Substitute striker Jose Maria Ortigoza scored a 75th-minute goal for Palmeiras who beat fellow Brazilian side Sport 1-0 as the third round of the Copa Libertadores got under way on Tuesday.
After beating Sport in Sao Paulo for the first time in six years, the 1999 Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras can afford a draw in the second leg next week in the northeastern city of Recife to advance to the quarter-finals of the Latin American championship.
Ortigoza, who came on to replace midfielder Marquinhos in the 64th minute, headed in a cross by midfielder Cleiton Xavier.
“It was a very important goal,” Ortigoza said. “It helped us win at home and earn an important advantage.”
Sport, playing in the round of 16 for the first time, went a man down just before the goal when midfielder Hamilton was sent off after he received his second yellow card. Palmeiras scored on the ensuing free-kick.
In front of their own fans, Palmeiras dominated most of the match at the Palestra Italia Stadium.
Striker Keirrison had the team’s first chance in the fifth minute, hitting the crossbar from close range after a cross into the penalty area.
One of Sport’s few opportunities came in the 26th minute from a long-range shot by striker Wilson that made Palmeiras’ World Cup goalkeeper Marcos produce a good save.
Midfielder Marquinhos nearly got on the scoreboard for Palmeiras in the 53rd minute, but his shot from inside the area was cleared just in front of the goalmouth. Midfielder Diego Souza’s close range effort in the 62nd minute also just missed.
Playing a man up, Palmeiras had a few other chances after the goal, but failed to capitalize. Souza came closest when he hit the post with a header in the 90th minute.
It was the third match between the Brazilian rivals in this year’s Copa Libertadores. Palmeiras beat Sport 2-0 in Recife in their first match in Group 1, then Sport earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Sao Paulo despite playing the entire second half with 10 men. Sport advanced in first place and Palmeiras in second.
Palmeiras got the win despite playing without suspended defender Marcao, who was red-carded in the match against Colo Colo. Sport coach Nelsinho Baptista had all his players available.
Former Spartak Moscow midfielder Mozart, added to Palmeiras’ roster to replace injured World Cup defender Edmilson, came on in the second half to make his debut for the club.
Two Copa Libertadores matches involving Mexican teams have been delayed because of swine flu fears. The matches between San Luis and Nacional of Uruguay and Chivas and Sao Paulo of Brazil have not yet been rescheduled.
The match between Defensor Sporting of Uruguay and Boca Juniors of Argentina was delayed a week because the stadium in Montevideo was already booked for another event.
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