Argentinian champions Velez Sarsfield are on the brink of the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals after claiming a 2-0 away win over Chile's Universidad Catolica.

In the first leg of their last-16 match, Velez were impressive at the Estadio San Carlos de Apoquindo in Santiago and secured the win with two first-half goals. 

Within the first quarter of an hour, Hector Canteros crossed the ball in to Guillermo Franco, who opened the scoring. Alfonso Parot then had the opportunity to equalise, but Velez goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero saved his header.

Velez doubled their lead four minutes before half-time when Augusto Fernandez found Ivan Bella, who beat Fabian Cerda.

The second leg will be played on 20 October in Buenos Aires and despite the first-leg win, Velez defender Sebastian Dominguez told Fox Sports he expects a difficult game. "The result is good, but everything will be defined in the return game."

It is not easy to win here. I want to congratulate my guys.
Ricardo Gareca, Velez Sarsfield manager

Velez manager Ricardo Gareca added: "It is not easy to win here. I want to congratulate my guys. However, Catolica are rivals to be careful of. We should not be over confident."

Aurora fightback stuns Vasco
In Bolivia, hosts Aurora came from behind to defeat Brazilian side Vasco da Gama 3-1. Bernardo put the visitors ahead in the 41st minute, but Aquilino Villalba levelled four minutes after the interval.

Augusto Andaveris put the Cochabamba-based side Aurora ahead in the 57th minute, before Jair Reynoso sealed the win with 15 minutes remaining.

Villalba was sent off three minutes later due to a tackle on Vasco keeper Fernando Prass and will miss the second leg on 26 October.

"Winning is always good, even more if you win by two goals, but Vasco are a great team and they will be tough in Rio de Janeiro," Reynoso said.