Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 7

Bangu 2-1 Tigres do Brasil
Resende 2-0 Olaria
Madureira 0-0 Americano
Flamengo 2-1 América
Volta Redonda 1-1 Friburguense
Macaé 2-2 Duque de Caxias
Vasco da Gama 3-0 Fluminense
Boavista 1-4 Botafogo

Bangu picked up their fourth win of the Taça Rio after a come from behind success over Tigres do Brasil. Gilcimar put Tigres ahead 34 minutes but the lead lasted only four minutes as Tiano levelled for Bangu. The Bangu winner came half way through the second half from Somalia. Since their win over Vasco, it's been all downhill for Olaria who fell to a second successive defeat, this time at the hands of Resende. Fabiano put Resende ahead from the spot after twenty minutes and Hiroshi doubled the lead thirteen minutes later to wrap up the points.

No goals between Madureira and Americano, a result that leaves Madureira bottom of group B but allowed Americano to jump off the bottom of Group A. Flamengo again had to do it the hard way by coming from a goal behind, this time at home to América. Jones put América into a shock fourth minute lead and they hung onto it for twenty minutes before Adriano levelled with his sixth goal of the competition. América were looking good for a point but Vagner Love, also with his sixth of the competition, won it for Flamengo 8 minutes from time to ensure their place in the play offs.

Volta Redonda remain bottom of group A after a 1-1 draw at home to Friburguense. The visitors took the lead right on the stroke of half time through Hercules but an equaliser from Andre Alves thirteen minutes into the second half rescused a point. Macaé and Duque de Caxias also shared the spoils but there was late drama at this one. Andre Gomes put Macaé ahead after 16 minutes but Maurinho levelled five minutes before half time. Marlon put Duque de Caxias ahead 4 minutes into the second half and as it looked like Duque de Caxias were going to claim victory Raphael Aguiar levelled for Macaé as they game went into injuty time.

Vasco responded from their midweek humiliation to record a 3-0 win over Fluminense to hand them their first defeat of the Taça Rio. Thiago Martinelli put Vasco ahead just short of the hour and the evergreen Dodô doubled the lead seven minutes from time. Fagnar put the icing on the cake for Vasco in injury time. Botafogo wrapped up the leadership in Group B after a 4-1 win at Boavista. Loco Abreu was the main man for O Fogão, he opened the scoring in the eight minute. Marcelo Cordeiro doubled the advantage after 53 minutes and Abreu wrapped up another hat-trick with further goals in the 79th and 88th minute. Tony grabbed a consolation for Boavista as the game entered injury time. This means Botafogo are likely to meet Fluminense in the semi finals with the final qualifying place in Group B coming down to a final day battle between Vasco and América.

The last round of the Taça Rio takes place at the weekend and they line up like this

Americano x Resende
Fluminense x Macaé
Duque de Caxias x Vasco da Gama
Olaria x Madureira
Botafogo x Bangu
Tigres do Brasil x Boavista
Friburguense x Flamengo
América x Volta Redonda

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 17

Palmeiras 1-1 Mirassol
Paulista 1-0 Rio Branco
Rio Claro 1-3 Bragantino
São Caetano 2-0 Ponte Preta
Oeste 2-0 Ituano
Corinthians 4-3 São Paulo
Santos 5-0 Monte Azul
Mogi Mirim 3-2 Santo André
Botafogo SP 3-1 Sertãozinho
Portuguesa 1-2 Prudente

As the race for "The Four" hots up, one team that won't be there is Palmeiras. The Big Green had another disappointing result at home as they were held to a draw by Mirassol. It started well for Palmeiras when Robert put them ahead from the spot in the sixth minute. Palmeiras failed to build on their advantage and were pegged back twenty minutes from time when Pablo Escobar levelled for Mirassol. Paulista hauled themselves out of the relegation zone after a third straight victory, this time over fellow strugglers Rio Branco. The vital goal came with 14 minutes on the clock from Eli Sabia. Bragantino aren't totally safe from the drop but they made their life a lot easier for themselves after a 3-1 win at follow strugglers Rio Claro. Frontini put Bragantino ahead with only three minutes on the clock, Léo Jamie doubled the lead 12 minutes into the second half and his second wrapped things up. Luiz grabbed a consolation for Rio Clario 9 minutes from time.

