Libertadores: Corinthians snatch late draw
Reuters - Thursday 11 March 2010, 04:09
BUENOS AIRES - Substitute Dentinho
scored an 86th minute equaliser as Corinthians, looking to win
the Libertadores Cup for the first time in their centenary
year, drew 1-1 away to Independiente Medellin on Wednesday.
Fellow Brazilians Flamengo, who lifted South America's top
club trophy in 1981, won 3-1 away to FC Caracas with two goals
from Vagner Love, his first a penalty.
Corinthians lead Group One with four points from two
matches. Flamengo, without the dropped Adriano and down to 10
men for 37 minutes after Toro was sent off for a second
booking, lead Group Eight with a maximum six points.
Dentinho shot from outside the box on the left and his
dipping effort found the top far corner of Paraguayan
goalkeeper Aldo Bobadilla's net to cancel out Cesar Valoyes's
goal for the Colombian champions.
Medellin went ahead in the 75th minute after left back Juan
Valencia crossed low into the middle for Corinthians captain
Chicao, who missed the ball but substitute Valoyes darted in to
finish past keeper Felipe.
The goal came two minutes after an ineffectual, overweight
Ronaldo had been substituted by Corinthians.
In a Group Six meeting between the champions of Argentina
and Uruguay, Colombian teenager James Rodriguez scored twice to
give Banfield a 2-2 draw away to Nacional at Montevideo's
Centenario stadium.
Striker Gustavo Varela gave Nacional an early lead before
18-year-old midfielder Rodriguez struck twice, heading a
17th-minute equaliser and converting a penalty in the 35th,
after he had been brought down, to put the Argentine side
ahead.
Mario Regueiro pulled Nacional level just before half time
when he tapped home the rebound after Uruguay central defender
Sebastian Coates had headed a free-kick onto the bar.
Alianza Lima, the team that humiliated holders Estudiantes
4-1 three weeks ago, beat Juan Aurich 2-0 in an all-Peruvian
match to lead Group Three with a maximum nine points. Alianza
are five points ahead of the second-placed Argentine side.
Mexican champions Monterrey hung on for a 1-1 draw away to
Once Caldas in Colombia in Group Two after having two players
sent off in the second half.