River Plate gain edge in Libertadores semifinals

Buenos Aires Oct 25 (IANS) Ignacio Scocco struck late as River Plate beat Lanus 1-0 in their all-Argentine Copa Libertadores football semifinal here.

The match looked headed for a goalless draw before the 32-year-old former Sunderland striker left his mark with eight minutes remaining on Tuesday reports Xinhua news agency.

Gonzalo Martinez s long range shot was parried away by goalkeeper Esteban Andrada only for Scocco to rifle in the rebound with his left foot.

Despite playing just five of a possible 11 matches Scocco has now netted seven goals to be the competition s second-top scorer behind the Strongest s Alejandro Chumacero.

The decisive second leg will be played at Ciudad de Lanus next Tuesday.

River Plate are aiming for a fourth Copa Libertadores title following their triumphs in 1986 1996 and 2015. Lanus have never won South America s most coveted club trophy.

The winner of the Copa Libertadores will earn the right to play in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in December.

--IANS
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