Flamengo came out on top this Thursday, beating Deportivo Táchira 1-0 and taking the lead in Group C of the Copa Libertadores, after newcomers Central Córdoba and Liga de Quito played to a goalless draw in Argentina.

The side managed by Venezuelan coach Edgar Pérez Greco now sit bottom of the group after losing at home at the Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo in San Cristóbal. The only goal came in the 57th minute, scored by Juninho, who had just come on to replace Michael. The Brazilian forward got on the end of a cross and nodded it home just two minutes after stepping onto the pitch.

Camargo stood out, but it wasn’t enough

Up to that point, Venezuelan keeper Jesús Camargo had been the home side’s standout player, pulling off at least three big saves to deny the red-and-black team, including shots from different angles in the first half. His performance kept things level until deep into the second half.

In the closing minutes, Deportivo Táchira had one last chance with a cross from the left that landed right in the middle of the box. One of their attackers tried to sneak it past the defense, but Argentine keeper Agustín Rossi was on hand to make a solid stop and preserve the win.

What’s next in Group C

After this loss, the reigning unbeaten champs of the 2024 Torneo Clausura in Venezuela will travel to Ecuador to face Liga de Quito on April 9. On the same day, Flamengo will host Central Córdoba at the Maracanã.

This win gives the Rio de Janeiro giants — three-time champions of the tournament (1981, 2019, and 2022) — a strong start to their campaign. Meanwhile, Táchira, who reached the quarterfinals last year without losing a match, will have to bounce back quickly if they want to stay in the race.