Palmeiras edges toward Libertadores semifinals

Argentine defender Agustin Giay scored in the first half as Palmeiras edged to a 1-0 home win over LDU Quito in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores quarterfinal on Wednesday.

Palmeiras took the lead through Giay's 26th-minute diving header after Vitor Roque's effort was parried away by goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle.

The visitors controlled just 39 percent of possession and could manage only two shots on target.

The decisive second leg will be played in Ecuador's capital Quito next Wednesday (September 16).

In Wednesday's only other Copa Libertadores quarterfinal first-leg fixture, Brazil's Corinthians clinched a 1-1 away draw with Argentine side Estudiantes.