Copa Libertadores: Boca Juniors 1 Corinthians 1

28 June 2012 05:46

Boca Juniors and Corinthians drew 1-1 in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores final at the Bombonera Stadium on Wednesday.

Fernando Roncaglia had given Boca a 73nd minute lead before substitute Romarinho levelled proceedings with five minutes remaining.

Boca, six-times winners of the South American club competition, were coming up against a struggling Corinthians side sitting in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Serie A.

Throughout the first half, the hosts dominated possession but were unable to create any clear chances.

Boca went into the break with nothing to show for their dominance, however they eventually made the breakthrough on 73 minutes courtesy of Roncaglia.

He pounced on a rebound after Corinthians defender Chicao appeared to have handled the ball on the line, similar to the incident involving Luis Suarez at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

However, Boca's lead was short-lived.

Romarinho had only been on the pitch for about two minutes before he lobbed the ball over Agustin Orion to net his third goal in two games and equalise for Corinthians, who are making their first appearance in a Copa Libertadores final.

New Corinthians Stadium is the venue for next Wednesday's second leg in Brazil with the away goals rule not in effect.