San Lorenzo can count themselves lucky to still be in this year’s Copa Sudamericana after only an administrative error by Deportes Temuco saw El Ciclón progress in the last round. However, Claudio Biaggio’s side look set to make it count after securing a 3-1 first leg victory over Nacional in the last 16.

After looking so poor against Temuco and starting the Superliga poorly, Nacional would have arrived at the Nuevo Gasómetro on Wednesday confident of a result but found El Ciclón with a renewed confidence.

This was perhaps aided by Rodrigo Erramuspe’s 18th minute own goal that gave San Lorenzo a nerve settling lead but the home side continued to attack and doubled their advantage just after the half hour mark.

Víctor Salazar burst forward from right-back to intercept a pass and after feeding Nicolás Blandi the captain smashed the ball past Esteban Conde.

Former San Lorenzo striker Gonzalo Bergessio slotted in from the penalty spot 20 minutes from time and an away goal with only a one-goal margin wouldn’t have been too bad for Nacional.

However, ten minutes later a trip on Gabriel Gudiño saw Blandi send Conde the wrong way from the spot and restore San Lorenzo’s lead.

The date for next month’s second leg isn’t yet set but San Lorenzo will now be favourites to progress.