Libertadores: 7-times champs all but out after draw (video)

Independiente, the most successful club in the history of the Copa Libertadores de América, were all but eliminated from this year’s Copa on Tuesday night by a 1-1 draw at home to 2008 winners, Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito of Ecuador. After some desperately poor group performances so far, Independiente had to win tonight to remain in with a real chance of advancing to the knockout stages, but could only draw after taking the lead midway through the first half through a penalty from Leonel Núñez. Hernán Barcos, the Argentine striker who started out at Independiente’s rivals Racing, gave himself a fine early birthday present by creating the equaliser 12 minutes into the second half, although it was really an own goal from Julián Velázquez. You can see the goals – and read about El Rojo’s slim chances of still qualifying – right here.

Copa Libertadores 2011, Tuesday 5th April, Group 8

Independiente 1 – 1 Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito (ECU)

Amazingly, Olé have that equaliser down as a Barcos goal, but CONMEBOL’s own site confirms it was credited as an own goal. Just in case you were wondering. The result means Peñarol have qualified for the round of 16, and leaves Liga level with the group’s other Argentine side, Godoy Cruz, on 7 points. Independiente’s only route into the next round would be if Liga and Godoy draw in Quito next week, and Independiente themselves beat Peñarol by eight goals in Montevideo.

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Photo taken from canchallena.com