Adriano seals Libertadores win for Flamengo

(GSM) – Despite losing a key midfielder to a red card inside three minutes, Flamengo fought hard to earn a 2-0 Copa Libertadores Group 8 victory over Universidad Católica on Wednesday.

Willians was dismissed early, but that didn’t stop Leo Moura from grabbing the opener on 10 minutes. After Católica’s Milovan Mirosevic earned a red card in the 42nd minute, Adriano bagged the second shy of the hour mark to complete the win.

Willians earned his marching orders for an elbow on Católica defender Hans Martínez, but the Brazilians still took the lead when Leo Moura stepped up to hit a beautiful free kick beyond goalkeeper Paulo Garcés.

Chilean side Católica then gave up their numerical advantage three minutes before half-time when Mirosevic stamped on Toró.

The victory was then complete in the 58th minute when veteran striker Adriano made it 2-0 with a shot from inside the area that went across Garcés and into the net.

Flamengo take the early edge in Group 8 while Católica fall to the bottom of the group.