The Copa Libertadores quarterfinals beckon for Palmeiras after Miguel Borja's two-goal haul downed Cerro Porteno 2-0 in the opening leg of its last-16 tie.
Colombia international Borja scored a second-half brace away from home in Asuncion to put Palmeiras in a strong position on Thursday.
With former Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari – who oversaw the club's only Copa Libertadores title in 1999 – back at the helm for a third spell as head coach, Palmeiras drew first blood against the Paraguayan host.
READ: Copa Libertadores Review: Boca, Cruzeiro and Colo Colo draw first blood
Borja made the breakthrough two minutes into the second half when he fired the ball past Cerro Porteno goalkeeper Antony Silva from close range.
The 25-year-old forward doubled the lead with 19 minutes remaining after unleashing a low shot beyond Silva. Host Atletico Tucuman was too good for Atletico Nacional, claiming a 2-0 win in Argentina.
Leandro Diaz and Guillermo Acosta were on target to see off the Colombian visitor. Meanwhile, 10-man River Plate held Racing Club to a goalless draw in its all-Argentinian affair.
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