Banfield continue fine run with away draw

Argentinian champions Banfield consolidated their position at the top of Group 6 in the Copa Libertadores with a 2-2 draw away to closest challengers Nacional in Uruguay.

GettyImages

Banfield goalscorer James Rodriguez (R) earns a foul against Nacional

Nacional took an early lead through Gustavo Varela, but young Columbian forward James Rodriguez grabbed a brace to turn the game around, first heading home from Ruben Ramirez's cross before firing home a penalty.

However, Mario Regueiro levelled the match in the 40th minute as Nacional earned a point. Banfield missed several second-half opportunities to win it. However, Rodriguez was happy with the point.

"We scored two goals at a very difficult place to come, where few teams win,'' he said. "We got a good result.'' The result leaves Banfield two points clear of Nacional, and Varela was disappointed to only get a draw. "It is not good for us,'' he said. "We managed to equalise at the end of the second half, but in the second half they stood firm in defence.''

Monterrey finished with nine men but still took a point fromn their trip to Group 2 leaders Once Caldas as they secured a 1-1 draw. The Mexican visitors led in the 32nd minute through Hector Morales, but their problems began just before the hour mark when Jesus Zavala was shown a second yellow card.

Once Caldas used their extra man to good effect as Jhon-Jairo Valencia equalised soon after. Monterrey's Gerardo Galindo was then dismissed late on.

Brazilian giants Flamengo claimed a 3-1 victory at Caracas in Venezuela despite playing the final 37 minutes with 10 men, leaving them top of Group 8.

Flamengo led through Vagner Love's 35th minute penalty, but then had Toro sent off early in the second half. Caracas equalised through Rafael Castellin, but Vagner Love's second and a late goal from Rodrigo Alvim won it for the visitors.

Group 1 leaders Corinthians draw 1-1 with Independiente Medellin in Columbia. The hosts led through substitute Cesar Valoyes' 68th minute goal - which appeared offside - but Dentinho fired in from long distance to earn Corinthians a point.

In Group 3, Peruvian giants Alianza Lima beat Juan Aurich 2-0 with goals from Jose Carlos Fernandez and Jean Carlo Tragodara.