São Caetano still have an outside chance of gatecrashing "The Four" and a 2-0 win over Ponte Preta will have helped. Fernandes set São Caetano on their way in the tenth minute but they had to wait for an injury time penalty from Eduardo to wrap things up. Oeste are still a point short of safety but they also picked up a valuable win over Ituano. The goals came late in the game, Ricardo Bueno opened the scoring eight mintues from time and Kleber wrapped things up a minute later. The big clash of the weekend saw Corinthians and São Paulo square off and the fans were treated to a classic. Corinthians went into a two goal lead from Elias and Danilo Gabriel but Jean halved the defecit before half time. Roberto Carlos restored the two goal lead of Corinthians before a double from Rodrigo Souto looked to have rescused a point for São Paulo. The game though had a dramatic conclusion when Alex Silva's own goal handed Corinthians victory two minutes into injury time. São Paulo remain in "The Four" but Corinthians are breathing down their neck a place behind.

Santos more or less confirmed top spot after a comfortable 5-0 win over Monte Azul. Marquinhos set Santos on their way after 12 minutes and Paulo Henrique Ganso doubled the lead ten minutes before half time. Ganso and Marquinhos doubled their goal tally to make it four and André Felipe wrapped things up 18 minutes from time. Santo André are now guaranteed a place in "The Four" despite going down to Mogi Mirim. Bruno Cesar put Santo André ahead in the second minute but Zulu levelled for Mogi Mirim. Then Zulu scored into his own goal to put Santo André ahead but Mogi Mirim went in level at half time. Zulu then capped an eventful day by grabbing the winner eleven minutes from time to almost secure Mogi Mirim's place in A1 next year. Botafogo are still an outside bet for "The Four" and they did their chances no harm with a 3-1 win over almost doomed Sertãozinho. Ademir Sopa but Botafogo ahead but they were stunned by an equalizer from Mendes 90 minutes from half time. André Neles restored the Botafogo lead 18 minutes in the second half and his second as the game entered injury time wrapped up the win.

The other big clash of the weekend saw Portuguesa fall out of "The Four" and Prudente leapfrog into the end of season shake up after a crucial 2-1 victory. Marco Antônio put Portuguesa ahead 10 minutes into the second half but Tadeu levelled 12 minutes later. A point was no good for either team and it was Prudente who grabbed the crucial win when Henrique Dias struck 13 minutes from time. It puts Prudente into third in the table and their destiny in now in their own hands.

Two rounds left before the play offs and they line up like this for Week 18

Palmeiras x Oeste
Rio Branco x Portuguesa
Sertãozinho x Paulista
Rio Claro x Santo André
Monte Azul x Mogi Mirim
São Paulo x Botafogo SP
Ituano x Corinthians
São Caetano x Santos
Bragantino x Prudente
Ponte Preta x Mirassol

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 16

Rio Branco 2-2 Palmeiras
Mirassol 0-1 Portuguesa
Ponte Preta 2-2 Rio Claro
Ituano 0-1 São Caetano
Corinthians 0-1 Paulista
Bragantino 1-0 São Paulo
Santo André 3-0 Monte Azul
Prudente 3-0 Mogi Mirim
Botafogo SP 2-4 Santos
Oeste 2-1 Sertãozinho

The race for "The Four" hotted up as two of the current occupants came unstuck against lower league opposition as the woes of Palmeiras continued, this time at Rio Branco. The victory over Santos must have been a one off as the Big Green struggled to claim a point against a team destined for A2 next year. Diego Souza set Palmeiras on their way after 17 minutes but Rio Branco were level three minutes later through Alex Terra. It got worse in the 23rd minute when Romarinho put Rio Branco ahead, despite Ewerthon levelling ten minutes later Palmeiras couldn't find a winner and and they are now destined to miss out on "The Four". Portuguesa hauled themselved into "The Four" after victory at Mirassol. Only one goal seperated the teams and it came 19 minutes from time from Heverton. Rio Claro eased themselved away from the relegation zone after recovering from a two goal deficit to claim a point at Ponte Preta. Things were going well for the home side when a first half goal from Diego, coupled with a strike 8 minutes after half time from Fabiano Gadelha put Ponte Preta two goals to the good. Edu Sales halved the lead twenty minutes into the second half and Mirandinha levelled five minutes later.

