Copa Libertadores wrap: Catolica in seventh heaven

Universidad Catolica came from 3-1 down to beat Velez Sarsfield 4-3 away in the Copa Libertadores on Thursday.

Chilean visitors Catolica took the lead in the first minute at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani through Argentine striker Lucas Pratto.

Velez levelled in the 20th minute with a header from centre-back Fernando Ortiz.

Just a minute later they were in front when right winger Augusto Fernandez struck to make it 2-1.

Velez appeared to be cruising when left-sided player Emiliano Papa headed home to put the hosts 3-1 up on the stroke of half-time.

But their task was made harder when goal-scorer Ortiz received his marching orders seven minutes into the second half.

Midfielder Tomas Costa pulled one back for Catolica on 73 minutes, but 10-man Velez looked set to hang on for the win, before Lucas Pratto equalised with three minutes remaining.

Striker Francisco Pizarro then struck in the 90th minute to make it 4-3 to Catolica and complete a remarkable comeback.

Catolica are now top of Group Four with four points, ahead of Velez.

Also in Group Four, Venezuela’s Caracas joined Velez on three points after a 2-0 win over Chilean side Union Espanola.

Edgar Jimenez put hosts Caracas ahead from the penalty spot in the 39th minute at Estadio Olimpico de Venezuela.

Panama international midfielder Nelson Barahona completed the scoring eight minutes into the second half.

Espanola remain bottom of the group with one point from two matches played.

Brazilians Gremio are top of Group Two following a 2-0 win over Peruvian side Leon de Huanuco.

Andre Lima and Borges were on the scoresheet for Gremio at the Estadio Olimpico Monumental.

Ecuadorian outfit LDU Quito cruised to a 3-0 win over Argentina’s Independiente at Estadio de Liga Deportiva Universitaria.

Paul Ambrosi struck in the first 10 minutes for LDU, before second-half goals from Miller Bolanos and Patricio Urrutia wrapped up the victory.