Defensor ties Medellin 0-0, solidifies Libertadores Group 4 lead

MEDELLIN, Colombia (AP) -- Defensor Sporting of Uruguay claimed a valuable scoreless draw against Independiente Medellin on Tuesday to lead Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores.

Defensor coach Jorge Da Silva took his team to Colombia looking for one point from the match, and his plan succeeded.

Defensor leads Group 4 with four points, ahead of Medellin with two, Sao Paulo of Brazil with one and Colombia's America de Cali, who are yet to earn a point.

The Uruguayans produced a robust defensive display in front of 20,000 fans at Atanasio Girardot stadium, with Diego de Souza producing an excellent performance in midfield.

Medellin coach Santiago Escobar was frustrated by his players' showing.

"We lacked attitude, the attack did not work, we had every chance to win but unfortunately we missed five opportunities," he said.

Medellin pressured at the start, creating two dangerous openings and goalkeeper Martin Silva had to be alert to keep the Uruguayans from falling behind.

Wideman Jair Benitez was causing problems down the left with striker Jackson Martinez also trying his luck on several occasions.

After 13 minutes, the Colombian forward almost opened the scoring and John Javier Restrepo hit the post shortly after.

America de Cali plays Sao Paulo in the Group's next match on March 5, while Medellin travel to America de Cali on March 10. Defensor's next match is at home against Sao Paulo at home on March 18.

Deportivo Cuenca routs Guarani 4-0

QUITO, Ecuador (AP) -- Ecuador's Deportivo Cuenca recorded its first win in this year's Copa Libertadores group stage with a crushing 4-0 home victory against Paraguay's Guarani on Tuesday.

Brazilian striker Rodrigo Texeira opened the scoring just before halftime, Jose Granda finished a flowing move on the hour mark, Ismael Villalba scored in the 75th minute, and substitute Cristian Cordero completed the rout in the closing stages.

Both teams needed a win to get their Copa campaigns back on track after opening defeats in Group 2.

Cuenca should have taken the lead in the ninth minute when Guarani captain Elvis Marecos handled a corner for a clear penalty. Holguer Matamoros took the kick but goalkeeper Joel Silva dived to his right to make a fine save.

Guarani continued to press, but Cuenca attacked with more purpose. As the half drew to a close, the home side finally took the lead through Texeira.

Midfielder Granda started and finished the second goal with a slick passing move that sliced open the Guarani defense in the 62nd.

Villalba slid in to convert Paredes' low cross from the right for the third goal in the 75th.

Substitute Cordero then embarrassed Guarani by finding space in the box to scuff a shot past Silva in the 82nd.

Deportivo Tachira host Boca Juniors in the group's next fixture on March 4.

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