Colo Colo win in Libertadores opener

(GSM) – Chilean side Colo Colo got off to a winning start in Copa Libertadores Group 7 on Tuesday as Esteban Paredes’ goal gave them a 1-0 victory over Deportivo Italia of Venezuela.

The visiting Deportivo side – making their first Libertadores appearance since 1986 – held out well for much of the game, but the 58th-minute strike by Paredes was enough to send Colo Colo to second place in the group early in the competition.

Chile international striker Paredes took a pass inside the Deportivo penalty area before turning and hitting a fine shot beyond the visiting goalkeeper, ruining an otherwise solid defensive effort by the Venezuelans.

Deportivo Italia never got much going in the way of an attack as the Colo Colo defense proved impenetrable on the night in Santiago.

Colo Colo’s next match comes a week from Wednesday away to Cruzeiro, and Deportivo Italia are home to Vélez Sarsfield a week from Tuesday.