Cruzeiro downs Gremio 3-1 in to open semis

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) - Cruzeiro took an important step toward reaching the Copa Libertadores finals with a 3-1 win over fellow Brazilian side Gremio 3-1 on Wednesday.

Gremio looked all but eliminated after falling three goals behind in the Mineirao stadium, but Souza scored a vital away goal to ensure the second leg of the semifinal will be a tense affair.

The home side played a confident first half and took the lead in the 38th minute when Kleber crossed from the right for Wellington Paulista to beat his marker and score.

Cruzeiro continued to pressure after the break and extended the lead barely 90 seconds into the second half when Wagner's deflected shot beat Gremio goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe.

Wagner should have scored again in the 58th minute, skewing his shot badly when free at the back post, but Fabinho headed Cruzeiro into a three-goal lead in the 67th minute.

Chilean referee Enrique Osses left the pitch with an injury shortly after and his replacement Jorge Osorio penalized Kleber for handball on the edge of the Cruzeiro box in the 79th minute.

Souza took full advantage, whipping a free kick over the wall to keep Gremio's hopes alive for the return leg at the Olimpico stadium in Porto Alegre.

Cruzeiro had won all its previous home matches in the Libertadores, but lined up against Gremio without midfield inspiration Ramires, who was on international duty for Brazil in the Confederations Cup.

Souza had a chance to equalize from long range in the 42nd minute, but his shot was palmed away at full stretch by Cruzeiro goalkeeper Fabio.

Nacional of Uruguay and Estudiantes of Argentina will dispute the other semifinal at Montevideo on Thursday. The return legs will be played Wednesday and Thursday next week.

The two-legged final of the Copa Libertadores will be played on July 8 and 15.