Libertadores: Palmeiras, Anzoategui and Sporting Cristal close to group phase

Palmeiras of Brazil and Deportivo Anzoategui of Venezuela are close to a spot in the Copa Libertadores group phase, while Estudiantes de La Plata could well miss out after a 2-1 defeat at Sporting Cristal.

Estudiantes did take the lead through Enzo Perez in the 28th minute but the Peruvian home side equalised through Roberto Palacios in the 41st. The winning goal came from Hector Hurtado ten minutes after half time.

Palmeiras left Bolivian side Real Potosi practically without a chance to advance, beating their opponents 5-1. The first two home goals came from Keirrison, after which Edhemir Rodriguez got one back for the away side.

Diego Souza then made it 3-1 on 40 minutes, Cleiton Xavier added another on 59 and the final goal came from Edmilson in added time.

The Venezuelans of Deportivo Anzoategui beat Deportivo Cuenca of Ecuador 2-0. Fabian Espindola scored in the first half and Jhonny Gonzalez added another in the second. Cuenca’s Marco Quiñonez got sent off near the end.

The return legs in this qualifying round are to be played from February 4th to February 6th.