Palestino, Atletico Mineiro qualify for Libertadores group stage

Rio de Janeiro, Feb 28 (IANS) Chile's Palestino and Brazil's Atletico Mineiro advanced to the Copa Libertadores group stage by winning their respective qualifying playoffs.

Dayro Moreno had given Talleres Cordoba an overall lead over Palestino early in their return match in Argentina after the sides drew 2-2 in last week's first leg, reports Xinhua news agency.

But late goals from Luis Jimenez and Cristobal Jorquera ensured the Santiago club progressed 4-3 on aggregate.

Meanwhile, Atletico Minero survived most of the second half with 10 men to draw 0-0 with Uruguay's Defensor Sporting in Belo Horizonte. The result handed the 2013 Copa Libertadores champions a 2-0 win on aggregate.

Jose Welison was dismissed in the 56th minute, having earned a second yellow card for an illegal challenge.