RIO DE JANEIRO, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Gustavo Scarpa scored twice as Brazil's Atletico Mineiro continued their perfect start to the Copa Libertadores group stage with a 3-2 home victory over Uruguayan side Penarol on Tuesday.

Scarpa netted either side Paulinho's 26th-minute strike before Maximiliano Olivera and Maxi Silvera reduced the deficit in the second half.

The hosts survived a tense finale to clinch their third straight win in the competition and stretch their lead at the top of Group G to five points. Penarol are third, a point behind second-placed Rosario Central.

"The first half was great. In the second, we could have put the result beyond doubt but we weren't able to do it," Atletico Mineiro manager Gabriel Milito told reporters after the match.

"At the same time, this is the Copa Libertadores and it's not so easy. Penarol are very tough mentally. They took control of the match in the second half but thankfully we were able to do what was required and get the three points."

In other Copa Libertadores fixtures on Tuesday, Rosario Central drew 1-1 at Caracas FC, Gremio won 1-0 at Estudiantes, Liverpool prevailed 1-0 at home to San Lorenzo, Colo-Colo were held to a goalless home draw by Alianza Lima and LDU Quito mustered a 1-1 away draw with Junior Barranquilla.