

Pumas UNAM proved too strong for Emelec as the Mexico City outfit opened their Copa Libertadors campaign with a 4-2 victory at the Estadio Universitario on Thursday night.

Ismael Sosa gave the Universitarios a dream start by netting a goal inside just 30 seconds, but Angel Mena leveled on 18 minutes after a great through ball from Emanuel Herrera.

Dario Veron put the hosts ahead again with a header on 23 minutes, and Pumas went into the break with the lead.

At the restart, the Universitarios had more control, but their dominance was somewhat taken off by David Cabrera getting sent off in the 64th minute.

Pumas then immediately relinquished their advantage due to some calamitous defending on a throw-in, and Angel Mena struck his second goal of the night to equalize.

But Gerardo Alcoba blasted a header home from a corner two minutes later to regive the Universitarios the lead.

Pumas then got extra reassurance when Byron Mena unwittingly turned the ball into his own net after a great play from Ismael Sosa and Javier Cortes.

With the result, Pumas UNAM clinched their first three points of Group 7 and their next Copa Libertadores match will be on March 1 against Paraguayan side Olimpia.



