Corinthians edge Cruz Azul in Copa Libertadores

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian champion Corinthians beat Mexico's Cruz Azul 1-0 Wednesday to move into top spot in Group 6 of the Copa Libertadores.

Two-time champion Internacional needed a late goal to salvage a 1-1 draw with The Strongest in Bolivia, while fellow Brazilian club Vasco da Gama defeated Libertad of Paraguay 2-0 at Rio de Janeiro in other matches in Latin America's most important continental club competition.

Midfielder Danilo scored the winner for Corinthians with a header in the 36th minute, giving the popular Brazilian club eight points from four matches, one clear of Cruz Azul. Nacional of Paraguay and Deportivo Tachira of Venezuela will play their fourth-round match next week. Nacional has three points and Deportivo Tachira one.

Corinthians dominated the match at the Pacaembu stadium, and Cruz Azul goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona had to make several difficult saves to keep the Mexicans in contention.

Cruz Azul had only a few chances on set pieces and counterattacks, but substitute striker Manuel Alejandro Vela almost equalized when he hit the post with a low shot from inside the area in the 89th.

"It was important to get the victory," Corinthians defender Leandro Castan said. "We got into some trouble there at the end and gave them some chances. We have to correct that to make sure it doesn't happen again in the next matches."

Cruz Azul went a man down from the 71st after defender Fausto Pinto was sent off for his second booking after a hard foul on Corinthians striker Emerson.

The teams had played to a 0-0 draw last week in Mexico, when Corinthians also played better.

Corinthians are Brazil's second most popular club behind Flamengo, having won five national league titles and the first edition of FIFA's Club World Cup. But Corinthians have never lifted the trophy of the Copa Libertadores.

At the Sao Januario stadium, Vasco da Gama joined Libertad atop Group 5 with a 2-0 victory via goals from World Cup veteran playmaker Juninho and striker Alecsandro.

Juninho, who entered the match at halftime, opened the scoring in the 53rd when his angled cross from the left flank went straight into the net of Libertad goalkeeper Rodrigo Munoz.

Alecsando doubled the lead in the 62nd after completing a low cross by midfielder Allan with a shot from near the six-meter (yard) line.

The victory leaves Vasco and Libertad equal with seven points after four matches, four points ahead of Nacional of Uruguay and Alianza Lima of Peru.

Another goal for Vasco would have moved the Brazilian club ahead of Libertad in the standings. The teams are currently tied in all stats, including goals scored and goals allowed.

Vasco and Libertad drew 1-1 when the teams met in Paraguay last week.

The Brazilian club got the victory on Wednesday despite being without playmaker Diego Souza, who was sent off in the match in Paraguay. Libertad didn't have Jose Ariel Nunez for the same reason.

In the high altitude of La Paz, Bolivia, Internacional scored late to retain top spot in Group 1. Both clubs have seven points from four matches, one point more than defending Copa Libertadores champion Santos, which will host last-place Juan Aurich on Thursday in Brazil.

Substitute striker Gilberto scored the equalizer in the 89th at the Hernando Siles stadium. He missed in his first attempt after a ball crossed into the area, but then was able to push the ball into the net from near the penalty spot.

The Strongest had opened the scoring with a goal by striker Rodrigo Ramallo less than a minute into the second half.

Only the top two teams in each of the eight groups will advance to the next round.