Copa Libertadores wrap: Independiente too good for arch-rivals

Argentine club Independiente defeated Penarol of Uruguay 3-0 in their Copa Libertadores Group Eight match on Thursday.

In a clash between seven-time competition winners Independiente and five-time champions Penarol, it was the Argentine hosts who came out comfortably on top at Estadio Libertadores de America in Buenos Aires.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes, it was forward Facundo Parra who broke the deadlock just 60 seconds into the second half.

Midfielder Cristian Pellerano made it 2-0 from a Nicolas Cabrera header on 70 minutes.

Substitute Nestor Silvera capped off a comprehensive win when he struck five minutes from time.

Independiente are joint top of Group Eight, alongside fellow Argentine club Godoy Cruz de Mendoza.

In Group Three, Argentinos Juniors came from a goal down to win 3-1 at home to Mexican side America.

Argentine attacking midfielder Daniel Montenegro struck against his countryman to put America 1-0 ahead 27 minutes in at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

But the hosts were level when Pavel Pardo fouled Santiago Salcedo inside the box moments before the half-time whistle.

The Paraguayan centre-forward picked himself up to convert the spot-kick and make it 1-1 going into the break.

Salcedo was on target again on 73 minutes, meeting a Gustavo Oberman corner to put Argentinos 2-1 ahead.

Substitute Cristian Sanchez Prette, on loan from Romanian side Cluj, snatched a third to make it 3-1 in the 90th minute.

Argentinos top Group Three with four points, ahead of America who are second with three points.

Elsewhere, Columbians Atletico Junior came from a goal down to beat Gremio of Brazil 2-1.

Borges had put the visitors in front just four minutes in Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez, but Giovanni Hernandez levelled for the hosts on 28 minutes.

John Edwis Viafara struck the winner for Atletico 16 minutes from time.