Boca, Cruzeiro win Libertadores openers-Xinhua

Boca, Cruzeiro win Libertadores openers

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2026-04-08 14:28:30

BUENOS AIRES, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Six-time champion Boca Juniors of Argentina began its Copa Libertadores group stage campaign with a 2-1 away win over Chile's Universidad Catolica on Tuesday.

Leandro Paredes put the visitors ahead with a long-range drive and Adam Bareiro doubled the lead by tapping in at the far post after Lautaro Blanco's cross.

Juan Diaz pulled a goal back seven minutes from time with a close-range finish following a corner.

In Guayaquil, Matheus Pereira's second-half strike gave Brazilian side Cruzeiro a 1-0 win over Barcelona SC of Ecuador.

The visitors went ahead in the 53rd minute when Pereira met Fagner's cross with a glancing header from the edge of the six-yard box.

In Mendoza, a first-half own goal from veteran goalkeeper Carlos Lampe handed Argentina's Independiente Rivadavia a 1-0 home win over Bolivar.

The Bolivian club was forced to play the last 15 minutes with 10 men after Jose Sagredo was shown a straight red card for violent conduct.

Elsewhere in the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday, Deportes Tolima was held to a goalless home draw by Universitario, LDU Quito won 1-0 at Always Ready and Fluminense drew 0-0 at Deportivo La Guaira.