Ronaldinho keeps Mineiro on top in Libertadores

Rio de Janeiro, March 8 (IANS): Ronaldinho struck once and and set up another as Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro defeated Bolivia’s The Strongest 2-1 to stay top of Group 3 in the Copa Libertadores football tournament.

Former Manchester City striker Jo netted the opener at Atletico’s Independencia arena after a lofted Ronaldinho cross. The two-time FIFA player of the year then added a second for his team from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute here Thursday.

Atletico are top of Group 3 with three wins from as many games while The Strongest are third with one win and two losses.

In Buenos Aires, Boca Juniors were defeated 1-0 by 10-man Nacional of Uruguay.

Veteran Uruguay international defender Andres Scotti scored with a 20th-minute header but his fellow defensive partner Alejandro Lembo was sent off in the 74th minute for his second bookable offense.

Playing in his first Copa Libertadores match of the year after returning from an eight-month absence, Boca midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme lamented his team’s inability to convert its chances.

“We are not playing badly, we’re just lacking the ability to score,” Riquelme said after the match.

“If we keep playing the way we did tonight, it’s only a matter of time before the ball finds the net.”

Nacional lead Group 1 with two wins and a draw from their first three matches while Boca Juniors are third with just one win so far.