RIO DE JANEIRO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Junior Santos scored twice as Botafogo moved closer to the Copa Libertadores group phase with a 2-1 home win over Brazilian rivals Bragantino in the first leg of their qualifier on Wednesday.

The hosts opened the scoring just before halftime at Rio de Janeiro's Olympic stadium when Santos eluded two defenders before slotting a left-footed finish into the near corner.

The visitors equalized almost immediately through Juninho Capixaba, who headed home following Helinho's floating delivery from a set piece.

But Santos restored his team's lead by flicking up Damian Suarez's pass from the right wing and acrobatically smashing a left-footed volley past goalkeeper Cleiton Schwengber.

The result means Botafogo need only a draw in next week's second leg at Bragantino's Nabi Abi Chedid stadium to progress to the group stage of South America's most coveted club tournament.

"I want to congratulate the team for the great work we put in today," Santos said. "It was just the first part of 180 minutes. We have to be focused and keep our heads down so we can be at our best for the return leg." Enditem

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