Alianza Lima advance in Libertadores

(GSM) – Alianza Lima clinched a berth in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 on Thursday as they defeated Bolívar, 1-0, in Group 3.

José Carlos Fernández fired the Peruvians in front after just six minutes, with the home side needed only a victory to assure one of the 14 berths in the next round.

They were made to work for it, however, by the visitors Bolivians, who played solid defense for much of the game.

Despite that, Bolívar never managed too many dangerous opportunities at the other end, even though Alianza finished a man down after Edgar Villamarín’s sending off three minutes from time.

Alianza are the first team aside from San Luis and Chivas – who are qualified based off last year’s H1N1-forced withdrawal – to qualify for the next stage.