After their belting at the Pacaembu on Sunday things couldn't really get any worse for Ituano. Ok, they lost again but they came so close to claiming a point against São Caetano. It was a heartbreaking defeat for Ituano, the goal came as the game entered second half injury time from Eduardo. Corinthians fell to a surprise home defeat to Paulista, who made it back to back wins in their fight against the drop. The only goal of the game came half way through the second half from Mazola. The result sees Corinthians fall out of "The Four" and more controversy arose after the game when Ronaldo was pictured (see left) giving waiting photographers the "international sign of disrespect". São Paulo were another of the current "Four" to come unstuck, they went down to defeat away at Bragantino. The only goal came nine minues from time from Mauricio to give Bragantino some breathing space away from the relegation zone. However São Paulo remain in "The Four" at the moment.

Santo André are now a point away from ensuring their participation in the end of season shake up after a 3-0 win over Mogi Mirim. Rodriguinho put Santo André ahead after 10 minutes and Bruno Cesar doubled the lead 15 minutes later. A second for Rodriguinho fourteen minutes from time sealed victory. Prudente continued their late bid to gatecrash "The Four" after victory over Mogi Mirim. Araujo was the Prudente hero, his hat-trick sealing all three points. Oeste hauled themselves away from the relegation zone after a vital victory over Sertãozinho. Ricardo Bueno put Oeste ahead after ten minutes and then doubled the lead from the spot 15 minutes into the second half. João Paulo pulled a goal back nine minutes from time but it was too little too late for Sertãozinho who now need a miracle to avoid the drop.

Santos confirmed their spot in "The Four" after a 4-2 victory at Botafogo SP. Paulo Henrique put the table toppers ahead four minutes before half time but the lead lasted three minutes before Ademir Sopa levelled from the spot. Marquinhos restored the Santos lead 11 minutes into the second half and this time lead lasted only two minutes before Adriano replied. A second from Marquinhos half way through the second half restored the lead again and Santos weren't going to give it up this time and sealed victory in the last minute through Zé Eduardo.

At the weekend it's Round 17, three games left and they line up like this

Palmeiras x Mirassol
Paulista x Rio Branco
Rio Claro x Bragantino
São Caetano x Ponte Preta
Oeste x Ituano
Corinthians x São Paulo
Santos x Monte Azul
Mogi Mirin x Santo André
Botafogo SP x Sertãozinho
Portuguesa x Prudente

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 6

Bangu 1-1 América
Boavista 0-1 Friburguense
Resende 1-0 Duque de Caxias
Macaé 3-1 Olaria
Flamengo 3-1 Tigres do Brasil
Madureira 1-3 Fluminense
Vasco da Gama 2-3 Americano
Volta Redonda 0-1 Botafogo


América briefly went top of Group B after coming from behing to claim a 1-1 draw at Bangu. The home side went ahead after 26 minutes through Sassa but leading scorer Adriano was on target to rescue a point for América six minutes after the break. Friburguense picked up their first win of the Taça Rio after a single goal success at Boavista. The only goal of the game came after 13 minutes from Hercules.

Resende also picked up their first win of the Taça Rio after a 1-0 success over Duque de Caxias. The only goal of the game came as early as the 8th minute when Fabiano converted from the penalty spot. Olaria were unable to back up from their fantastic victory over Vasco da Gama when they went down to defeat at Macaé. Fernandão put Macaé ahead in the 17th minute and they took that lead into the break. Rafael levelled for Olaria on the hour but Gedeil restored Macaé's advantage and a second from Fernandão in injury time wrapped things up.

