Palmeiras Overcomes River Plate, Advances to Copa Semifinals

São Paulo, September 25 (AP): Vitor Roque struck early in the second half while Jose Manuel Lopez netted two decisive late goals on Wednesday, leading Brazil's Palmeiras to a stirring 3-1 comeback over Argentina's River Plate, thereby securing their passage to the Copa Libertadores semifinals.

Initially, striker Maximiliano Salas had given River Plate a promising start, finding the net in the eighth minute. However, the home side responded robustly as Roque equalized in the 51st minute, marking his second notable goal of the series.

Battling fiercely, "Flaco" Lopez was instrumental in turning the tide. He converted a critical penalty kick during the 90th minute and sealed the triumph with another goal in the 94th.

Lopez, aged 24, has recently earned a call-up to Argentina's national team, and his performance in this tournament has been impressive. He now has five goals, placing him in joint top scorer position alongside three others.

Awaiting Palmeiras in the semifinals is the victor from the clash between Ecuador's LDU and Brazil's São Paulo, with LDU currently holding a 2-0 advantage.

Across the bracket, Racing Club successfully eliminated Velez Sarsfield on Tuesday, and now looks to face the winner between Brazil's Flamengo and Argentina's Estudiantes La Plata. (AP)

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