Copa Libertadores: Independiente 2 Deportivo Quito 0

Seven-time champions Independiente opened their 2011 Copa Libertadores campaign with a 2-0 win over Ecuador’s Deportivo Quito on Tuesday.

Independiente, playing in the elite South American tournament for the first time since 2004, got off to a perfect start with victory in the first leg of their qualifying tie.

New signing Matias Defederico scored in his debut appearance in the shirt of the Argentine club in the 50th minute, and substitute Patricio Rodriguez sealed the win 20 minutes later.

Defederico, acquired from Brazilian club Corinthians, was lucky enough to have a limp clearance from Andres Silvera’s cross paddled right into his path and merely had to slot a left-footed shot past Deportivo goalkeeper Marcelo Elizaga.

Rodriguez was left unmarked at the edge of the six-yard box and redirected Nicolas Cabrera’s free kick between Elizaga’s legs.

Independiente carry a 2-0 aggregate into their away leg at Deportivo next Tuesday, with the overall winner advancing to the main draw of 32 teams.