Flamengo all but secured their qualification for the semi finals after victory over Tigres do Brasil. They were given a rude awakening though when Gilcimar put Tigres ahead o nthe half hour. Adriano levelled seven minutes later and Vagner Love put Flamengo ahead after 52 minutes. A second from Adriano 14 minutes from time wrapped things up. Fluminense are also all but secure in the play offs after they blew Madureira away with a blistering first half performance. Fluminense were two up inside the opening quarter of an hour through Mariano and Andre Lima. Dario Conca's goal four minutes before half time finished the game as a contest but Bruno grabbed a consolation for Madureira on the hour.

The wheels have well and truly fallen fallen off the Vasco waggon after a third consecutive defeat, this time at home to Americano. Leandro Gomes put Americano ahead in the 18th minutes but the lead lasted less than a minute as Elton levelled for Vasco. A second for Gomes restored the Americano lead on the half hour but they were pegged back again four minutes before half time by Leo Gago. The decisive goal came seven minutes into the second half when Nilton put the ball into his own net. Americano then battened down the hatches and there was no way through for a third Vasco equaliser. It was a result too far for the Vasco fans who tried to storm the São Januário dressing rooms after the game and that in turn was too much for the Vasco board who dismissed coach Vagner Mancini shortly afterwards. Botafogo went back to the top of Group B after winning the last game of the round 1-0 against Volta Redonda. They were made to work hard for their victory and only won the game with a 90th minute strike from Caio. It leaves O Fogão one victory away from the play offs.

Two rounds left before the semi finals, Group A is more or less wrapped up but their is plenty to play for in Group B. They line up like this

Bangu x Tigres do Brasil
Resende x Olaria
Madureura x Americano
Flamengo x América
Volta Redonda x Friburguense
Macaé x Duque de Caxias
Vasco da Gama x Fluminense
Boavista x Botafogo

Copa Libertadores 2nd Phase Week 6

Group 1

Racing Club 1-0 Independiente Medellín

Only one goal in Montevideo as Racing Club took a huge step towards qualification with a vital win over Independiente Medellín. The vital goal came from the head of Santiago Ostolaza 15 mintues from time while Independinte's Edison Giminez was sent off 5 minutes from time. The win lifts Racing 4 points clear in second.

Standings

1. Corinthians P3 7pts +2
2. Racing Club P4 7pts +1
3. Independiente Medellín P4 3pts
4. Cerro Porteño P3 1pt

Group 3

Estudiantes 2-0 Bolívar

Holders Estudiantes got back on course after two games without success with a comfortable victory over Bolívar in La Plata. Jose Sosa put Estudiantes ahead five minutes after half time and victory was sealed by Mauro Boselli who tapped in at the back post. The victory moves Estudiantes into second in the group and all but eliminates Bolívar.

Standings

1. Alianza Lima 9pts
2. Estudiantes 7pts
3. Juan Aurich 6pts
4. Bolívar 1pt

Group 4

Libertad 1-1 Universitario
Lanús 1-0 Blooming

A result of convenience in Asunción as Libertad and Universitario shared the points in the return match after the 0-0 draw in Peru. Victor Ayala put Libertad ahead ten minutes into the second half but victory which could have put Libertad in the qualification box seat was denied four minutes from time by an equaliser from Luis Ramírez. Lanús hauled themselves back into contention after victory over Blooming. Only one goal in the game and it came courtesy of a Santiago Salcedo penalty after 17 minutes. The defeat eliminated Blooming but left it all to play for at the top of the group.

Standings

1. Libertad 8pts +6GD
2. Universitario 8pts +3GD
3. Lanús 6pts
4. Blooming 0pts

Group 5

Deportivo Quito 1-0 Emelec

The all Ecuadorian clash in Quito went the way of the home side Deportivo as they kept their thin hopes of qualifying for the Round of 16 alive. The only goal of the game came 20 minutes into the second half from Michael Arroyo to give Deoprtivo their first win of the campaign.

