Estudiantes beats Nacional 1-0 in Copa Lib semi

2009-06-26 03:42:03 -

LA PLATA, Argentina (AP) - Estudiantes beat Uruguay visitor Nacional 1-0 in the Copa Libertadores semifinals on Thursday.
Diego Galvan scored in the 14th minute but lost captain Juan Sebastian Veron to injury at halftime.
The return leg will be next Thursday at Centenario Stadium in Montevideo.
Cruzeiro took control of the other semifinal, defeating fellow Brazilian side Gremio 3-1 at home on Wednesday.
Estudiantes started quickly at Ciudad de la Plata Stadium, forcing Nacional goalkeeper Rodrigo Munoz into a double save in the eighth minute, pushing away a Gaston Fernandez effort before reacting quickly to block Mauro Boselli's followup.
Estudiantes grabbed the lead when Veron's quick free kick in his own half released Leandro Benitez on the right wing.
Benitez checked inside and crossed for Galvan to dive in front of Munoz to head in.
Nacional offered little in attack in the first half but had a clear chance to equalize three minutes after the restart when substitute Santiago Garcia arrived unmarked at the back post but headed wide.
After surviving the scare, Estudiantes had chances to extend the lead but Fernandez and substitute Maximiliano Nunez shot over from promising positions.
In the 89th, Fernandez put Boselli clean through on goal but Munoz saved the shot with his feet.
The finals are set for July 8 and 15.