Estudiantes de La Plata started their 2025 Copa Libertadores Round of 16 tie with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Cerro Porteño at La Nueva Olla stadium in Asunción. The decisive goal came in the very last play of the match, giving the Argentine side a crucial advantage heading into the second leg in La Plata.

From the outset, Cerro Porteño sat deep, defending close to their box, while Estudiantes dominated possession but lacked clear attacking penetration. In the early stages, the Paraguayan side completed barely 30 passes, compared to Estudiantes’ control of circulation, though without generating consistent danger. The home side’s only true threat came from a strike by Santiago Arzamendia, well saved by goalkeeper Arias.

The match exploded in the dying moments. In the 90+8 minute, the referee awarded a controversial penalty for a sliding challenge on Guido Carrillo in the box. Without VAR review, Santiago Ascacíbar stepped up and converted coolly, securing the away win deep into stoppage time.

With this narrow lead, Estudiantes return home with a valuable edge to settle the tie in La Plata. Cerro Porteño will need to rethink their attacking approach if they want to overturn the result and keep their continental dreams alive.