Copa Libertadores wrap: Corinthians back on track

14 March 2013 04:33

Defending champions Corinthians put their Copa Libertadores campaign back on track with a 3-0 thumping of Mexican side Tijuana on Wednesday.

After suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Tijuana in their last outing, the Brazilian giants were determined to make amends in front of their home supporters and took the lead just before the half-hour mark through former AC Milan star Alexandre Pato.

Paulo Guerrero made it 2-0 nine minutes before half-time, and Paulinho netted in the closing stages to complete the rout.

The win moved Corinthians to within two points of Tijuana, who still lead Group 5 on nine points.

In Group 7, Paraguayan club Olimpia moved to the top of the standings thanks to a 5-1 thumping of Venezuelan outfit Deportivo Lara.

First-half goals Fredy Bareiro, Herminio Miranda and Wilson Pittoni had the visitors cruising at half-time, and Pittoni's second goal plus a late strike from Eduardo Aranda made sure of a thumping win.

In Group 3, Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro maintained their perfect record, proving too strong for The Strongest, with Luis Mendez's 82nd-minute own goal seeing the Bolivian club suffer a 2-1 loss at home.

Diego Tardelli had opened the scoring for Mineiro after 10 minutes before Harold Reina levelled just before half-time.

And in Group 1, Ecuador's Barcelona played out a 0-0 draw at home with Mexican team Toluca.