Copa Libertadores: Tigre, Fluminense, Gremio Advance To Knockout Stage As Group-Stage Play Ends

Group-stage play in the Copa Libertadores concluded with four games played on Thursday.

Group Two:

At Asuncion, Paraguay:

Ruben Botta (11', 78') and Matias Perez Garcia (29', 55') each scored twice, each scoring a goal in each half as Tigre knocked off Club Libertad 5-3 to lock up a berth in the knockout stage while eliminating the Paraguayan club out of the tournament in the process.

At Callao, Peru:

Irven Avila scored the only goal of the match as Sporting Cristal defeated visiting (and knockout stage-bound) Palmeiras 1-0.

FINAL GROUP TWO STANDINGS:

1. Palmeiras (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 9)
2. Tigre (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 9)
3. Club Libertad (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 8)
4. Sporting Cristal (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 8)

Palmeiras and Tigre advanced to the knockout stage.



Group Eight:

At Talcahuano, Chile:

Ze Roberto scored in the 33rd minute as Gremio clinched a berth in the knockout stage with a 1-1 road draw with Huachipato.  Miguel Aceval equalized in the 89th minute for the hosts, who, due to inferior goal differential vis a viv the Brazilian club.

At Rio de Janeiro:

Rafael Sobis scored the only goal of the match in the 54th minute as Fluminense locked up the Group Eight title with a 1-0 home win over Caracas FC.

FINAL GROUP EIGHT STANDINGS:

1. Fluminense (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 11)
2. Gremio (GP: 6; GD: +4; PTS: 8)
3. Huachipato (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 8)
4. Caracas FC (GP: 6; GD: -6; PTS: 6)

Fluminense and Gremio advanced to the knockout stage.