RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Artur Guimaraes struck early as reigning champions Botafogo clinched a 1-0 home win over Ecuador's LDU Quito in their Copa Libertadores round-of-16 first leg on Thursday.
Artur put the hosts ahead in the first minute when he latched onto Alex Telles' cross and smashed a left-footed volley past goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle.
The visitors had several chances to equalize but were denied by a series of smart saves from goalkeeper John Victor.
The result at Rio's Olympic Stadium means that a draw in next Thursday's return leg in Quito will be enough to secure Botafogo's passage to the last eight.
"It was a tough match against a team that took advantage of the space they had," Botafogo manager Davide Ancelotti told a post-match news conference. "We have to prepare well for the return leg. We'll go into the game with confidence and with this small advantage we have.
"It was a very even match. We had some chances to extend our lead in the last 20 minutes but I think 1-0 was a fair result." ■
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