Defending champion Santos lose in Copa Libertadores

Rio de Janeiro, April 26 (IANS) Defending Copa Libertadores champion Santos suffered a 1-2 defeat to Bolivar in the first leg of their round of 16 battle in La Paz.

Midfielder Jhasmani Campos opened the scoring in the first minute of the match Wednesday when his 25m free-kick hit the crossbar and rebounded in off goalkeeper Rafael.

Maranhao equalised in the 34th minute when he bundled in a shot from close range after Elano's dipping free-kick was saved by Marcos Arguello.

But Campos capped a brilliant solo display by making it 2-1 with another goal from a set-piece in the 74th-minute, reported Xinhua.

"The intention was to score at least three goals or more," Campos told Fox Sports after the match.

"Scoring against the defending champions is very difficult. Winning is what matters."

Brazil's international playmaker Neymar struggled to make an impact, noticeably suffering from the effects of 3600m high altitude.

The away goal means Santos only needs to win the return match 1-0 to advance to the quarter-finals.

In Porto Alegre, Brazilian rivals Internacional and Fluminense drew 0-0 with Jesus Datolo missing a second-half penalty for the hosts.

It appeared that Internacional would break the deadlock in the 57th-minute when Brazilian striker Damiao was brought down in the penalty area by an Edinho tackle.

But Fluminense goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri kept out Datolo's spot-kick with a stunning save.

Former Manchester City striker Jo had a chance to put the home team ahead in stoppage time but his low drive rebounded off the post.