RIO DE JANEIRO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Sabino and Luciano Neves scored in each half as Sao Paulo clinched top spot in its Copa Libertadores group with a 2-1 home win over Argentina's Talleres Cordoba on Tuesday.
Sabino opened the scoring for the Brazilian side by stooping low to head home after Andre Silva's free-kick from the right flank.
The visitors equalized through Federico Girotti, who took a touch to control Valentin Depietri's through ball before rifling a right-footed shot into the roof of the net.
But Sao Paulo raised its intensity after halftime and Luciano restored his team's lead with a potent left-footed effort into the far corner six minutes from time.
The result at Morumbi Stadium ensured Sao Paulo finished top of Group D with 14 points while Talleres was eliminated, having won just one of its six matches.
In Rio de Janeiro, defending champion Botafogo progressed to the knockout phase with a gritty 1-0 home victory over Universidad de Chile.
The Brazilian side was reduced to 10 men in the 27th minute when Jair Cunha was shown a straight red card for a bad tackle on Charles Aranguiz.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the hosts went ahead 11 minutes later through Igor Jesus, who headed into the far corner after meeting Jefferson Savarino's cross at the near post.
Botafogo finished second in Group A with 12 points, behind leader Estudiantes on goal difference. Universidad was eliminated, having finished third in the group with 10 points.
In other fixtures on Tuesday, Independiente del Valle won 2-1 at home to Barcelona SC, Universitario drew 1-1 at River Plate, Estudiantes prevailed 2-0 at home to Carabobo, and Alianza Lima drew 2-2 at Libertad. ■
