Peru come back to earn a point against Ecuador

Ecuador and Peru drew 2-2 in a dramatic game in Group B which edges Peru towards qualification but keeps the pressure on Ecuador with one game to play.

Ecuador were two up at the break thanks to a goal by Ayrton Preciad an own goal from Renato Tapia. Peru responded early in the first half with a finish from Gianluca Lapadula while André Carrillo completed the comeback.

Ecuador knew they needed a positive result to strengthen their chances of progression from Group A with just one point on the board and they began the game on the front foot.

Gustavo Alfaro’s men won control of the middle of the pitch and La Tri took advtange of their superiority in the first half. Moises Caicedo and Ayrton Preciado were key while Damián Díaz, making his first start, added quality behind lively young striker Leonardo Campana.

The deserved opener came midway through the first half as the always dangerous Pervis Estupiñán whipped a cross into the six yard box which Peruvian Renato Tapia inadvertently sent into his own net.

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The goal was a big blow for Ricardo Gareca’s men but helped Ecuador reafirm their superiority. With seconds remaining in the first half Ayrton Preciado flicked a cross into the Peru net. So far, so good for Ecuador.

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Tapia came out in the second half keen to make amends and his powerful strike went just wide of Hernán Galíndez’ net.

Moments later Christian Cueva was able to open up the game with a superb pass to Gianluca Lapadula who finished with great composure to make it 2-1.

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Shortly after Peru completed a quick comeback. Sergio Peña, who scored in an impressive performance against Colombia, skipped passed his marker to release Lapadula who then beat his man to square for Carrillo to apply the simple finish to a slick counter. 2-2, game on!

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Díaz had a good chance to put Ecuador back ahead but this time Gallese, who with 19 games became the goalkeeper with the most appearances in the history of Peru at the CONMEBOL Copa América, prevented the third with a sharp stop.

La Tri had further chances to regain the lead but they failed to capitalize while Yotún came closest to finding a winner for Peru.

With this result Peru move on to 4 points and are in a good position to seal qualification against Venezuela on the final day.

Ecuador however are in a more precaious position. They have 2 points and one final game against a strong Brazil side.

NUMBERS FROM THE GAME

• This is the second consecutive 2-2 draw between Ecuador and Peru at the CONMEBOL Copa América (2-2 in June 2016). In six of their last seven meetings three or more goals have been scored with Ecuador and Peru scoring.

• Ecuador are now four games unbeaten against Peru in the CONMEBOL Copa América (1 win, 3 draw). The last Ecuadorian defeat against Peru was in 1963 (1-2).

– Peru has scored 30 goals against Ecuador in 13 games in the CONMEBOL Copa América (8 wins, 4 draws, 1 defear). They have averaged 2.3 goals per game and the game finished goaless only once (0-0 in December 1947).

– Ecuador had 13 corner kicks against Peru, equalizing their most in CONMEBOL Copa América history and setting a new record for 2021.

– Yoshimar Yotún recovered possession 12 times, the most for his team in the game and his second most in the tournament (12 vs Brazil). Yotún’s average of 10 recoveries per game is the third highest in the tournament behind his compatriot Renato Tapia (10.3) and Junior Alonso of Paraguay (11).