Zardes paves way for Columbus victory at Real Esteli

MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Gyasi Zardes bagged a brace to help pace Columbus Crew SC to a 4-0 victory over Real Esteli of Nicaragua in the first leg of the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 on Thursday night at the Estadio Nacional in Managua, Nicaragua.

Columbus came out firing and after an early Luis Diaz chance, Gyasi Zardes found a way through in the 19’ when he pounced on a loose ball deep in the Real Esteli half and fired a shot into net for a 1-0 Columbus lead.

Columbus were keen to add to their lead and in the 26’ Jonathan Mensah latched onto a corner kick and redirected it into net to double the margin, 2-0.

Zardes would strike again in the 33’ with another fine finish off a cross from the right wing from Diaz to extend the Columbus lead to 3-0.

A handball in the Real Esteli resulted in a penalty kick in the final minute of the first half, and Pedro Santos coolly converted the spot kick to make it 4-0 to Crew SC.

The home side looked to respond to start the second half and Juan Barrera was set to pull a goal back via header, but was denied by Columbus GK Eloy Room.

Santos then nearly notched his second of the night in the 68’, but instead saw his shot smack the crossbar and deflect out.

Both sides would keep their nets clean the rest of the way, with Columbus pocketing a victory that puts them in good shape going into next week’s second leg.