River Plate edge towards Libertadores last 16-Xinhua

River Plate edge towards Libertadores last 16

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2023-06-08 14:52:16

BUENOS AIRES, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Argentina's River Plate scored two second-half goals to edge closer to a berth in the Copa Libertadores knockout stage with a 2-0 home win over Brazilian side Fluminense on Wednesday.

Lucas Beltran gave the hosts the lead with a 49th-minute strike and Esequiel Barco doubled the advantage by converting a penalty late in stoppage time.

The result at the Estadio Monumental means River Plate now have seven points from five matches, two points behind Fluminense, who remain Group D leaders.

The Buenos Aires giants will be guaranteed of a place in the last 16 if they beat Bolivia's The Strongest at home in their final group match on June 27.

In Sao Paulo, Palmeiras secured a spot in the tournament's next phase by coming from behind to defeat Ecuador's Barcelona SC 4-2.

Francisco Fydriszewski gave the visitors a dream start with two first-half goals before Gustavo Gomez, Joaquin Piquerez, Artur Guimaraes and Endrick Felipe struck after halftime for the Brazilian giants.

Palmeiras now have 12 points from five games and trail leaders Bolivar on goal difference while Barcelona are third with just three points so far.

In other Copa Libertadores fixtures on Wednesday, Sporting Cristal won 2-1 at the Strongest, Nublense drew 0-0 at Aucas, Independiente del Valle romped to a 3-0 home win over Corinthians and Club National were held to a 1-1 home draw by Internacional.