Libertadores roundup: Boca Juniors, Palmeiras make winning starts

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RIO DE JANEIRO, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Sebastian Villa scored a brilliant solo goal as Argentina's Boca Juniors clinched a 1-0 away victory over Bolivian side The Strongest in their Copa Libertadores Group C opener on Wednesday.

The Colombia international winger ran onto an Ezequiel Almendra pass and danced around three defenders before blasting a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Daniel Vaca.

Boca defended solidly thereafter despite controlling just 34% of possession in the rarefied air of La Paz, more than 3,600 meters above sea level.

In Group A, Renan Silva scored in the 95th minute to hand defending champions Palmeiras a 3-2 win at Universitario in Peruvian capital Lima.

Danilo and Raphael Veiga gave the Brazilian side a two-goal lead but the momentum shifted when defender Alan Empereur was sent off just after the hour mark for a second rash tackle.

Enzo Gutierrez then struck twice in the space of three minutes to draw the hosts level with more than 20 minutes still remaining.

Renan provided the final twist to a drama-filled night by powering in a header after a Gustavo Scarpa corner just seconds before the final whistle.

In other Copa Libertadores fixtures on Wednesday, Defensa y Justicia drew 1-1 at Independiente del Valle, Racing Club drew 1-1 at Rentistas, LDU Quito held Union la Calera to a 2-2 draw, Cerro Porteno won 2-0 at America de Cali and Atletico Mineiro drew 1-1 at Deportivo La Guaira. Enditem

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