Alexis Sanchez scored the winner as Chile moved into the Copa America quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Ecuador.

The Manchester United forward netted six minutes into the second half for his second goal of the tournament, moving the two-time defending champions on to six points and the lead in Group C.

Jose Pedro Fuenzalida opened the scoring after just seven minutes as Chile made a perfect start to the match in Salvador, but that lead was cancelled out when Enner Valencia converted from the spot in the 26th minute.

Goalkeeper Gabriel Arias took down Jhegson Mendez to concede the penalty and Valencia struck straight down the middle to put Ecuador back into the game.

Chile reclaimed the lead early after the break, however, as Sanchez beat the keeper off a cross from Charles Aranguiz in the 51st minute.

Erick Pulgar had a chance in the 64th minute as Chile managed to control the late stages of the match and put themselves in a commanding position with one game still to play.

Ecuador finished with 10 men when Gabriel Achilier was shown a red card in the 89th minute, with the game seeing a total of nine yellow cards.

In their final game, Chile will face Uruguay in a decider for the group top spot, while Ecuador, who are yet to earn a point, will take on Japan.

Copy provided by Press Association Sport

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