Bolivia's Oriente Petrolero, Aurora triumph

Bolivian side Oriente Petrolero recorded an important 1-0 away win against Paraguay side Guarani in Asuncion in the first round of the Copa Sudamericana on Thursday. The only goal of the game was scored by Argentinian Danilo Carando after 53 minutes when he connected with a cross shot by Felipe Alves. The return leg is on 9 August in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Aurora, another Bolivian side, also celebrated a win as they triumphed 2-1 at home to Uruguayan side Cerro Largo. Ronald Rodriguez and Vladimir Castellon put the hosts two goals ahead but seven minutes before the end Santiago Barboza netted a goal that could be crucial for the Uruguayans ahead of the second leg on 14 August in Tacuarembo City. Chilean side O'Higgins were held 3-3 at home by Paraguayan giants Cerro Porteno. Venezuelan striker Richard Blanco scored twice, while Ramon Fernandez completed the scoring line for the Celestes. For Cerro Porteno veteran Carlos Bonet, Walter Lopez and playmaker Jonathan Fabbro scored the goals. Those goals could prove crucial for the second leg on 8 August in La Olla stadium in Asuncion.