Copa Libertadores: Crespo's Sao Paulo reach last 8, Boca Juniors eliminated

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BUENOS AIRES, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Argentine winger Emiliano Rigoni scored twice as Sao Paulo advanced to the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals with a 3-1 away win over Racing Club on Tuesday.

The result at El Cilindro gave Hernan Crespo's side a 4-2 aggregate victory after last week's 1-1 draw in Brazil.

Sao Paulo went ahead just before halftime through Rigoni's cool finish on the counterattack and 18-year forward Marquinhos doubled the lead when he slotted home after a Martin Benitez through ball.

In his first start and only his fourth match as a professional footballer, Marquinhos then provided Rigoni with an easy tap-in after a driving run into the box and unselfish pass.

Javier Correa pulled a goal back for the hosts in the 63rd minute but the Brazilian side survived to secure their first win in Argentina since 2005, when they last won the Copa Libertadores.

Crespo offered glowing praise for Marquinhos after the match but said Sao Paulo's experienced players were equally as important.

"His performance gives great satisfaction for the whole club," the Argentine manager said. "He is a product of our youth program and that makes us happy. But we need the older guys to accompany him.

"The players know perfectly well that ... I don't look at their ID card. I don't care if they're 40 or 18. If I think they deserve to play, they will be in the team," the former Inter Milan and Chelsea striker added.

Meanwhile, Brazil's Atletico Mineiro also advanced to the competition's last eight by beating Argentine giants Boca Juniors on penalties following a goalless draw at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte. The teams also drew 0-0 in Buenos Aires last week. Enditem

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