The Copa Libertadores kicked off this week and Botafogo and Atlético Paranaense were both in action in the first round of matches.
Unfortunately both Brazilian sides lost, however the positives were that it was only by a one-goal margin and the two teams will be confident of overturning the first leg deficits next week.
Peruvian side Sporting Cristal defeated Atlético Paranaense 2-1 at Estadio Nacional de Lima.
Irven Ávila put the host ahead when he finished through the legs of Furacão’s keeper Wéverton.
Atlético Paranaense equalised in the second half when Éderson found the net from a spot-kick.
However, the visitors then gave away a penalty themselves when Manoel fouled Carlos Lobatón and the Sporting player picked himself up to fire the winner.
Atlético Paranaense will look to bounce back next week when they host the Peruvian side on February 5th.
Botafogo were beaten 1-0 by Ecuador side Deportivo Quito and like fellow Brazilian club Atlético Paranaense will need to win to progress to the second stage.
A poor clearance by Dória after Jefferson had made an important save resulted in Víctor Estupiñán giving the host the lead in the 19th minute.
It proved to be the winner at the Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa and Botafogo will have to win next Wednesday to reach the group stages alongside Cruzeiro, Flamengo, Grêmio and Atlético Mineiro.
