Copa Libertadores wrap: Penarol held, Dede on target for Vasco

Last year’s Copa Libertadores runners-up Penarol continue to struggle in 2012 after being held to a 1-1 draw by Universidad de Chile.

The Uruguayans made a bright start and took the lead in the 22nd minute when a long throw into the box was headed out, only to be met by Nicolas Frietas, who hit a crashing half-volley which flew past the helpless Jhonny Herrera in the Universidad goals.

The Chilean outfit continued to press, however, and were rewarded 13 minutes later when Junior Fernandes volleyed into the back of net to score his fourth goal of the competition.

Matias Rodriguez almost won the game late for Universidad but saw his left-footed effort saved by Penarol keeper Fabian Carini.

The result leaves Penarol bottom of Group 8, while Universidad de Chile have now won one, drawn one and lost one.

Elsewhere, Vasco da Gama had to come from behind to avoid a humiliating defeat to Alianza Lima at Sao Januario.

The Copa do Brasil champions were on top for the majority of the game but struggled to finish off the 10-men Peruvians before grabbing a 3-2 victory.

Alianza took a shock lead when Rodolfo misjudged the flight of a long ball, allowing Sebastian Charquero to run in behind and slot past Fernando Prass after 17 minutes. Vasco pulled level just two minutes later when Christian Ramos turned William Barbio’s cross into his own net.

The equaliser sparked Vasco into life and they were awarded a penalty after a seemingly unintentional handball by Giancarlo Carmona.

As Alecsandro stepped up to take the spot kick, the Brazilian lost his footing and slammed the ball against the cross bar.

However, just five minutes later, Vasco took the lead for the first time when Dede’s run and header from a corner found the back of the net.

Alecsandro then missed another penalty in the match before, astonishingly, Vasco were given their third penalty of the evening. This time, however, it was Juninho Pernambucano to take the shot from 12 yards, and he made no mistake by blasting it into the bottom left-hand corner.

Walter Ibanez’s consolation in the 85th minute was not enough for the away side.

And Union Espanola and Universidad Catolica both maintained their unbeaten runs so far with a 1-1 draw in their all-Chilean tie.

Catolica scored the opener when Michael Rios’ free kick was glanced into the goal off the head of Enzo Andia, before Emanuel Herrera grabbed the equaliser.

Espanola remain top of Group 3 with seven points from three games. They hold a four-point advantage over Catolica who occupy second position having drawn all three of their games so far.