At the Sao Januario stadium, Vasco da Gama joined Libertad atop Group 5 with a 2-0 victory with goals from World Cup veteran playmaker Juninho and striker Alecsandro.

Juninho, who entered the match at halftime, opened the scoring in the 53rd when his angled cross from the left flank went straight into the net of Libertad goalkeeper Rodrigo Muñoz.

Alecsando doubled the lead in the 62nd after completing a low cross by midfielder Allan with a shot from near the six yard line.

The victory leaves Vasco and Libertad equal with seven points after four matches, four points ahead of Nacional of Uruguay and Alianza Lima of Peru.

Another goal for Vasco would have moved the Brazilian club ahead of Libertad in the standings. The teams are currently tied in all stats, including goals scored and goals allowed.

Vasco and Libertad drew 1-1 when the teams met in Paraguay last week.

The Brazilian club got the victory on Wednesday despite being without playmaker Diego Souza, who was sent off in the match in Paraguay. Libertad didn’t have José Ariel Núñez for the same reason.

In the high altitude of La Paz, Bolivia, Internacional scored late to retain top spot in Group 1. Both clubs have seven points from four matches, one point more than defending Copa Libertadores champion Santos, which will host last-place Juan Aurich on Thursday in Brazil.

Substitute striker Gilberto scored the equalizer in the 89th at the Hernando Siles stadium. He missed in his first attempt after a ball crossed into the area, but then was able to push the ball into the net from near the penalty spot.

The Strongest had opened the scoring with a goal by striker Rodrigo Ramallo less than a minute into the second half.

Only the top two teams in each of the eight groups will advance to the next round.