Di Maria strikes as Rosario Central reaches last 16

Angel Di Maria was on target as Argentina's Rosario Central advanced to the Copa Libertadores round of 16 on Tuesday with a 4-0 home rout of Venezuelan side Universidad Central.

Tottenham Hotspur loanee Alejo Veliz and Chilean midfielder Vicente Pizarro scored first-half goals before Di Maria swept home his side's third after a swift counterattack.

Former Villarreal forward Marco Ruben completed the rout with a close-range volley three minutes from time.

The visitors had just 34 percent of the possession and one shot on target, slumping to their third defeat of the campaign.

"We were too open and disconnected early but the second half was the best I've seen since taking this job," said Rosario Central manager Jorge Almiron, who replaced Ariel Holan last December.

The result leaves Rosario Central top of Group H on 13 points with one match remaining in the group stage.

In other Copa Libertadores fixtures on Tuesday, Boca Juniors was held to a 1-1 home draw by Cruzeiro, Santa Fe won 2-1 at home to Platense, Mirassol prevailed 2-1 at Always Ready, Fluminense edged Bolivar 2-1 at home, and Coquimbo cruised to a 3-0 home victory over Deportes Tolima.