The second matchday of the Copa Libertadores delivered all the drama, passion, and unpredictability that South America’s premier club competition is known for.
From last-minute winners to stunning long-range strikes and surprise results on the road, the tournament continues to live up to its reputation. With early group standings beginning to take shape, teams are already feeling the pressure—and seizing their moments.
GROUP A
In Group A, defending champions Botafogo faced Venezuelan side Carabobo, looking to bounce back after an opening-match defeat. It was far from easy for the Brazilians, who endured 88 minutes of frustration at Engenhão Stadium before finally breaking the deadlock. Substitute Patrick de Paula scored the opener, and deep into stoppage time, fellow substitute Matheus Martins sealed the win.
In the group’s other fixture, Estudiantes suffered a surprising home loss to Universidad de Chile. The match exploded into action in the opening 10 minutes. Estudiantes struck first through Ezequiel Piovi in the third minute, but the visitors responded swiftly with two goals. Charles Aránguiz equalized from the penalty spot in the seventh minute, and Matías Zaldivia put Universidad de Chile ahead just three minutes later. The Chilean side now tops the group with six points.
GROUP B
In Group B, the winners of Matchday 1 met at the Monumental, where River Plate hosted Barcelona SC—led by the impeccably dressed Segundo Castillo, who donned a pink suit. This time, neither side could find the back of the net, and the match ended in a goalless draw, earning the Ecuadorians a valuable away point.
Elsewhere in the group, Independiente del Valle struggled for 82 minutes against Universitario until Jordy Alcívar fired in a stunning long-range strike—one of the most memorable goals of the night. It marked the Ecuadorians’ first win of the tournament, while Universitario slumped to a second straight defeat.
GROUP D
In Group D, Libertad secured their second victory with a 2-0 win over Argentine side Talleres de Córdoba. Iván Franco opened the scoring in the ninth minute, and substitute Adrián Alcaraz made an instant impact, netting with his first touch in the 57th minute. For Talleres, it was another frustrating result, leaving them with two losses in as many matches.
GROUP H
Finally, in Group H, Peñarol bounced back from last week’s defeat with a 2-0 home win over Bolivia’s San Antonio Bulo Bulo. The Uruguayans dominated proceedings, with Héctor Villalba scoring in the 60th minute before Alexander Machado added a second in stoppage time to seal the victory.
Matchday 2 of the Copa Libertadores brought drama, late goals, and surprise results as group battles heat up across South America.