Once Caldas win opener in Copa Libertadores

Colombian soccer team Once Caldas made a perfect start to their 2010 Copa Libertadores campaign, beating Nacional of Paraguay 0-2 in their group phase opener.

The Manizales outfit, which won the Copa Libertadores in 2004, began the match with only one non-Colombian on the pitch, with Venezuelan Oswaldo Viscarrondo playing in defense.

After 22 minutes of play at Asuncion’s Arsenio Erico stadium, Once Caldas took the lead through a strike from Jaime Castrillon.

And five minutes after the hour, Danny Santoya made it 0-2 to further deflate the home team. The two goals were enough for the Colombians to take a vital victory at the start of this tournament.

Once Caldas and Nacional share Group 2 with Monterrey of Mexico and Brazilian giants Sao Paulo.

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