Brazilian sides Flamengo, Corinthians and Cruzeiro were all victorious in the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday night.

Brazil striker Adriano was on target as Flamengo beat Chilean outfit Universidad Catolica 2-0 in a stormy Group Eight clash.

The hosts endured a difficult start when midfielder Willians was sent off after just two minutes for throwing a punch at Hans Martinez.

The 10 men took the lead eight minutes later, however, through a fantastic Leo Moura free-kick.

And Flamengo gained further momentum when Universidad captain Milovan Mirosevic was also shown a red card before half-time.

Adriano doubled the home side's advantage 13 minutes after the break.

In Group Seven, Cruzeiro also beat Chilean opposition in the shape of Colo Colo, 4-1.

Thiago Ribeiro put the home side ahead only for Esteban Paredes to level nine minutes before half-time.

The visitors capitulated in the second half, though, starting with the 57th-minute dismissal of defender Diego Olate.

Four minutes later, Kleber restored Cruzeiro's lead from the spot with Colo Colo's Roberto Cereceda then seeing red.

Pedro Ken made it 3-1 against the nine men with Kleber's second penalty of the evening completing the rout.

Elias scored twice as Corinthians beat Uruguay's Racing 2-1 in Group One.

Martin Cauteruccio put Racing ahead in the first minute but Elias grabbed a brace to give Corinthians the points.

In Group Three, Juan Aurich beat Bolivar 2-0 while in Group Two, Monterrey edged past Nacional from Paraguay 2-1.