PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- A stunning first-half strike from Gustavo Scarpa handed Palmeiras a 1-0 victory over Brazilian rivals Gremio in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores quarterfinal here on Tuesday.

The visitors went ahead in the 31st minute when Scarpa sent a vicious 40-yard shot from a set piece into the top right corner of Paulo Victor's goal.

Palmeiras endured a nervous finish after former Brazil international midfielder Felipe Melo was dismissed in the 77th minute for a second yellow card following a rash challenge on Luciano.

But the reigning Brazilian Serie A champions survived and only need a draw in next week's return leg at home to progress to the last four of South American football's top club competition.

In Wednesday's quarterfinal fixtures, Ecuador's LDU Quito host Argentinian giants Boca Juniors and Flamengo are home to fellow Brazilian side Internacional. On Thursday, Argentina's River Plate will meet Paraguay's Cerro Porteno at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.