Copa Libertadores wrap: Fluminense into last 16, Nacional eliminated

Brazil’s Fluminense have progressed to the last 16 of the Copa Libertadores after they accounted Argentinos Juniors 4-2 on Wednesday.

The Brazilians, despite finishing on equal goal difference with Nacional in Group Three, went through thanks to their superior goal-scoring record to the Uruguayans.

Julio Cesar opened the scoring for Fluminense in the 18th minute at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona, before the Argentines responded eight minutes later through Santiago Salcedo.

The Rio-based side, knowing they needed to win by at least a two-goal deficit to have any chance of qualifying, then restored their lead five minutes from the interval through former Lyon striker Fred.

Their hopes of progressing were then seemingly dashed when Gustavo Oberman levelled the scores in the 54th minute, but a Rafael Moura strike in the 68th minute and a late, controversial penalty sent the Brazilians through.

Nicolas Gaston Navarro was adjudged to have fouled Edinho, although the Brazilian appeared to have gone down theatrically, Fred stepped up and duly converted the penalty to send his side through.

The result meant Uruguay’s Nacional, who recorded a scoreless stalemate with Mexican outfit America, finished third.

In Group Five, Brazil’s Santos also booked their place in the round of 16 after they accounted for Deportivo Tachira of Venezuela 3-1.

Neymar gifted Santos an early lead, which they doubled shortly after in the 13th minute via Jonathan Cicero.

Their opponents pulled a goal back in the 69th minute, but Danilo da Silva completed the scoring three minutes later to send Santos into the knockout stages.

Their progression comes at the expense of Colo Colo, who lost 3-2 at home to Cerro Porteno, ending their run in the competition.

The Chilean side was two goals up after just 21 minutes following early strikes from Cristobal Jorquera and Esteban Paredes, but a double from Jonathan Fabbro and another from Ivan Piris scuppered any hopes Colo Colo had and ensured the Paraguayan side would top the group.