Union Espanola move top of Libertadores group

Rio de Janeiro, April 3 (IANS) Botafogo wasted a chance to secure top spot in their Copa Libertadores group with a 0-1 defeat to Union Espanola at the Maracana stadium.

Former River Plate and Chile international striker Gustavo Canales scored the winner for the Chilean outfit by converting a 71st-minute penalty after Sebastian Jaime was brought down by Julio Cesar Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

Union Espanola now lead Group 2 with nine points, two ahead of second-placed Botafogo with one match remaining before the knockout phase.

Meanwhile, Brazilian giants Flamengo kept alive their hopes of advancing to the next round after Paulinho's 92nd-minute winner gave them a 2-1 away victory over Ecuador's Emelec.

In Wednesday's only other match, Brazil's Gremio remained top of Group 6 with a 2-0 victory over Colombia's Atletico Nacional in Medellin.