Central Córdoba claimed a 2-1 away win over Deportivo Táchira on Tuesday, a result that puts the Argentine side on the verge of winning Group C in the Copa Libertadores and officially knocks the Venezuelan club out of all CONMEBOL competitions. The match was part of the fifth and penultimate round of the group stage.

Early Red Card Sets the Tone

The game was played at the Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo in San Cristóbal (Venezuela) and started evenly, with Táchira pushing for their first three points in this 66th edition of South America’s top club tournament. But their momentum was short-lived.

In the 12th minute, Edicson Tamiche was sent off after VAR alerted Uruguayan referee Mathías de Armas to a serious foul. The red card completely shifted the dynamic of the match.

Just eight minutes later, in the 20th minute, Jonathan Galván opened the scoring for Omar De Felippe’s men. The Argentine side controlled the game from then on, although Bryan Castillo managed to equalize for Edgar Pérez Greco’s team in the 75th minute, offering a brief lifeline for the hosts.

But the joy didn’t last. Just one minute later, in the 76th, Gastón Verón netted the decisive goal to make it 2-1 for Central Córdoba, who remain top of the group and are now dreaming of finishing first.

With Flamengo and Liga de Quito set to face off this Thursday in Rio de Janeiro, Central Córdoba currently lead Group C with 11 points. Liga are second with 8, Flamengo sit third with 5, and Deportivo Táchira remain bottom with zero.

The final group stage matches will be played on May 28, with simultaneous kickoffs: Liga de Quito will host Central Córdoba, while Flamengo take on already-eliminated Táchira.