Cerro Porteño claimed a deserved 1-0 win over Libertad at La Huerta on Wednesday, in round 18 of the 2026 Clausura. The Azulgranas were the better side throughout and could have won by a wider margin against an opponent that looked short of ideas.
Cerro control the match
The game was lively and open, with both teams moving the ball freely, though it often felt more like a friendly than a high-stakes derby. Cerro Porteño came out organised and purposeful, and they dominated territory from the start. Both goalkeepers were forced into important saves with headers, first Rodrigo Morínigo for Libertad and then Roffo, who denied Melgarejo with a strong stop.
Cerro’s left-sided attacks caused the most problems. Domínguez pushed down the flank and delivered a cross into the box, where Chena and Rojas contested the ball. It eventually fell to Sergio Araújo, who finished the move and gave his side the lead.
Libertad lack a response
Libertad were unable to change the pattern before the break. Playing at home in front of their supporters, who expect a side worthy of one of the most successful clubs of the 21st century, they struggled to find a clear identity. Vegetti came closest to an equaliser with a header from an awkward position, but it went wide. Cerro finished the first half with about 55 per cent possession.
After the interval Libertad pushed higher and pinned Cerro back, and they created chances more easily. Vegetti got a touch on a Riveros pass, but his header missed the target and the score stayed the same.
Concern for Libertad
As the match wore on, Gustavo Costas’s side saw out a fairly calm evening without really threatening to score. Libertad’s form is a worry. The arrivals and departures over the past few months, including the departure of Nelson Haedo Valdez and the arrival of Ariel Galeno, were meant to bring improvement, but the team looks to be going backwards.
Both clubs are still in contention for the Copa Paraguay final. Cerro Porteño and Libertad will need to lift their performances, especially the Azulgranas’ rivals in red and white, to get past Recoleta FC and Sol de América respectively and reach the decider.
Source: www.abc.com.py
