Nacional through to group phase in Copa Libertadores

Paraguayan outfit Nacional are through to the group phase of the Copa Libertadores, after a 3-3 draw with El Nacional of Ecuador in the second leg.

The first leg, played in Quito last week, ended in a convincing 0-5 win to the Paraguayans, who were practically certain to qualify no matter the result in the return leg.

At least El Nacional went out with a bang. Nuñez (2) and Arriola gave the hosts a 3-0 lead in the first half hour, but Pita, Ladines and Zura scored back to give the Ecuadoreans a 3-3 draw.

Other clubs that advance from the qualification round are Pachuca of Mexico, Palmeiras of Brazil, Independiente Medellin of Colombia, Deportivo Cuenca of Ecuador and Estudiantes de La Plata of Argentina.