Universidad de Chile win on early penalty

(GSM) – An early penalty Juan Manuel Olivera gave Universidad de Chile a 1-0 victory over Caracas FC on Thursday in the opening match for Copa Libertadores Group 8.

The Chilean hosts wasted no time going on the attack, and they earned a spot kick inside two minutes when Caracas defender José Manuel Rey hauled down Olivera in the penalty area.

The striker stepped up to the spot and confidently struck low past goalkeeper Renny Vega for the 1-0 lead.

Olivera and Universidad controlled the proceedings in the first half as the Venezuelans never seemed to recover from conceding the early penalty.

Caracas gradually improved after the restart and had a good scoring chance go begging in the 62nd minute when Rafael Castellín hit the bar with a shot.

Some good saves from goalkeeper Esteban Conde and resolute defending by the home side secured the victory for Universidad, bagging an early three points in the group stage.

The next group matches for these sides come on 10 March when Universidad de Chile travel to face Chilean rivals Universidad Católica, and Caracas play host to Brazilian side Flamengo.