Penalty Highlights Controversial Facundo Tello Refereeing in LDU vs Palmeiras

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Penalty Highlights Controversial Facundo Tello Refereeing in LDU vs Palmeiras

LDU secured a significant advantage in their Copa Libertadores semifinal match against Palmeiras, winning 3-0 in Quito. This victory puts them in a favorable position, as they can afford to lose by two goals in the return leg and still advance to the final.

Match Highlights: LDU vs. Palmeiras

The match was marked by three goals from LDU, scored by Alzugaray and Villamil, who netted twice. Their performance demonstrated the effectiveness of home advantage combined with the altitude of Quito.

Penalty Controversy: Facundo Tello’s Decision

The referee for the match, Facundo Tello, made headlines with his decision to award a penalty to LDU. This penalty came after a shot was blocked by the arm of Palmeiras’ Andreas Pereira. While the ball initially contacted his shoulder, Tello deemed that his left arm was positioned wide, thus interfering with the play.

  • Penalty Decision: Correctly awarded according to refereeing analyses.
  • Stance of Referee: Tello did not consult VAR for this decision.

ESPN’s officiating analyst, Renata Ruel, supported Tello’s ruling, emphasizing that the arm’s positioning played a crucial role. However, she pointed out a missed opportunity for a penalty against LDU when Ramirez struck Giay, which should have resulted in an expulsion for the player.

Path Forward for Palmeiras

To progress to the final, Palmeiras must secure a victory by at least four goals in the next leg. This significant challenge adds pressure as they aim to overturn a substantial deficit.

Other Semifinal Update

In the other semifinal match, Flamengo edged out Racing with a 1-0 victory at home. Flamengo now only needs a draw in Argentina to qualify for the final.

Conclusion

LDU’s strong performance gives them a clear advantage, while Palmeiras faces a formidable task in the upcoming match. The officiating by Facundo Tello, particularly regarding the penalty, has sparked discussions among analysts and fans alike, spotlighting the impact refereeing decisions have on crucial matches.