Pooch invasion: Fun-loving dog gives Mexican goalkeeper the run around (VIDEO)

A match in South America’s equivalent of the Champions League was brought to a standstill when a cheerful Golden Labrador invaded the pitch.

The Copa Libertadores game between Venezuela’s Deportivo Tachira and Mexican outfit Club Universidad Nacional, or Pumas, was in its early stages when the bizarre disruption happened.

Launching a counter-attack from the left, Deportivo might have been hoping to strike an early blow against their rivals, but for the intervention of man’s best friend.

Displaying great agility, the plucky pooch weaves in and out of the players, no doubt enjoying the attention and the space to run free.

Footage of the incident shows the dog also avoiding the clutches of Alejandro Palacios - rather embarrassing, given the 35 year old has been the Pumas’ goalkeeper for nearly 20 years.

The game was halted by the referee for little over a minute while the four-legged invader was given his marching orders.

Pumas center-back Gerardo Alcoba was eventually able to escort the dog from the field, but not before receiving several sloppy kisses for his efforts.

Once the pet madness had died down, Venezuelan side Deportivo Tachira went on to claim a 1-0 victory thanks to a well-timed volley from Colombian defender Yuber Mosquera.