Standings

1. Cerro 7pts
2. Internacional 5pts
3. Deportivo Quito 4pts
4. Emelec 0pts

Group 7

Cruzeiro 2-0 Deportivo Italia
Vélez Sarsfield 2-1 Colo Colo

2009 runners up Cruzeiro grabbed a crucial win in the most competetive group of the competition after completing a 2-0 win over Deportivo Italia in Belo Horizonte. Cruzeiro were ahead as early as the 6th minute through Fabinho and wrapped up victory twenty minutes from time through Pedro Ken. The defeat leaves Deportivo Italia on the brink of elimination. Vélez Sársfield remain top of the group after a come from behind victory over Colo Colo. Ezequiel Miralles put Colo Colo ahead against the run of play with 8 minutes on the clock but Vélez were level within 5 minutes from Rodrigo López. Santiago Silva headed home the winner after half an hour and despite dominating Vélex couldn't extend their lead. Frustration set in for the visitors and a second yellow card saw Rodrigo Millar sent off three minutes from time

Standings

1. Vélez Sársfield 10pts
2. Cruzeiro 7pts
3. Coloc Colo 4pts
4. Deportivo Italia 1pt

Group 8

Universidad Cátolica 1-1 Caracas FC

A result which was of little help to either team and leaves them both on the brink of elimination from the competition as Universidad Cátolica came from a goal down to claim a point against Caracas in Santiago. Jamie Bustamante put Caracas ahead 5 minutes into the second half but Universidad Cátolica grabbed a point 8 minutes from time through an equaliser from Juan Morales. It was a third consecutive draw in the competition for Universidad Cátolica.

Standings

1. Universidad de Chile P3 7pts
2. Flamengo P3 6pts
3. Universidad Cátolica P4 3pts
4. Caracas FC P4 2pts


They line up like this next week

Libertad v Lanús
Internacional v Cerro
Cruzeiro v Vélez Sársfield
Juan Aurich v Estudiantes
Monterrey v São Paulo
Morelia v Banfield
Emelec v Deportivo Quito
Corinthians v Cerro Porteño
Once Caldas v Club Nacional

Superclasico washed out

Huracán 2-0 Chacarita Juniors
Atlético Tucumán 1-3 Estudiantes
San Lorenzo 2-2 Colón
Lanús 1-0 Racing Club
Newell's Old Boys 1-1 Vélez Sarsfield
Argentinos Juniors 1-1 Tigre
Independiente 2-0 Rosario Central
Gimnasia La Plata 0-2 Arsenal
Godoy Cruz 2-0 Banfield
Boca Juniors 0a0 River Plate

The Bombonera bore witness to an astonishing downpour before, during and after the attempt to get the Superclasico played. With an expected huge crowd, the officials did the right thing in attempting to play, once the lines had been repainted, but further unrelenting rain saw the ball sticking in puddles and there was no real option other than to abandon the game. Ten minutes had been played and the score remained 0-0. The remaining 80 minutes will be played on Thursday.

Independiente and Godoy Cruz both continued to check out at the top of the table after both secured wins. Independiente left it late to see off Rosario Central who slide to second bottom as a result of Lucas Mareque and Leonel Nunez striking in the final quarter-hour. Godoy Cruz were slightly more comfortable against Banfield, Leonardo Sigali giving them the lead inside twenty minutes and David Ramirez making it safe quarter of an hour from time. Ten-man Vélez dropped points, but won't be too unhappy with a draw after playing for more than an hour a man short. Franco Razotti picked up his second yellow card after 28 minutes and Newell's eventually took advantage of their numerical superiority with Rolando Schiavi's penalty on the hour. But Pablo Lima popped up a couple of minutes from time to snatch a point. Mauro Boselli stuck two more away as Estudiantes eased past ten-man Tucumán. A Boselli penalty handed Estudiantes the lead early on, but it was level at the break thanks to Juan Manuel Azconzabal. Jose Sosa restored the lead a couple of minutes after the break before Claudio Vargas was sent off and Boselli made it three on 75 minutes.

It was an eventful game for San Lorenzo's Alejandro Gomez who got both his side's goals and was sent off in the draw against Colón who were ahead inside five minutes through Facundo Bertoglio. Gomez equalised eight minutes later, but Eduardo Coudet restored Colón to the lead before the break despite German Rivarola having been sent off. Gomez equalised a minute from time, but his celebration brought a second yellow and he was duly dismissed. Sebastien Blanco ensured a vital win for Lanús, sticking the only goal of the game away midway through the second half against Racing Club while there were dismissals in all the remaining games. German Cano saw red for Chacarita as they went down to Huracán. Gino Clara put Huracán in front and Paolo Goltz made it two late on, a couple of minutes after Cano's dismissal. Argentinos blew a lead after Nicol Peric was sent off. Nicolas Pavlovich had them in front early on, but Claudio Luna squared it up for Tigre after Peric's indiscretion and Sebastien Romero picked up two bookings for Gimnasia in their match against Arsenal. Luciano Leguizamon had Arsenal ahead before Romero's second yellow and Ivan Obolo made it two late on.

