Bragantino Stalemate Puts Velez Sarsfield on Brink of Copa Libertadores Exit

Velez Sarsfield will now have to win both of their remaining group games if they are to progress to the quarter-finals of Copa Libertadores after a 1-1 draw with Bragantino on Friday.

The Argentines are propping up the rest in Group C, and went into the contest in Brazil knowing that they needed to avoid defeat to have any chance of making it through to the last eight of the competition.

Their quest could not have got off to a better start when veteran Lucas Pratto fired them ahead after just 14 minutes following good work by Luca Orellano.

Velez were good value for their lead at half time, and their dominance forced the Red Bull franchise to make three changes early in the second period – and one of those broke the through the ranks of the visitors in the 84th minute.

Jose Hurtado, who was substituted in st 57 minutes, was in the right place at the right time to net the equaliser for Bragantino and condemn Velez to a fourth straight game in the Copa Libertadores without a win.