Cienciano 0 – 2 Sao Paulo

As expected, defending champions Sao Paulo qualified for the second round of the Libertadores Cup with a 2-0 win at Cienciano on Wednesday.

Sao Paulo, who lost home and away to Guadalajara in their last two games in Group One, faced the tough task of playing in Cusco, which lies more than 3,000 meters above sea level in the Peruvian Andes.

Aloisio took advantage of a Carlos Lugo mistake and volleyed home the lead in the 22nd.

The visitors effectively ended home squad’s tournament run in the 43rd minute when they sliced through the Cienciano defence with a slick passing move and Mineiro connected with the net.

Cienciano, playing their first game under former Peru coach Julio Cesar Uribe, rarely managed to string more than a couple of passes together.

With one match left, Guadalajara lead with 11 points from five games, followed by Sao Paulo on nine. Already eliminated, Caracas FC has five and Cienciano has three.

El Nacional 2 – 0 River Plate
River Plate, one of the pre-tournament faves, were left to scramble for a place after losing 2-0 at Ecuadorian army club El Nacional, their third straight away defeat.

Choosing to focus on the Argentine league and perhaps forfeiting the tourney, Daniel Passarella controversially rested several top players for the trip to Quito at 2,800 meters above sea level.

El Nacional, currently second in the Ecuador league, went ahead on an Omar De Jesus goal in the 10th minute.

David Quiroz converted a 38th minute penalty for the 2-0.

River must now beat Libertad at home to be sure of qualifying while El Nacional, who enjoyed their first win in the group, are away to Paulista, who are also fighting for a spot.

Libertad 1 – 0 Paulista FC

Libertad of Paraguay became the second team Wednesday to make the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Brazil's Paulista in Asuncion.

Libertad nailed down the top spot in Group Eight with the victory. Peruvian Martin Hidalgo scored the only goal with a stellar free kick in the 19th minute.

Libertad has 11 points followed by River Plate on six and Paulista and El Nacional on five apiece. All have played five games with one left to play.

Caracas FC 0 – 0 Chivas

Caracas FC of Venezuela blew their last chance when they were held to a goalless draw at home by Guadalajara, who were missing six players called up for Mexico's pre-World Cup training camp.

Group One is closed with Chivas and Sao Paulo qualifying.

Brazilian pair Corinthians and Palmeiras, Mexico's Guadalajara, Argentina's Velez Sarsfield and Chile's Universidad Catolica have already booked their places in the field of 16.

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365