Arsenal keep hopes alive in Copa Sudamericana

GUADALAJARA, October 26 (Copa Sudamericana) - Argentinian side Arsenal continued making history in the Copa Sudamericana as they moved closer to capturing the trophy after defeating Mexican giants Guadalajara 3-1 on Thursday.

After a goalless draw in the first leg played in Buenos Aires, Gustavo Alfaro's side started well in their visit to the Jalisco stadium as Javier Yacuzzi opened the scoring just three minutes into the game.

But the hosts fought back and equalised with some great build-up play leading to Sergio Santana firing home.

But before the interval, man-of-the-match Yacuzzi struck again to make it 2-1 with a strong volley from the edge of the area.

And in the closing stages Arsenal added a third from the penalty spot when Mexican defender Hector Reynoso brought down Yacuzzi inside the box.

Reynoso was dismissed and midfielder Santiago Raymonda converted from the spot.

This is the first time that the team from Sarandi neighbourhood has reached the semi-finals of the competition.

Meanwhile, Argentinian giants River Plate rescued a valuable 2-2 draw at Defensor Sporting.

Only five minutes into the game, Ariel Ortega opened the scoring from the spot but 10 minutes later, Pablo Gaglianone equalised for Defensor Sporting after Diego De Souza's free kick.

Colombian striker Radamel Falcao Garcia then put River 2-1 ahead with a powerful long range shot.

But the Uruguayan side equalised with their only chance of the second half as Sergio Valenti headed home a Carlos Maria Morales pass.

'It's a pity, we had the victory in our hands and in a single move they equalised,' declared River's forward Radamel Falcao Garcia.

'The performance of the referee was a shame,' said Defensor Sporting coach Jorge Da Silva.

Next Tuesday, River Plate will play Defensor in Monumental stadium of Buenos Aires.