Santos edged towards a first final appearance since 2003 after a narrow victory over Cerro Porteño at the Pacaembu on Wednesday night. The two time winners took the lead when captain Edu Dracena headed home a Neymar cross three minutes before the break. It was little more than Santos deserved as they dominated the action and will be kicking themselves for not going to Asunción next week with a bigger lead. Alan Patrick, the hero at Once Caldas a fortnight ago, did everything but score as Diego Barreto in the Cerro Porteño goal managed to keep his chance out with his legs.
Peñarol 1-0 Vélez Sarsfield
Five time champions Peñarol took a step towards their first title since 1987 when they edged ahead of Vélez Sarsfield at the Estádio Centenario in Montevideo. In an even first half, both teams had chances to take the lead and both goalkeepers were kept busy by the opposition strikers. The breakthrough came just before the break when a diving header from Dario Rodríguez found the back of the net. Vélez looked a little out of touch given their ability to find the back of the net in the competition do far but will fancy their chances of making the final in the return across the River Plate and adding to their only success in 1994.
The return legs take place next week
Cerro Porteño v Santos (0150 Thursday - LIVE on Premier Sports TV)
Vélez Sarsfield v Peñarol (0150 Friday - LIVE on Premier Sports TV)
Premier Sports TV is the home of South American Football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0870 633 9000
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