<h3 style="text-align: justify"><strong><em>Argentinian giants River Plate beat Guarani of Paraguay 2-0 here Tuesday to put themselves firmly on course for a place in the final of the Copa Libertadores.</em></strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify">Second-half goals from defender Gabriel Mercado and Rodrigo Mora gave the Buenos Aires side a commanding first-leg lead, which leaves Guarani needing to stage a dramatic fightback to advance to the final.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Mercado fired River into the lead on 59 minutes before Uruguayan striker Mora made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Mora's goal was a contender for goal of the tournament, with the 27-year-old advancing into the Guarani penalty area before lifting a sublime chip over goalkeeper Alfredo Aguilar.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Earlier Mercado had broken Guarani's resistance, lashing home from close range after the Paraguayans failed to deal with a deep ball into the penalty area.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">The second Copa Libertadores semi-final will see Internacional of Brazil face Mexican side Tigres in Porto Alegre.</p> . <p style="text-align: justify"><strong>By AFP</strong></p>