Argentinos Juniors secured a crucial 1-0 win over Barcelona SC in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores second stage, thanks to a late goal. Nicolás Diez led the team with one man less and found the reward at the end of the match played in Guayaquil.

What happened in the match?

The match had been even, although the local team led by César Farías had difficulties generating collective play. Darío Benedetto did not have clear opportunities in front of the goal.

The expulsion of Francisco Álvarez changed the match

At minute 65, Francisco Álvarez was expelled after cutting off a play that could have ended in an advantage for the Ecuadorians. Despite the numerical superiority, Barcelona SC did not manage to tilt the match.

Diego Porcel scores the winning goal in added time

When the match seemed headed for a draw, Diego Porcel found the revenge. After advancing on the right side, he took a shot that beat the goalkeeper and sealed the 0-1 final in the last minutes.

When is the return match between Argentinos and Barcelona SC?

The return match will be played next Wednesday at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona, where it will be decided which team will advance to the third round of the Copa Libertadores.