Copa Libertadores wrap: Boca, Vasco take first-leg wins

3 May 2012 05:41

Boca Juniors will take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of their Copa Libertadores round-of-16 clash with Union Espanola after Wednesday's home win.

The Argentine giants went ahead in the 25th minute of their first-leg encounter with their Chilean opponents, Juan Riquelme scoring the opener after an assist from Dario Cvitanich.

Espanola hit back in the 73rd minute when Sebastian Jaime netted, but Santiago Silva secured the advantage for Boca when he scored in the 90th minute, much to the delight of the fans in Buenos Aires.

Espanola suffered a further blow in the third minute of stoppage time when Diego Scotti was given his marching orders for a crude challenge on Riquelme.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Brazilian club Vasco da Gama enjoyed a 2-1 home victory over Argentine outfit Lanus.

Goals from Alecsandro and Diego Souza saw Vasco to a 2-0 lead at the interval and although Mario Regueiro pulled one back for the visitors just after the hour mark, the Brazilian powerhouse will head into the second leg with a one-goal advantage.

Things did not work out quite so well for the other Brazilian team in action on Wednesday, with Corinthians held to a 0-0 draw in Ecuador against Emelec.

To further compound a poor night from Corinthians, attacker Jorge Henrique was sent off on 53 minutes for his second caution.

The second legs of all three ties will take place next Wednesday.