Copa Libertadores wrap: Inter top group, Libertad stay unbeaten

Defending champions Internacional of Brazil are through to the Copa Libertadores last 16 after they defeated Ecuador’s Emelec 2-0.

Internacional striker Rafael Sobis’ headed effort opened the scoring for the home side, with Leandro Damiao latching onto a rebound with six minutes remaining to double the score and confirm Inter’s passage into the next stage.

The Brazilian side finished at the top of Group Six with 13 points, four points clear of Mexican side Jaguares.

They also qualified for the knockout stages despite going down 2-1 against Bolivia’s Wilstermann on Tuesday.

The Mexicans opening the scoring through Julio Frias, but relinquished their advantage when Frias was handed a straight red card on 50 minutes.

Wilstermann then hit back with goals to Rogelio Fabio Lima and Nicolas Torres within five minutes of each other to seal the three points, but it was not enough to lift them from bottom place in the group.

Elsewhere, 2004 champions Once Caldas also sealed their qualification to the knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Peruvian side Universidad San Martin.

Goals from Wason Renteria and Matias Mirabaje sent Once above Universidad into second place in the Group One standings, with the losers also having two men sent off in the dying stages.

Libertad, who had already sealed their progression to the next round, ensured they would finish the group stage undefeated with a 2-0 win at home over San Luis.