Palmeiras Vs Sporting, Copa Libertadores: An Argentine Seals The Win For Brazilian Giants Against The Brewers

Palmeiras left it late to beat Sporting Cristal 2-1 in their CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores 2026, Group F match at Allianz Parque, Sao Paulo, on Thursday (April 16). The three-time champions took the lead in the 27th minute, thanks to a Murilo Cerqueira goal, but Juan Gonzalez made it 1-1 just before the break. And it took a late penalty to decide the clash between Brazilian and Peruvian giants, converted by an Argentine -- Jose Manuel Lopez, in the 80th minute. Palmeiras (4 points) lead the group standings, while the Brewers (3) are second, ahead of Cerro Porteno on goal difference. Match day 3 fixture will see Palmeiras in Asuncion for a clash with Paraguayan champions Cerro Porteno, and Cristal host Colombian outfit Atletico Junior in Lima.

Updated on: 17 April 2026 6:38 pm

Published at: 17 April 2026 6:38 pm

Palmeiras vs Sporting Cristal conmebol copa libertadores soccer-

Players of Peru's Sporting Cristal leave the field at the end of a Copa Libertadores Group F soccer match against Brazil's Palmeiras in Sao Paulo. | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

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Players of Peru's Sporting Cristal argue with referee Piero Maza during a Copa Libertadores Group F soccer match against Brazil's Palmeiras in Sao Paulo. | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

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Palmeiras vs Sporting Cristal conmebol copa libertadores soccer-Goalkeeper Carlos Miguel

Goalkeeper Carlos Miguel of Brazil's Palmeiras makes a save during a Copa Libertadores Group F soccer match against Peru's Sporting Cristal in Sao Paulo. | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

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Palmeiras vs Sporting Cristal conmebol copa libertadores soccer-Luighi of Brazils Palmeiras

Luighi of Brazil's Palmeiras, left, makes an attempt to score against Peru's Sporting Cristal during a Copa Libertadores Group F soccer match in Sao Paulo. | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

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Palmeiras vs Sporting Cristal conmebol copa libertadores soccer-Flaco Lopez of Brazils Palmeiras

Flaco Lopez of Brazil's Palmeiras celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot his side's 2nd goal against Peru's Sporting Cristal during a Copa Libertadores Group F soccer match in Sao Paulo. | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

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Palmeiras vs Sporting Cristal conmebol copa libertadores soccer-Flaco Lopez

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Palmeiras vs Sporting Cristal conmebol copa libertadores soccer-Andreas Pereira

Andreas Pereira of Brazil's Palmeiras, left, is challenged by Gustavo Cazonatti of Peru's Sporting Cristal during a Copa Libertadores Group F soccer match in Sao Paulo. | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

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Palmeiras vs Sporting Cristal conmebol copa libertadores soccer-Juan Gonzalez of Sporting Cristal

Juan Gonzalez of Peru's Sporting Cristal celebrates scoring his side's opening goal against Brazil's Palmeiras during a Copa Libertadores Group F soccer match in Sao Paulo. | Photo: AP/Andre Penner