Blandi leads Boca to 1-0 victory over Corinthians

Buenos Aires, May 2 (IANS)

Nicolas Blandi scored a second-half winner as Boca Juniors defeated defending champions Corinthians 1-0 in their Copa Libertadores round of 16 first leg.

Blandi struck with a low first-time drive in the 59th minute after latching on to Cristian Erbes’ wayward shot from outside the area at the Bombonera Stadium Wednesday, reports Xinhua

Boca were reduced to 10 men with seven minutes remaining when second-half substitute Pablo Ledesma was booked for a second time after a rash challenge on Ralf.

The 29-year-old had been cautioned two minutes earlier for removing his shirt while celebrating a goal that was disallowed for offside.

The match was a replay of last year’s final of South America’s premier club tournament, which Corinthians won 3-1 on aggregate.

The Brazilian club will host Boca in the return match at the Pacaembu Stadium in Sao Paulo May 15.