Boca Juniors, Flamengo, Fluminense and San Lorenzo are only one step away from a spot in the quarter finals of the Copa Libertadores.
Title defenders Boca Juniors beat Cruzeiro Belo Horizonte 2-1 in Buenos Aires, with goals from Juan Roman Riquelme and Dátolo. The only Brazilian goal came from Fabricio.
Flamengo have even better chances of advancing, following a 4-2 win at America de Mexico. Marcinho scored twice, and the remaining goals were scored by Tardelli and Leo Moura. These two goals came in the final minutes of the match, to secure a convincing victory. America scored through Cervantes and Esqueda.
Another Brazilian side, Fluminense of Rio de Janeiro, earned a 2-1 victory at Atletico Nacional in Medellin, Colombia. Thiago Neves scored from the penalty spot and Conca later got the winning goal after an equaliser from Arrue. Nacional’s Ospina was sent off after only twenty minutes.
In an Argentinian derby, it was San Lorenzo to beat city rivals River Plate 2-1. Silvera’s opening goal was cancelled out by River Plate’s Garcia, but a converted spot kick from Gonzalez near the end of the game, earned the home side a valuable win.
In Uruguay’s capital city Montevideo, Nacional hosted Sao Paulo FC. No goals were scored here, which leaves everything open for the return leg in Brazil next week.
Only one first leg clash remains in the round of sixteen. Tonight, Santos FC of Brazil host Colombian side Cucuta Deportivo.
