Copa Sudamericana: LDU Quito 3 Independiente 2

LDU Quito moved a step closer to the Copa Sudamericana final after defeating Independiente 3-2 in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

But the Ecuadorian club had to hold on for a nerve-wracking final 30 minutes after Independiente cut a 3-0 deficit to 3-2 in the space of six minutes to stun supporters at Las Casa Blanca.

Independiente, playing in their first semi-final at an international tournament in 15 years, were lively early and looked to have held the hosts to a goal-less opening half before on-loan Estudiantes forward Juan Manuel Salgueiro struck in first-half injury time.

Quito came out firing in the second half, with Miller Bolanos making it 2-0 in the 49th minute and defender Neicer Reasco notching another seven minutes later to give the hosts a three-goal advantage.

But Nestor Silvera fired one back for Independiente one minute later, and when Lucas Mareque found the net in the 64th minute the Argentinean club were on the verge of a remarkable turnaround.

But Quito fought bravely to avoid an equaliser, holding on for the win ahead of their away leg at the Estadio Libertadores de America in Avellaneda next week.