Cruzeiro take 3-1 lead in Libertadores Cup semi

BUENOS AIRES: Twice South American champions Cruzeiro took a big step towards the Libertadores Cup final with a 3-1 win over Gremio on Wednesday.

Wellington, Wagner and Fabinho put Cruzeiro three up in the first leg of the all-Brazilian semi-final at the Mineirao in Belo Horizonte before Souza pulled one back late with a free kick.

Gremio had marginally the better of the first half and should have gone in front in the 23rd minute when Argentine striker Maxi Lopez robbed defender Thiago Heleno to go one-on-one with goalkeeper Fabio, but shot against the post.