Copa Libertadores wrap: Libertad crush Ecuadorians

Paraguayans Libertad booked a place in the Copa Libertadores group stages after completing a 4-2 aggregate win over El Nacional on Tuesday.

Jorge Burruchaga’s men entered the home clash at Estadio Dr Nicolas Leoz facing a 1-0 deficit, but cruised to a comfortable 4-1 win against the Ecuadorians.

Libertad forward Pablo Velazquez and El Nacional midfielder Paul Minda exchanged goals in the opening 13 minutes, however, the game turned in the hosts’ favour just after the half hour.

Jose Nunez and forward Rodolfo Gamarra struck in a six-minute spell to put them ahead in the tie, before midfielder Luciano Civelli netted a stoppage time sealer.

El Nacional’s Jose Madrid was sent off with two minutes left in regulation time.

Libertad will compete in Group 5 against Uruguayans Nacional, Peruvians Alianza Lima and Brazilian giants Vasco da Gama.

In the other game, Argentine outfit Arsenal de Sarandi progressed after securing a 1-1 draw at Sport Huancayo, wrapping up a 4-1 aggregate win.

Journeyman striker Sergio Ibarra gave the Peruvian side hope with his 45th-minute goal, but forward Luciano Leguizamon cancelled it out.

They sealed a spot in Group 4 alongside Argentine powerhouses Boca Juniors, Venezuela’s Zamora and Brazilian side Fluminense.