BUENOS AIRES, May 3 (Reuters) - Santos became the first team through to the Libertadores Cup quarter-finals when they held America of Mexico 0-0 in Queretaro in the second leg of their first knockout round tie on Tuesday.
The Brazilian side, twice inspired to the title of South American champions by Pele in the first decade of the competition in the 1960s, went through 1-0 on aggregate after winning the first leg at home.
Santos were on the back foot for most of the match, especially the second half, surviving their first scare at a corner taken by America's Argentine playmaker Daniel Montenegro in the 23rd minute.
Colombian defender Aquivaldo Mosquera's header hit the post then rebounded off goalkeeper Rafael's knee towards the left where striker Matias Vuoso shot into the side netting.
Santos playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso hit the post when he curled a free kick round the wall early in the second half before Rafael became his team's hero.
Rafael tipped over three efforts from substitute striker Angel Reyna, top scorer in the Mexican Clausura championship, and a header from Enrique Esqueda as America pinned Santos back.
America were left to rue having to hold the match at La Corregidora in Queretaro instead of enjoying the advantage of high altitude at the Azteca in Mexico City where the rock band U2 were staging a concert.
Four more Brazilian sides are in action on Wednesday including national champions Fluminense, who lead Libertad 3-1 going into the second leg in Asuncion as they look to win the title for the first time after reaching the 2008 final.
Holders Internacional entertain Penarol after a 1-1 draw in Montevideo, favourites Cruzeiro host Once Caldas of Colombia with a 2-1 lead and Gremio must recover from a 2-1 home defeat on their trip to Santiago to face Universidad Catolica.
The Brazilian side, twice inspired to the title of South American champions by Pele in the first decade of the competition in the 1960s, went through 1-0 on aggregate after winning the first leg at home.
Santos were on the back foot for most of the match, especially the second half, surviving their first scare at a corner taken by America's Argentine playmaker Daniel Montenegro in the 23rd minute.
Colombian defender Aquivaldo Mosquera's header hit the post then rebounded off goalkeeper Rafael's knee towards the left where striker Matias Vuoso shot into the side netting.
Santos playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso hit the post when he curled a free kick round the wall early in the second half before Rafael became his team's hero.
Rafael tipped over three efforts from substitute striker Angel Reyna, top scorer in the Mexican Clausura championship, and a header from Enrique Esqueda as America pinned Santos back.
America were left to rue having to hold the match at La Corregidora in Queretaro instead of enjoying the advantage of high altitude at the Azteca in Mexico City where the rock band U2 were staging a concert.
Four more Brazilian sides are in action on Wednesday including national champions Fluminense, who lead Libertad 3-1 going into the second leg in Asuncion as they look to win the title for the first time after reaching the 2008 final.
Holders Internacional entertain Penarol after a 1-1 draw in Montevideo, favourites Cruzeiro host Once Caldas of Colombia with a 2-1 lead and Gremio must recover from a 2-1 home defeat on their trip to Santiago to face Universidad Catolica.
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