Libertadores: Cuenca and Medellin through to group phase

Deportivo Cuenca of Ecuador and Independiente Medellin of Colombia have secured qualification to the group phase of the Copa Libertadores.

Cuenca lost 2-0 to Venezuelan side Deportivo Anzoategui last week, but managed to overcome that defeat with a 3-0 victory at home in Ecuador.

Rodrigo Teixeira put Cuenca ahead on 27 minutes and added another in the 68th. The third goal, that granted the hosts access to the group phase, came from Ismael Villalba in minute 74. Cuevas and Lobo were sent off for the visiting side.

Independiente Medellin were practically certain of advancing after last week’s 4-0 win in Colombia, and had little to fear at Peñarol. The Uruguayans couldn’t perform a stunt and were held to a goalless draw.