Flamengo beat Atletico Paranaense in Copa Libertadores tie

Rio de Janeiro April 13 (IANS) First-half goals from Paolo Guerrero and Diego steered Flamengo to a 2-1 victory over Brazilian rivals Atletico Paranaense in their Copa Libertadores group match here.

Former Bayern Munich striker Guerrero struck with a header on Wednesday evening and Brazil international midfielder Diego doubled the hosts lead by firing in from close range. Nikao pulled a late goal back for the visitors reports Xinhua news agency.

The result at the Maracana stadium left Flamengo first in Group D with two wins from their opening two matches while Atletico dropped to third with one win and a draw.

In Sao Paulo defender Fabiano scored deep into second-half stoppage time to hand reigning Brazilian Serie A champions Palmeiras a 3-2 victory over Uruguay s Penarol.

Ramon Arias had given the visitors the lead before Willian and Dudu found the target for the hosts. Gaston Rodriguez equalized for the Montevideo-based outfit but Fabiano scored in the 90th minute just minutes after his teammate Dudu was sent off.

Palmeiras top Group E with seven points from three matches while Penarol are third with three points.

In other matches on Wednesday Argentina s San Lorenzo drew 1-1 at Universidad Catolica of Chile and Club Guarani of Paraguay recorded a 3-1 home win over Venezuela s Zamora.

--IANS
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