Copa Libertadores wrap: Fluminense win, Internacional held

Brazilian champions Fluminense have edged towards qualification for the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals, while holders Internacional drew.

Two late goals have guided Rio-based club Fluminense to a 3-1 against Paraguayan Clausura winners Libertad, who will host the Brazilians in the second leg next Wednesday.

Striker Rafael Moura headed the Tricolor into the lead in the fourth minute after connecting with Edinho’s flick-on.

Rodolfo Gamarra responded for the away side in the 61st minute, heading past Ricardo Berna after the Fluminense goalkeeper misjudged his attempt to claim a cross.

Fluminense then moved in front in the 73rd minute through midfielder Marquinho, who fired home a shot from outside the penalty area.

Argentine Dario Conca then doubled his side’s lead two minutes later from a free-kick.

Elsewhere, Copa Libertadores holders Internacional of Brazil recorded a 1-1 stalemate at Uruguayan champions Penarol.

Winger Matias Corujo opened the scoring for five-time winners Penarol in the 36th minute after collecting a pass from Argentine Alejandro Martinuccio.

The Uruguayans were lucky not have had Carlos Valdez sent off after the defender brought down Inter striker Leandro Damiao in the box.

The defender received a booking for his troubles instead of an early shower.

The Brazilians pulled a goal back in the 65th minute through fringe Brazil striker Damiao, whose lobbed effort – with the help of a deflection – sailed past stranded Penarol goalkeeper Sebastian Sosa to hand Internacional a valuable away goal.

Internacional host the reverse leg in Brazil next Wednesday.