RIO DE JANEIRO, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Seven-time champions Independiente secured a berth in the Copa Libertadores knockout phase with a 2-0 victory over Deportivo Lara in their final group match on Thursday.
Martin Benitez and Emanuel Gigliotti scored either side of halftime for the hosts at their Libertadores de America Stadium in greater Buenos Aires.
The Venezuelan outfit were reduced to 10 men on the hour mark when Daniel Carrillo was shown a second yellow card for a rash tackle.
Independiente, aiming for their first Copa Libertadores title since 1984, finished second in Group G with 10 points from their six matches, behind leaders Corinthians on goal difference.
The result meant that Group G rivals Millonarios of Colombia were eliminated despite a 1-0 victory over Corinthians in Brazil.
In other matches on Thursday, Bolivar won 2-1 at home to Delfin, Colo-Colo held Atletico Nacional to a goalless draw in Colombia, hosts Estudiantes beat Nacional Club 3-1 and Santos were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Real Garcilaso.
