Defending champions Atletico Nacional out of Copa Libertadores

Rio de Janeiro May 19 (IANS) Defending champions Atletico Nacional of Colombia were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores after a 1-0 defeat to Brazil s Botafogo at Rio s Olympic stadium here.

Rodrigo Pimpao on Thursday struck in the 51st minute after a defence-splitting pass from Rodrigo Lindoso and the hosts defended resolutely thereafter to secure their third win from five matches reports Xinhua news agency.

Botafogo are now guaranteed a place in the knockout phase while the Medellin-based outfit can now focus on domestic honours having taken just three points from five matches in the continental tournament.

In Thursday s other Group A match Argentina s Estudiantes de la Plata beat group leaders Barcelona de Guayaquil of Ecuador 3-0 with Facundo Sanchez scoring a brace.

--IANS
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