Copa Libertadores wrap: Internacional move top

Internacional moved top of Group 1 in the Copa Libertadores after Leandro Damiao’s hat-trick saw them to a 5-0 thrashing of The Strongest.

The Brazilian outfit started Tuesday’s clash impressively and opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Dagoberto controlled a pass with his chest before turning and lashing a volley past a helpless Daniel Vaca.

Internacional doubled their lead just two minutes later when Damiao nodded home Jesus Datolo’s cross.

The hosts continued to dominate but squandered several opportunities before Damiao scored his second in the 57th minute.

Datolo was once again the provider, with Damiao striking into an open net after Vaca had saved his initial effort.

With his side cruising, Damiao secured his hat-trick when he clinically placed a shot into the bottom corner after Oscar’s pass.

With Internacional attacking at will and dominating the Bolivians, the rout was completed when former Manchester City striker Jo fired a shot past Vaca.

Elsewhere, Mexican side Guadalajara recorded their first win in Group 7 as Carlos Fierro’s 11th-minute goal saw them to a 1-0 victory over Uruguayans Defensor Sporting.

Peruvians Alianza Lima earned their first points of the tournament with a 1-0 win over nine-man Nacional in their Group 5 clash in Lima.

The hosts stormed into a 16th-minute lead when Jose Carlos Fernandez headed in a cross from Johnnier Montano.

Uruguayan side Nacional’s chances of fighting back were dealt a blow in the 60th minute when Israel Damonte was sent off, before Diego Placente was also given his marching orders soon after.

Paraguayan champions Nacional Asuncion secured their first points of Group 6 with a 3-2 win over Deportivo Tachira.

With the encounter level at 2-2 late in the contest in Luque, Silvio Torales hammered a loose ball past Roberts Rivas to hand the hosts a much-needed win over Deportivo, who finished with nine men after Jackson Clavijo and Pedro Fernandez were sent off.

Lanus moved into second in Group 2 after Mariano Pavone’s 72nd-minute winner gave them a 1-0 victory over Emelec.