SAO PAULO, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Forward Eduardo Sasha netted a brace as Brazil's Santos overcame Club Nacional of Uruguay 3-1 in their Copa Libertadores group match here on Thursday.

Sasha opened the scoring at the Pacaembu stadium by heading in after a Jean Mota cross.

The Brazilian side were reduced to 10 men just before halftime when Inter Milan loanee Gabriel Barbosa was shown a second yellow card for a bad foul.

Midfielder Rodrygo doubled Santos' lead from a difficult angle and the hosts were then awarded a penalty after Arthur Gomes was brought down by Alfonso Espino.

But Gomes failed to capitalize with a meek shot that was saved by Esteban Conde.

Christian Oliva gave the visitors hope by pulling a goal back in the 82nd minute but Santos responded immediately when Sasha struck with a low finish after Alison's assist.

In Thursday's only other match, Argentina's Independiente secured a 1-0 home victory over Colombian outfit Millonarios thanks to a first-half strike from Martin Benitez.