Copa Libertadores: LDU Quito, Estudiantes romp to wins

LDU Quito’s up-and-down Copa Libertadores campaign took a turn for the better, while Estudiantes had their own big win on Thursday.

Ecuadorian side LDU Quito strengthened their spot at the top of the Group 8 table after trouncing Uruguayan outfit Penarol 5-0 at home, in a game that lacked for nothing.

The 2008 Copa winners – who have now won two and lost two in their group games – took at 22nd-minute lead through Carlos Luna, though the Argentine striker had to be substituted through injury two minutes after breaking the deadlock.

It mattered little for the 29-year-old’s side, however, with replacement Walter Calderon doubling LDU Quito’s advantage in first-half extra time.

On-loan Reggina defender Carlos Valdez then put through his own net to compound Penarol’s woes, with a Hernan Barcos penalty and another strike from veteran striker Calderon making the scoreline complete.

The only negative for LDU was the straight red card handed to substitute midfielder Fernando Hidalgo, but it did little to stop his team-mates running out comprehensive winners.

Penarol sink to third on the table due to a poor goal difference, though they are level with both LDU Quito and Argentine club Godoy Cruz on six points.

Not to be outdone, Estudiantes put five goals of their own past Paraguayans Guarani to move to second on the Group 7 table.

The Argentinians had a hat-trick from much-travelled Uruguayan frontman Hernan Lopez as the highlight, with strike partner Leandro Gonzalez weighing in with a brace.

Boca Juniors loanee Facundo Roncaglia was sent off for the winners, while Julian Benitez scored a consolation goal for the away side to ensure the match finished 5-1.

Colombian club Junior sealed their progression from the group stage courtesy of a come-from-behind 2-1 win at home over Bolivian outfit Oriente Petrolero, making it four wins from as many games in Group 2.

Oriente are pointless and appear doomed, with Gremio’s 1-1 draw at Peruvian club Leon de Huanuco helping the Brazilian club more than their opponents in Thursday’s other group game.