River Plate began their Copa Sudamericana defence on Wednesday night and eased to a 2-0 win over Liga de Quito in the Monumental. Former Racing manager, Luís Zubeldía brought his side to Buenos Aires full of belief but quickly discovered that they faced an uphill struggle to overcome the Libertadores champions. River’s passing appeared a little crisper than it has in recent weeks and before the half hour mark, Lucas Alario swept in the opener following a wonderful passage of play down the right. The visitors were reduced to ten men after the break and with the numerical advantage, Rodrigo Mora headed a second to put the holders firmly in the driving seat ahead of the second leg.
Independiente will be taking a slightly slimmer advantage to Paraguay after a 1-0 victory against Olimpia in Avellaneda. The only goal of the game came just before half-time when a brisk counter led by Martín Benítez was finished by Juan Manuel Trejo. El Rojo were good value for the lead but were unable to add to their single goal and in the 83rd minute had Jesús Méndez sent off for an elbow on Robert Piris. Olimpia remain a real threat with only a goal difference and Mauricio Pellegrino will need to ensure his side are fully prepared for next Wednesday’s trip to Asunción.
The only away match for Argentina sides on Wednesday night saw Huracán travel to Brazil to face Sport Recife and despite falling behind to André’s 52nd minute header, El Globo salvaged a useful draw. With fifteen minutes remaining Ramón Ábila was adjudged to have been hauled down by defender, Matheus and Mauro Bogado slotted the resulting penalty kick past Danilo.
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