Sao Paulo, Apr 14 (IANS): Jonathan Calleri scored either side of halftime as Sao Paulo overcame defending champions River Plate 2-1 in their Copa Libertadores Group 1 football match.

Calleri opened the scoring in the 28th minute at Sao Paulo's Morumbi stadium here on Wednesday after being set up by former Brazil international midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso, reports Xinhua.

The Argentine striker added another goal on the hour mark when he headed in a Michel Bastos cross.

River Plate were reduced to 10 men when Leonel Vangioni was shown a straight red card for violent conduct in the 64th minute.

Ivan Alonso gave the visitors some hope by nodding in from close range, and minutes later Sao Paulo's Joao Schmidt was sent off for a second yellow card.

But the Brazilian side held on to secure their second win of the campaign and move to second in the group, equal on points with River Plate but with an inferior goal difference.

In other matches, Boca Juniors won 1-0 at Racing Club, Cobresal beat Cerro Porteno 2-0 and Gremio won 3-2 at LDU Quito.