Mineros shocks La Equidad

Alejandro Guerra netted what would prove to be the only goal of the game after 25 minutes after a good team move.

Mineros was left holding on in the closing stages after seeing midfielder Jorge Alberto Rojas sent off late on, but it did enough to claim the victory at the Metropolitano stadium of Bogota.

Guerra said: "We all made a huge effort to get this important result, but nothing is decided yet. We still have to play 90 minutes at home and we can't think this is over."

He added: "This squad is very humble. If we are focused in every minute of every game we can fight for important things in this competition."

Another team that recorded a valuable away victory was Liga de Loja of Ecuador, which defeated Monagas 2-0 in Venezuela thanks to a brace from Fabio Renato.

The Brazilian forward opened the scoring in the 36th minute from the penalty spot and doubled his tally for the night with a cross-shot in the second half.

In Ayacuchoy, goalkeeper Mario Villasanti produced a fine performance to help Inti Gas of Peru record a goalless home draw with Colombian side Millonarios.

Meanwhile, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Chilean giant Universidad Catolica earned a 1-1 first-leg draw away to Blooming of Bolivia.

Striker Alvaro Ramos opened the scoring for the visitor on the hour, but 60 seconds later midfielder Limbert Mendez drew Blooming level.