Coming up:

Boca Juniors 0-0 River Plate
Estudiantes v Godoy Cruz
Rosario Central v Huracán
Racing Club v Newell's Old Boys
River Plate v Argentinos Juniors
Tigre v Lanús
Banfield v Gimnasia La Plata
Chacarita Juniors v Boca Juniors
Colón v Independiente
Vélez Sarsfield v Atlético Tucumán
Arsenal v San Lorenzo

We've got Superclasico Take 2 before a full programme for round 11 where top game sees Godoy Cruz go to La Plata to take on Estudiantes. This will be a test of their credentials as front runners while leaders Independiente are away at inconsistent Colón. Banfield will be looking to get back to winning ways at home to Gimnasia, something Vélez ought to be doing against rock bottom Atlético Tucumán, the only side yet to win.

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 5

Friburguense 2-3 Bangu
Olaria 1-0 Vasco da Gama
Americano 2-1 Macaé
Fluminense 2-1 Resende
Duque de Caxais 0-1 Madureira
Tigres do Brasil 3-0 Volta Redonda
América 3-2 Boavista
Botafogo 2-2 Flamengo

Bangu made it back to back wins after victory at Friburguense. Three quick goals around half time won it for Bangu, Sassa got the opener and Raphael doubled the lead moments later. Sassa got a second to make it 3-0 two minutes into the second half but Bangu were left to hang on after Hercules reduced the defecit and a late injury time goal had Bangu jittery. Olaria's victory over Vasco da Gama is quite simply the biggest shock of the season so far. It's the first time one of Rio's big 4 has lost to a team outside of the Four all season. The only goal of the game came after 12 minutes from Caca and as much as Vasco tried they couldn't break down the resolute Olaria defence.

Americano picked up their second win of the year after a 2-1 success over Macaé. William put Americano ahead in the 17th minute, a lead they held until the 90th minute of the match when Ricardo grabbed an equaliser for Macaé. But Americano went straight downfield and snatched a dramatic winner from Evandro two minutes into injury time. Fluminense remain in the hunt for the end of season play-offs after a hard earned 2-1 victory over Resende. Andre Lima was the Fluminense hero, grabbing both goals in the first half. Tiago pulled a goal back for Resende half way through the second half but Flu were able to hold on.

Madureira picked up their first win of the Taça Rio after a single goal halted the two game winning streak of Duque de Caxais. The only goal of the game came 14 minutes into the first half from Fabio. Tigres do Brasil made it back to back wins after a 2-0 success over Volta Redonda. Cleytinho put Tigres ahead after 26 minutes and Gilcimar doubled the lead ten minutes into the second half. Celico wrapped up the points with a third just after the hour.

América took advantage of Vasco's slip up to move into the play off spots after their 3-2 win over Boavista. Ruy put Boavista ahead on the half hour but América were level two minutes later through Adriano. A second from Adriano then put América ahead four minutes into the second half but Boavista levelled a minute later through Leo Guerreiro. The América winner came eight minutes from time, Daniel Morais with the goal. The big game of the weekend saw Botafogo and Flamengo clash at the Engenhão. German Herrera put Botafogo ahead from the spot on 16 minutes but they were pegged back four minutes later by back in favour Adriano. Herrera's second nine minutes into the second half restored Botafogo's lead and it looked like Fogo would repeat their Guanabara semi final success but Adriano grabbed an equaliser three minutes into stoppage time to preserve Fla's unbeaten record.

Three games left in the league stage of the Taça Rio and they are back in action with a midweek round.

