Junior hold Boca in Copa Libertadores tie

Barranquilla (Colombia) May 3 (IANS) Luis Carlos Ruiz struck at both ends of the pitch as Colombian club Atletico Junior held Argentine giants Boca Juniors 1-1 in a Group H match of the Copa Libertadores football tournament here.

The striker put Atletico in the lead during Wednesday evening s match off a penalty in the first half. However later on a defensive blunder saw Ruiz score an own goal as the match ended in a 1-1 draw reports EFE news agency.

Thanks to Wednesday s result Brazilian team Palmeiras who have already qualified for the quarter-finals lead Group H with 10 points. They are followed by Atletico Junior with seven points Boca with six and Alianza Lima with one.

The visiting team from Argentina had the first opportunity in the fifth minute with a low-range shot from Carlos Tevez but the Atletico goalkeeper managed to save it.

The referee awarded a controversial penalty in the 30th minute. Ruiz took control of the ball and tried to send it to the goal but the ball hit the left pole. He then took the rebound and successfully found the net to put the hosts in the lead.

The Argentine team were stunned and the Atletico Junior kept trying to score the second goal but failed to do so by the end of the first half.

The equaliser came in the 50th minute when Boca Juniors striker Cristian Pavon took a shot at goal off a free kick from the left side. Ruiz tried to head the ball out but instead sent it into his own net.

The last games of Group H will be played on May 16. Palmeiras will face Atletico Junior while Alianza Lima will take on Boca.

--IANS
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