Melgar defeat Caracas 2-0 in third round of Copa Libertadores

Peru's Melgar defeated Venezuela's Caracas 2-0 in the Copa Libertadores' first leg of round three match played here.

The winner of this round will earn a place in Group F, where Brazil's Palmeiras, Argentina's San Lorenzo and Colombia's Junior have been paired, reports Efe news.

Melgar, coached by Jorge Pautasso, on Tuesday dominated during the entire game despite it being interrupted by heavy rain.

Joel Sanchez's assist led to a first header in the 35th minute by Angel Romero, while his second assist in the 51st minute led to another goal for his team by Hideyoshi Arakaki.

Caracas, coached by Noel Sanvicente, tried hitting back with Arrieta, Saggiamo and Martins but Melgar's goalkeeper Carlos Caceda managed to not give any lead to the opponents.

Romero scored the first goal for Melgar with a header when receiving a cross from Sanchez.

Caracas's counter attack was blocked by Caceda several times, while Saggiomo missed an opportunity that went over the goal.

Narvaez and Anor were warned after a confrontation following a foul against Arias.

Arakaki scored the second goal in the 51st minute with an assist from Sanchez.

Both the teams have made it clear that participating in the Libertadores is their priority and has generated lot of expectations for the second-leg match - a decider for the next round to be played in Caracas.

--IANS

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