Independiente pegs back Boca

Argentinian giants Boca Juniors and Independiente produced a thrilling 3-3 draw at La Bombonera in the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana second-round tie.

Fighting for a berth in the last 16, Boca went ahead through Uruguayan striker Santiago Silva in the 15th minute after a defensive mistake by Leonel Galeano.

Jonathan Santana equalised in the 44th minute but a long-range strike by Leandro Somoza restored Boca's lead seconds before half-time.

Forward Paulo Rosales levelled the match again for Independiente in the 48th minute, and Boca were down to 10 men two minutes later as defender Rolando Schiavi was ordered off.

Despite playing with 10 men, Boca went ahead in the 76th minute when Juan Sanchez-Mino rifled home a free-kick, yet there was a late twist as visitors Independiente were awarded a stoppage-time penalty, converted by Ernesto Farias.

With away goals a factor, it could prove a priceless spot-kick ahead of next week's second leg in the Buenos Aires suburbs.

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Boca coach Julio Falcioni said: "Boca were better than Independiente. Beyond the final score, we had much more opportunities to win.''

Independiente hero Farias told Fox Sports: "We played a good game. It is important to us because we have not clinched positive results recently.

"We should not relax but keep this way.''

Brazilians Gremio booked their place in the last 16 despite suffering a 3-2 defeat to compatriots Coritiba, benefiting from another late goal.

The 1-0 first-leg win in Porto Alegre helped Gremio make it through to the next round on away goals.

Everton Ribeiro put Coritiba ahead with a classy strike in the 22nd minute, while Elano levelled the duel five minutes before half-time with a penalty.

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Defensive hesitancy helped Roberto volley Coritiba ahead again in the 52nd minute and Pereira made it 3-1 with a header 14 minutes later.

It seemed Coritiba were heading through 3-2 on aggregate, but a stoppage-time goal from Bolivian forward Marcelo Moreno-Martins changed that.

Gremio defender Para was sent off after the goal.

Palmeiras advanced despite losing 3-1 at Botafogo, also going through on away goals after the teams finished locked at 3-3 over two games.

Former Holland midfielder Clarence Seedorf, Renato and Marcelo Lodeiro netted for Botafogo, but Patrick's 42nd-minute goal was finally crucial for Palmeiras who won the first leg 2-0.