Argentinian champions Banfield took a promising 3-1 lead over Brazil's Internacional in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores last-16 clash on Wednesday.

Two minutes after the goalless first half, James Rodriguez put Banfield ahead but Kleber levelled the duel three minutes later. The same Internacional player was then sent off in the 54th minute after a collision with Walter Erviti.

Midfielder Roberto Battion gave Banfield a new lead in the 58th minute after Internacional's Argentinian goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri saved a Ruben Ramirez shot. With 10 minutes remaining, Sebastian Fernandez made it 3-1 by deflecting the ball after a Battion shot.

Banfield defender Julio Barraza was shown red three minutes later and will miss the second leg next Thursday, as will Kleber. Internacional's Argentinian playmaker Andres D'Alessandro is hopeful to make it into the quarter-finals, saying: "We trust ourselves. The size of the field is much bigger than this. We must take profit from that and from our fans too."

In Rio de Janeiro, 10-man Flamengo beat compatriots Corinthians 1-0 to set up a tight second leg in Sao Paulo next Wednesday. Even though Michael was dismissed for tackling Dentinho in the 36th minute, Flamengo won the first leg thanks to a penalty by Adriano 20 minutes after the interval.

"We managed to take profit from the penalty and block Corinthians' attackers. We went against all odds tonight and now we'll try to play good football at the Pacaembu," defender David said.

Finally, in Peru, Brazilian giants Sao Paulo clinched a goalless draw in their trip to Universitario and are hopeful to progress in the second leg at the Morumbi. Richarlyson was sent off in the 64 minute for aggression but the Universitario players failed to beat Rogerio Ceni with one more man on the field. The second leg of this tie will be played on Tuesday.