations in both goals generated yawns in the stands, leaving a feeling of indifference in a clash between two former Libertadores champions.

The third matchday of Group C, which could see a new leader on Thursday, will close in Santiago del Estero, when Argentine side Central Córdoba will receive a visit from Deportivo Táchira, in a key duel for the aspirations of both teams in the cup.

In Valencia, in Group A, Venezuela's Carabobo and Universidad de Chile tied 1-1 in the third matchday, which will close on Wednesday in La Plata, when Estudiantes, four-time champion of the tournament, faces Botafogo, the reigning Libertadores champions.

Edson Tortolero, with a penalty in the 22nd minute, gave the Venezuelan runners-up the lead, while Charles Aránguiz, another 36-year-old veteran who shines in the Libertadores, equalized for the U.

With this draw, the Chilean club will continue to lead the group, regardless of Wednesday's result in Argentina.

Racing draws in Santiago

Racing Club, reigning champions of the Sudamericana and Recopa, drew 1-1 against Colo Colo in Santiago, in a Monumental stadium without fans due to a Conmebol sanction.

The point allowed La Academia to provisionally move to the top of Group E, while awaiting the duel between Atlético Bucaramanga and Fortaleza, which will close the third round on Wednesday in Colombia.

El Cacique opened the account thanks to a blast from forward Lucas Cepeda from outside the area in the 9th minute.

The Chilean dedicated the goal to the two young teenagers who died on April 10 during the riots, in which over 100 people tried to force their way in before the match against Brazil's Fortaleza.

Racing, in a match with more fight than play, found the equalizer with four minutes to go, thanks to a goal by Martin Barrios.

In Porto Alegre, in Group F, Internacional and Nacional of Uruguay played out a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Alan Patrick, from the penalty spot (45+1), Bernabéi (67) and Fernando (73) scored for Internacional to tie the game after falling behind 3-0. 

El Bolso fumbled this lead built on goals by Julián Millán (6), Luciano Boggio (10) and Sebastián Coates (43), in a match marked by drama.

The third date of this key will close on Thursday in Salvador, when Bahia of Brazil receives a visit from Colombian side Atlético Nacional.