BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Dario Benedetto struck two late goals as six-time champions Boca Juniors of Argentina moved within sight of the Copa Libertadores final with a 2-0 victory over Brazil's Palmeiras here on Wednesday.

The hosts broke the Brazilian side's resistance in the 83rd minute at the Bombonera when Benedetto rose highest to power in a header connecting a Sebastian Villa corner.

But the best was yet to come from the 28-year-old. Five minutes later he received the ball from Pablo Perez and, with his back to goal, the striker deftly spun past Luan Garcia before unleashing an unstoppable 25-yard shot past goalkeeper Weverton.

The decisive second leg will be played at Palmeiras' Allianz Parque in Sao Paulo next Wednesday, with the winners earning a place in the final, which will also be played over two legs in November.

On Tuesday, defending champions Gremio of Brazil beat Argentina's River Plate 1-0 in the other semifinal first leg in Buenos Aires.