Reigning Argentine champions San Lorenzo experienced a losing start to their debut in the 2014 Copa Libertadores, going down 2-0 in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracaná stadium to Botafogo.
The Bajo Flores club, who are competing in South America’s premier club competition for the first time since 2008, played conservatively throughout, but ultimately could not deal with the pace and directness of Botafogo’s attack.
The Brazilians took the lead just under 30 minutes into the contest. A speculative shot by Wagner was deflected off Mauro Cetto, and when San Lore keeper Sebastián Torrico could not hold the ball Argentine striker Juan Carlos Ferreyra was on hand to convert the rebound.
Having defended stoutly prior to the goal, the Argentine team began to look more ragged, leaving gaps at the back in their efforts to level.
Six minutes into the second half, Wallyson put the Cuervo further behind when his effort from long-range beat Torrico, establishing a lead that never looked in danger.
Having experienced two defeats in their two outings during 2014, Edgardo Bauza’s men will try to recover lost form at home to Racing on Saturday in the league, before hosting Ecuador’s Independiente in the Copa on February 27.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald