Banfield down 10-man Morelia

(GSM) – Argentina’s Apertura champions Banfield grabbed an early advantage in Copa Libertadores Group 6 on Wednesday with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Morelia of Mexico.

After a scoreless opening half in Buenos Aires, the Mexican visitors gave Banfield the advantage in the 52nd minute when midfielder Adrián Aldrete earned a red card for striking the face of Sebastián Fernández.

Banfield needed just three minutes to take advantage of their numerical superiority when James Rodríguez got in unmarked at the back post to knock in a cross by Rubén Ramírez.

The home side extended the lead to 2-0 in the 79th minute on a set piece as Roberto Battión turned in Walter Erviti’s wonderfully placed corner kick, and the match was essentially put away.

Morelia managed a consolation in added time on a Luis Gabriel Rey header.

Banfield’s next match comes in one week against Ecuador’s Deportivo Cuenca, while Morelia are off until a 23 February showdown with Nacional of Uruguay in Michoacán.