RIO DE JANEIRO, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Substitute Victor Hugo struck late as reigning champions Flamengo moved closer to a place in the Copa Libertadores knockout phase with a 2-1 home win over Racing Club on Thursday.

Wesley Franca gave the hosts the lead with a first-time effort from 12 yards after Gerson's cut-back from the left byline.

Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas equalized just after halftime by running onto Jonatan Gomez's pass and arching his body before curling a sublime left-footed shot into the top left corner.

Hugo, who replaced Thiago Maia just after the hour, sparked frenzied celebrations among Flamengo fans when he combined with Erick Pulgar and took a touch before firing an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Gabriel Arias.

The result at the Maracana Stadium leaves Flamengo with eight points from five games, two points behind Group A leaders Racing, who are already guaranteed of a place in the last 16.

Flamengo only need a draw in their last group match at home against Ecuador's Aucas to progress to the next round.

In other Copa Libertadores fixtures on Thursday, Olimpia won 3-0 at home to Atletico Nacional and Independiente Medellin prevailed 1-0 at Metropolitanos. Enditem

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