Boca and Palmeiras fight out violent Libertadores draw

Libertadores Cup holders Boca Juniors twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Palmeiras in the first lef of their semi final in Buenos Aires but the Brazilian side protested long and hard against two penalty decisions.

Palmeiras claimed Fernando was tripped by Boca goalkeeper Oscar Cordoba in the penalty area late in the second half but Paraguayan referee Ubaldo Aquino refused the appeals and Fernando and Barijho were later sent off for fighting with Boca coach Carlos Bianchi red carded for dissent late on.

The game was unreasonably violent throughout and both clubs could have lost four players each for horrific tackles.

Aquino looked completely lost and the players sensed this to put constant pressure on the Paraguayan.

Sao Paolo's Palmeiras took the lead on 19 minutes after a drive from midfielder Alex but Boca equalised in the 44th minute with a penalty kick from Guillermo Barros Schelotto.

A push by Alexandre on Antonio Barijho saw the penalty given by Aquino but it was a dive from the Boca star.

Fabio Junior scored from close range in the 54th minute but Boca play maker Juan Riquelme went on a jaunty run through the Palmeiras defence only seconds later to set up Barihjo for a clipped finish.