The two most successful clubs in Copa Libertadores history got their campaigns started on Thursday night … and neither went to plan. In Venezuela, Independiente (seven Copa wins) visited Deportivo Lara, and lost 1-0 thanks to an early strike from Carlos Sierra López, who came up with a fine volleyed finish from a tight(ish) angle. Thereafter, the hosts held out in the face of spirited attacking, but Independiente’s often slapdash finishing cost them dear once again: the only shots they managed to get on target were from improbable goalscoring positions. Later, Boca Juniors visited Peruvian giants Alianza Lima, and hit the woodwork twice during a 0-0 draw in which the second half was a lot more entertaining (if not necessarily all that better in terms of the standard of play) than the first.
Deportivo Lara 1-0 Independiente
Alianza Lima 0-0 Boca Juniors
Hasta El Gol Siempre 