River Plate earn advantage in Copa Libertadoes semi-final
Ignacio Scocco's early strike provides 1-0 lead for trip to Lanus
Buenos Aires giants were runners up at the FIFA Club World Cup 2015 as South American champions
River Plate claimed first blood in their quest for Copa Libertadores glory as an Ignacio Scocco goal gave them a 1-0 win over Lanus in the pair's semi-final first leg.
The all-Argentinian clash was dominated by the Millonarios hosts, who went ahead just eight minutes from, when the former Newell’s Old Boys striker pounced on a rebound for his sixth goal in his last two continental games.
The 2015 champions were the dominant force in the game, particularly in the second period, as they search for a return to the FIFA Club World Cup – having picked up a runners-up medal two years ago.
They head to the Estadio Ciudad de Lanus on 31 October for the reverse leg, while Gremio travel to Barcelona of Ecuador on Wednesday in the competition’s other semi.