Chivas on top in Libertadores tie

(GSM) – Chivas Guadalajara took a big step toward reaching the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals on Tuesday after securing a 3-0, first-leg win over Vélez in the round of 16.

Chivas earned a free pass to the last 16 of this season’s Libertadores after the H1N1 flu outbreak last season forced the Guadalajara side – along with Mexican counterparts San Luis – to withdraw from the tournament.

Vélez qualified as the fourth seed by virtue of winning Group 7.

Omar Bravo opened the scoring in the 25th minute with the first of his two goals on thet day, collecting a pass from Omar Arellano before before slotting past Germán Montoya in the Vélez goal.

Vélez, however, seized control after the restart only to see Chivas goalkeeper Liborio Sánchez make several fine plays to keep his side up 1-0.

Those stops were big as Bravo made it 2-0 in the 79th minute when he headed home off a free kick.

Héctor Reynoso added the third late on from the penalty spot after Montoya was sent off after hauling down Bravo in his bid for a hat-trick.

The return leg in Argentina will be played on next Tuesday, 4 May.