Flamengo x Tigres do Brasil
Bangu x América
Boavista x Friburguense
Vasco da Gama x Americano
Resende x Duque de Caxais
Madureira x Fluminense
Macaé x Olaria
Volta Redonda x Botafogo

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 15

Monte Azul 0-4 Portuguesa
Rio Claro 3-0 Rio Branco
Palmeiras 0-2 Ponte Preta
Sertãozinho 2-1 Mirassol
Santo André 4-1 Bragantino
São Caetano 2-2 Oeste
Prudente 2-0 Corinthians
São Paulo 3-0 Mogi Mirim
Santos 9-1 Ituano
Paulista 1-0 Botafogo SP

The race for "The Four" hots up in the Paulista as the relegation battle also takes a few twists and turns during round 15. Portuguesa opened the round with a comfortable victory at Monte Azul. Portuguesa were ahead as early as the 4th minute when Luiz Carlos converted from the spot. Heverton double the lead, again from the spot, on the hour and they wrapped things up with late goals from Rafael Silva and Jean Natal. Rio Branco fell to the bottom of the table after a crushing 3-0 defeat at Rio Claro. Palmeiras just go from bad to worse after yet another home defeat, this time to Ponte Preta. Diego opened the scoring with 13 minutes to go and as the Big Green chased the game Finazzi finished them off seven minutes from time.

Sertãozinho picked up only their second win of the season after success against Mirassol to climb off the bottom of the table. Pablo put Sertãozinho ahead after 9 minutes but Diogo Orlando levelled two minutes into the second half. With twenty minutes to go Thiago Silvy grabbed what could be a valuable winner for Sertãozinho come the end of the season. Santo André bounced back from defeat last time out to brush aside Bragantino. They were two up inside the opening eight minutes thanks to Rodriguinho and Bruno Cesar. A second from Rodriguinho after 33 minutes put Santo André into cruise mode and they wrapped things up with a fourth from Wendell three minutes from time before Bragantino grabbed a consolation in injury time. Oeste edged themselved away from the relegation zone after picking a point up at São Caetano. Mazinho put Oeste ahead after four minutes but São Caetano were level seven minutes later through Hugo. Oeste went ahead again from the spot after half an hour when Ricardo Bueno converted but Wanderley levelled with eight minutes to go to salvage a point for São Caetano.

Corinthians midweek trip to Paraguay seemed to have affected them as they fell to defeat at Prudente. Róbson put Prudente ahead just beyond the hour and as Corinthians searched for an equaliser he put the game safe four minutes into injury time. São Paulo comfortably disposed of Mogi Mirim. Rogério Ceni put São Paulo ahead from the spot after thirteen minutes and Cléber Santana doubled the lead five minutes before half time. Hernanes wrapped things up for São Paulo with a second half injury time strike. Botafogo SP's quest for "The Four" took a huge dent when they went down to relegation threatened Paulista. The only goal of the game came on the half hour from Felipe Azevedo to give Paulista their third win of the season and keep Botafogo SP in fifth.

Santos emphatically bounced back from defeat last week to put the cleaners through Ituano. Already smarting from the defeat last week Ituano stuck the knife in when João Leonardo put them ahead in the first minute. Ituano though, were 4-1 down by half time after André Felipe levelled, the go ahead goal from Paulo Henrique and further a goal from André Felipe and Madson. A second from Madson set Santos away in the second half and Paulo Henrique then got his second of the game. Zé Eduardo joined the party five minutes from time and André Felipe completed a hat trick with a penalty in injury time.

Full midweek round as they race for "The Four" and the fight against relegation continues.

Corinthians x Paulista
Rio Branco x Palmeiras
Mirassol x Portuguesa
Ponte Preta x Rio Branco
Ituano x São Caetano
Bragantino x São Paulo
Santo André x Monte Azul
Prudente x Mogi Mirim
Botafogo SP x Santos
Oeste x Sertãozinho

Copa Libertadores 2nd Phase Week 5

Group 1

Cerro Porteño 0-1 Corinthians
Independiente Medellín 0-0 Racing Club

Corinthians remain unbeaten after victory in Asunción against Cerro Porteño. The only goal of the game came four minutes from half time when Ronaldo was left umarked at the back post and he added the finishing touch. Jorge Brítez saw red for Cerro Porteño eight minutes from time. Independiente Medellín collected their third draw in as many games with a goalless draw against Racing Club of Montevideo. Independiente had to hold on with 9 men as Cesar Valoyes and Lewis Ochoa both saw second half red cards.

