Defending champion Santos reaches semifinals

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Defending champion Santos defeated Argentina's Velez Sarsfield on penalties Thursday to advance to the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores.

Universidad de Chile also advanced — and also on penalties — with a victory over Libertad of Paraguay to set up a semifinal against six-time champion Boca Juniors of Argentina.

At Santos, Brazil, Alan Kardec scored in the 78th minute to give Santos a 1-0 victory in the return leg and force a penalty shootout against Velez, which had a 1-0 at home in the first leg.

Under tournament rules, no extra time was played with the decision coming immediately on penalties. Santos won 4-2 with Kardec, Ganso, Elano and Leo converting. Velez's Hector Canteros shot over the crossbar and Santos keeper Rafael stopped Emiliano Papa's attempt.

Velez Sarsfield played with 10 men after the 40th minute when keeper Marcelo Barovero was sent off following a reckless tackle on Neymar just across the 18-yard line as both raced for the a loose ball.

The result means Santos will face fellow Brazil club Corinthians in the two-leg semifinals. Corinthians defeated Vasco da Gama 1-0 on Wednesday after a scoreless opening match.

Velez appeared set to advance, even with 10 men against 11. Santos had few serious chances, and its 20-year-old star striker Neymar was marked out of the match by Velez's Gino Peruzzi. Santos began to put on the pressure late, forcing substitute keeper German Montoya to come up with several key saves.

Montoya batted away a clear chance by Ganso in the 72nd, and the stopped a point-black shot from Kardec in the 75th. Three minutes later, Kardec broke through with the equalizer.

In Santiago, Chile, Universidad de Chile advanced after another 1-1 draw with Libertad. Universidad won 5-3 on penalties with Charles Aranguiz, Marcelo Diaz, Raul Ruidiaz, Matias Rodriguez and Gustavo Lorenzetti all converting. Universidad de Chile keeper Jhonny Herrera stopped Victor Ayala's penalty attempt with a diving save to his right to provide a crucial buffer.

A Diaz free kick had given Universidad de Chile a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute. In the 23rd, Osvaldo Gonzalez scored an own-goal to make it 1-1. Gonzalez tried to head the ball clear, but instead put it into the back of the net.

Universidad de Chile had the better chances in the second half with Diaz hitting the post and Rodriguez coming close with a 20-meter free kick in the 75th.

Boca Juniors reached the semifinals on Wednesday with a 1-1 draw at Fluminense, advancing 2-1 on aggregate.