Estudiantes qualify for Libertadores last-16
Reuters - Thursday 31 March 2011, 03:39
BUENOS AIRES - Estudiantes joined old
foes Cruzeiro in the knockout phase of the Libertadores Cup with
a 1-1 draw away to Deportes Tolima of Colombia on Wednesday.
The Argentine side, who beat Cruzeiro in the 2009 final to
lift their fourth title, are second in Group Seven three points
behind the Brazilians who beat Guarani of Paraguay 2-0 in
Asuncion.
With just one match to go, Tolima have five points and
Guarani none.
Estudiantes, knowing a draw would be enough to see them
through, took the lead in the 23rd minute when lanky back
Federico Fernandez leapt above the Tolima defence to head in
Leandro Benitez's left cross.
The Colombian side equalised eight minutes later when
Estudiantes defender Nelson Benitez handled the ball and Felix
Noguera converted the penalty.
"In the build-up we saw it as a difficult match and it was.
We started well, then through our own mistakes and their
improvement it got complicated, but we ended up having a good
match," Estudiantes defender Leandro Desabato told reporters.
Favourites Cruzeiro, who have been crowned South American
champions twice and had already virtually booked their place
among the last 16, took their tally to 17 goals in five matches.
Striker Thiago Ribeiro put Cruzeiro ahead early on and their
Paraguayan substitute Jose Ortigoza added the second in the
final minute.
HOLDERS WIN
In a tight three-way race for two last-16 berths in Group
Six, holders Internacional crushed Wilstermann of Bolivia 3-0 at
home to put one foot in the knockout phase.
The Brazilian side, with 10 points, opened a three-point
lead in the group standings over second-placed Emelec of Ecuador
after the teams have played four matches. Chiapas of Mexico are
third with six points while Wilstermann have none.
Midfielder Oscar had a brilliant game putting Inter ahead
after 18 minutes in a first half which the home side could have
ended five goals up against a side they beat 4-1 two weeks ago.
Argentine Andres D'Alessandro increased Inter's lead 12
minutes into the second half with a fine shot inside the box
from Oscar's pass.
Ze Roberto hit the third in the 72nd, four minutes after
Wilstermann midfielder Lucas Fernandez was sent off for a tackle
from behind on D'Alessandro, his second yellow card offence