BARRANQUILLA, Colombia, March 4 -- Everton Ribeiro scored either side of halftime as reigning champions Flamengo beat Junior Barranquilla 2-1 in their opening Copa Libertadores group match here on Wednesday.

The Brazilian side needed just six minutes to take the lead at Estadio Metropolitano when Ribeiro latched onto a Giorgian Arrascaeta cross and rifled a shot into the bottom left corner.

Ribeiro was again on the scoresheet in the 79th minute, deftly chipping the ball over goalkeeper Sebastian Viera after substitute Michael's dashing run and cross.

Teofilo Gutierrez pulled a goal back for the hosts in stoppage time by firing in from close range after Dany Rosero met a floating Sherman Cardenas free-kick with a flicked header.

"The first match of the Copa Libertadores is always difficult but we were able to score at the right time," Ribeiro said after the match, adding that Flamengo weren't at their best against the Colombian team.

"It's normal. We know that we're going to have highs and lows throughout the season. The most important thing was to leave here with a victory."

Flamengo's next match will be at home to Ecuador's Barcelona de Guayaquil next Wednesday. Junior will travel to Ecuador for a clash against Independiente del Valle on the same day.?

【体坛英语资讯：Ribeiro fires Flamengo to victory over Junior in Libertadores opener】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Wang Nan still has something to prove

★ 体坛英语资讯：Milwaukee Bucks trade Yi to Nets

★ 体坛资讯：Iraq coach praises players for winning Asian Cup

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Mariah Carey surpasses Elvis Presley in No. 1s

★ 体坛英语资讯：Coach cares for Liu like a son

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Nicole Kidman gives birth to baby girl

★ 体坛英语资讯：Olympic torch relay starts in Nagano

★ 体坛资讯：Henin wins 3rd consecutive French Open title

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yao-Yi matchup could set ratings records

★ 体坛英语资讯：Germany beats North Korea 3-0 to advance to semifinals