Gremio rolls into Round of 16

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) -- Gremio of Brazil joined the growing list of clubs to advance to the last 16 of the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday after a 2-0 away win over Universidad de Chile.

Defender Leo and striker and former Barcelona striker Maximiliano Lopez scored either side of halftime to give Gremio a victory that clinched top spot of Group 7 with 13 points. Universidad, in second place with seven points, still have a chance of qualifying despite the loss.

Meanwhile, goal scorer Wilson was sent off moments after equalizing for Sport Recife against fellow Brazilian side Palmeiras during a 1-1 draw.

The result moved Sport level on seven points with Colo Colo of Chile at the top of Group 1 and lifted Palmeiras to four points, above defending champion Liga de Quito on goal difference.

In group 4, Independiente Medellin dealt already-qualified Sao Paulo its first loss of the tournament with a 2-1 home win.

The three points moved the Colombian side clear in second place in the group on seven points, ahead of Uruguay's Defensor Sporting on four. Defensor will play America de Cali, bottom on two points, to complete the fifth round of fixtures on Thursday.

Gremio produced a classic away performance to beat Universidad de Chile, controlling possession and attacking with precision.

Leo opened the scoring after 31 minutes when a left wing free kick was headed against the crossbar. The defender reacted quickest to head the rebound home.

Maximiliano Lopez gave the Brazilian club breathing space after latching on to a measured pass from Souza to slide a finish past Miguel Pinto in the Universidad goal after 65 minutes.

The Chilean side went close to scoring in the first half when midfielder Nelson Cuevas charged down an attempted clearance, but the ball hit the post.

Universidad's hopes of a late comeback were dealt a major blow when striker Juan Manuel Olivera was shown the red card with 20 minutes left to play.

Colombian club Boyaca Chico plays bottom club Aurora of Bolivia on Thursday to complete the fifth round of fixtures in the group.

In the section's final matches, Gremio hosts Boyaca Chico and Universidad de Chile visits Aurora on April 28.

Palmeiras dominated the match against Brazilian cup winners Sport Recife .

Sport was forced to defend stubbornly and rely on goalkeeper Magrao to produce a string of fine saves in the second half.

Palmeiras took the lead after 14 minutes when Sport defender Cesar handled a cross by Pablo Armero inside the box. Keirrison made no mistake with the penalty to score his sixth goal of the competition.

Wilson forced home a ball the Palmeiras defense had failed to clear from a free kick just before half time to level the scores. The striker lifted his shirt over his head to celebrate and was promptly shown a second yellow card by the referee.

Palmeiras hosts Liga de Quito while Colo Colo travels to Sport in the fourth round of fixtures in the group next week.

Independiente Medellin beat Group 4 leader Sao Paulo with goals from Diego Cabrera in the 17th minute and Rafael Castillo in the 26th. Andre Lima pulled a goal back for Sao Paulo after 39 minutes.

Build up play involving Juan Guillermo Cuadrado and John Javier Restrepo freed Bolivian striker Cabrera to fire into the corner of the net and give Medellin the lead.

Cuadrado then combined with Luis Carlos Arias, who freed Castillo to score past Bosco for the second goal.

A through ball from Dagoberto released Andre Lima to pull a goal back, but Medellin held on for the win despite constant second half pressure from the Brazilian club.

Defensor Sporting travels to America de Cali on Thursday to complete the fifth round of fixtures in the group.

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