Cerro Porteño secured their spot in the 2025 Copa Libertadores group stage after defeating Melgar 4-2 in the second leg of the third qualifying round, with a 5-2 aggregate score. The Ciclón de Barrio Obrero had won 1-0 in the first leg and confirmed their superiority this time with goals from Sergio Araujo (12'), Federico Carrizo (56'), Francisco da Costa (70'), and Alexis Fariña (79'). For Melgar, Tomás Martínez (49') and Carlos Liza (89') scored the consolation goals for the Peruvian side.

Solid Start for Cerro Porteño

From the very beginning at the Estadio General Pablo Rojas, also known as La Nueva Olla, Cerro Porteño showed their strength. Araujo opened the scoring with a stunning left-footed shot in the 12th minute, which was unstoppable for goalkeeper Carlos Cáceda, leaving the Peruvian defense frozen.

Despite a strong start, Melgar couldn’t capitalize on clear chances in the first half. Cecilio Domínguez missed a penalty, and Robert Piris da Motta couldn’t finish his attempts, all of which were well saved by Cáceda. Despite these efforts, the score remained favorable for the Paraguayan side.

Melgar’s Response and Cerro Porteño’s Counterattack

In the second half, Melgar took advantage of a penalty, and Martínez converted the goal to reduce the deficit in the 49th minute. However, Cerro Porteño continued to dominate and wasn’t intimidated. Federico Carrizo made it 2-1 in the 56th minute with a soft shot from outside the box, extending the lead. Not satisfied with that, Francisco da Costa sealed the win in the 70th minute with a quick counterattack, and Fariña finished it off with a goal in the 79th minute.

Melgar found a consolation goal in the final minutes, with a header from Carlos Liza (89'), but it was too late to change the result. With this victory, Cerro Porteño advanced to the 2025 Copa Libertadores group stage, while Melgar was eliminated, having given it their all but failing to complete the comeback.