James Rodriguez scored twice as Argentine league champion Banfield
played to a 2-2 draw at Nacional of Uruguay on Wednesday to stay in
control of Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores.
In other matches, Alianza Lima and Flamengo of Brazil both
claimed victories, while Independiente Medellin vs. Corinthins and
Once Caldas vs. Monterrey ended in draws.
Rodriguez scored in the 18th and 37th minutes for Banfield,
in between goals from Gustavo Varela in the 6th and Mario Regueiro
in the 41st for the hosts.
Banfield moved to seven points, two points ahead of Nacional
with three games played.
In Group 1, Cesar Valoyes gave Colombian club Independiente
Medellin the lead against Corinthians in the 76th minute and
threaten a surprise win over a Brazilian club lineup containing
Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo.
But Dentinho equalized in the 85th to salvage a draw and keep
Corinthians a point ahead of Racing of Uruguay at the top of the
group.
Jose Fernandez and Giancarlo Tragodara scored either side of
half time to give Alianza a home victory against fellow Peruvian
club Juan Aurich. Alianza has three straight wins and tops Group 3.
Vagner Love scored twice for Flamengo in the 3-1 away win
over Caracas of Venezuela. Rafael Castellin pulled Caracas level
after Love's opening goal. But Love scored again and Rodrigo Alvim
sealed the result in the last minutes to put Flamengo atop Group 8
after two matches.
Hector Morales put Monterrey of Mexico ahead against Once
Caldas, but John Valencia equalized on the hour after Jesus Zavala
had been sent off for the Mexican club.
Monterrey finished with nine men after Gerardo Galindo was
red carded in the 84th.
Once Caldas tops Group 2 with seven points, three clear of
Monterrey. Sao Paulo of Brazil has a game in hand and can move into
second place with a victory away against Nacional of Paraguay on
Thursday.
