Palmeiras Edges Sporting Cristal 2–1 on Late VAR Penalty to Take Group F Lead

Overview

• Palmeiras, which won Thursday at Allianz Parque, moved to four points in two matches and leads Group F.
• Murilo scored first, Juan González leveled before the break, and Flaco López buried a late penalty after the referee checked the monitor for a foul on Arthur.
• Conmebol released the VAR audio Friday, with the booth saying the Sporting Cristal defender clipped Arthur from behind in an imprudent challenge and confirming the penalty.
• Goalkeeper Carlos Miguel protected the result with key saves in stoppage time, capping a night that coach Abel Ferreira praised for resilience.
• The result keeps Palmeiras unbeaten at home in the Libertadores and sets up Athletico-PR on Sunday before a trip to Cerro Porteño on April 29.