Cruzeiro beat Flamengo in Copa Libertadores Round-of-16

Cruzeiro beat Flamengo 2-0 in their Copa Libertadores Round-of-16 first leg match at the Maracana here.

The visitors Cruzeiro took an early lead after Giorgian de Arrascaeta was played in by Robinho to slot an easy finish past Diego Alves in the Flamengo goal in the 10th minute on Wednesday, reports Efe.

Minutes later, Thiago Neves missed a header when it seemed easier to score as his effort from inside the six-yard box skimmed off the top of the bar.

Flamengo pressed for an equalizer, dominating possession and peppering the Cruzero goal, but rarely threatened Fabio.

A couple of near misses from corners and lack of compsure with the final ball let the home side down repeatedly.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 76th minute as Thiago Neves deflected in a long-range shot from Lucas Silva.

The teams will face off in the second leg on August 29.

--IANS

gau/mr