SAO PAULO — Sao Paulo of Brazil held Liga de Loja of Ecuador to a 0-0 draw Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals of the Copa Sudamericana. Liga advanced on away goals after the first leg match ended in a 1-1 draw. The Brazilian club will next play either Universidad de Chile or Emelec of Ecuador. Sao Paulo, a three-time Copa Libertadores champion, was in command throughout the match at the Morumbi Stadium but failed to capitalize on its scoring opportunities. Sao Paulo's Ademilson had a goal disallowed in the 16th minute after an offside ruling. Midfielder Ze Roberto converted an injury-time free kick as Gremio beat Barcelona of Ecuador 2-1 also Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals. Gremio finished with a 3-1 aggregate score after the Brazilian club beat Barcelona 1-0 in the first leg at Ecuador. Ze Roberto struck a perfect shot into the top corner of goalkeeper Maximo Banguera's net to secure Gremio a spot in the next round of the South American competition. Arrinton Narciso Mina opened the scoring for Barcelona at the Olimpico Stadium with a shot from inside the area in the 55th minute, but Gremio equalized with an own goal by Barcelona defender Jose Luis Perlaza, who sent the ball into the net while trying attempting to clear a cross in the area. Gremio next plays Colombia's Millonarios. Universidad Catolica of Chile also reached the quarterfinals of the Copa Sudamericana despite a 3-1 loss to Atletico Goianiense Wednesday, advancing on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw in the home and away series. Michael Rios scored the goal that sent the Chileans through in the 42nd minute at the Serra Dourada Stadium. Atletico, last place and virtually relegated in the Brazilian league, scored with Joilson in the 14th, Rene in the 36th and goalkeeper Marcio in the 50th. The goalkeeper converted a penalty kick for the Brazilian team's last goal. Universidad Catolica will now play either Argentina's Independiente or Uruguay's Liverpool. — AP
