BUENOS AIRES, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Argentina's River Plate moved to the top of their Copa Libertadores group with a 2-1 victory over Ecuadorian side Emelec on Thursday.

Lucas Pratto broke the deadlock just after the hour mark before he provided the assist for Gonzalo Martinez's 74th minute strike. Ayrton Preciado pulled a goal back for the visitors in stoppage time.

The result at the Monumental stadium left River on eight points, all but guaranteeing their passage to the knockout phase. Emelec are last in Group D, with just one point from four matches.

In Brazil, Thiago Neves and Sassa netted two goals each as hosts Cruzeiro routed nine-man Universidad de Chile 7-0.

Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Rafinha and Rafael Sobis were also on the scoresheet at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte.

Christian Vilches and Rodrigo Echeverria were sent off either side of halftime for rash challenges that earned them second bookings.

Cruzeiro are now second in Group E, three points behind Argentina's Racing Club, who could only manage a 1-1 draw against 10-man Vasco da Gama in Rio de Janeiro.

In other matches on Friday, Uruguay's Penarol won 2-0 at home to Libertad and Colombia's Junior recorded a 1-0 home win over Alianza Lima of Peru.?