Standings

1. Corinthians 7pts
2. Racing Club 4pts
3. Independiente Medellín 3pts
4. Cerro Porteño 1pt

Group 2

Monterrey 2-2 Once Caldas
São Paulo 3-0 Club Nacional

Monterrey remain in the hunt to qualify after a draw with Once Caldas. Dayro Moreno gave Once Caldas the perfect start when he put them ahead with their first attack of the game but Osvaldo Martínez levelled for the home side from the spot in the 18th minute. Monterrey then made the perfect start to the second half when Neri Cardozo scored with less than a minute gone. Once Caldas though found a way back into the game, Jamie Castrillón levelling 20 minutes into the second half. São Paulo completed a double over Club Nacional in the space of a week with a comfortable victory to eliminate the Paraguayans from the competition. Two goals in the space of two minutes around the half hour mark from Dagoberto and Léo Lima put the game beyond Club Nacional. Washington made it three goal in the two games when he wrapped things up nine minutes into the second half.

Standings

1. São Paulo 9pts
2. Once Caldas 8pts
3. Monterrey 5pts
4. Club Nacional 0pts

Standings

Group 3

Juan Aurich 4-2 Alianza Lima

Alianza Lima fell to their first defeat of the competition in the all Peruvian clash. It all started well for Alianza when Joel Sánchez put them ahead with only two minutes on the clock. Juan Aurich hit back and were ahead by half time, Roberto Guizasola levelled after 25 minutes and Luis Tejada got the go ahead goal a minute before half time. Reimond Manco put Juan Aurich two goals ahead on the hour but Alianza had a fighting chance when Roberto Ovelar pulled a goal back 18 minutes from time. As they chased the game Alianza were left exposed at the back and Pedro Ascoy wrapped up the points four minutes from time.

Standings

1. Alianza Lima P4 9pts
2. Juan Aurich P4 6pts
3. Estudiantes P3 4pts
4. Bolívar P3 1pt

Group 5

Cerro 0-0 Internacional

No goals in Montevideo as Cerro remain top of the group. An uninspiring game of few chances saw 9 yellow cards as Internacional collected their second draw in successions

Standings

1. Cerro P3 7pts
2. Internacional P3 5pts
3. Deportivo Quito P2 1pts
4. Emelec P2 0pts

Group 6

Banfield 0-2 Nacional
Morelia 2-1 Deportivo Cuenca

After being denied in Montevideo the week before Nacional crossed the River Plate to inflict Banfield's first defeat and go top of the group. Both goals came in the first half, Sebastian Coates put Nacional ahead in the 34th minute and Gonzalo Codoy doubled the lead three minutes before half time. Morelia finally got their first win of the competition after victory of Deportivo Cuenca. Jared Borgetti grabbed both goals for Morelia in the first half, Jorge Ladines pulled a goal back for Deportivo Cuenca but it was too little too late for the Ecuadorians.

Standings

1. Nacional 8pts
2. Banfield 7pts
3. Morelia 4pts
4. Deportivo Cuenca 3pts


Group 7

Colo Colo 1-1 Vélez Sársfield

Vélez went three points clear at the top of Group Seven after picking up a point in Chile at Colo Colo. They left it very very late though. Esteben Paredes put Colo Colo ahead in the 57th minute but Vélez then had Victor Zapata sent off two minutes later. Vélez were rewarded for their fighting qualities and Santiago Silva grabbed the leveller three minutes into stoppage time.

Standings

1. Vélez Sársfield 7pts
2. Cruzeiro 4pts +1GD
3. Colo Colo 4pts -2GD
4. Deportivo Italia 1pt



Group 8

Caracas FC 0-0 Universidad Cátolica
Universidad de Chile 2-1 Flamengo

No goals in Venezuela between Caracas and Universidad Cátolica, a result which does no favours for either team as they remain rooted in the bottom two places in the group. Universidad de Chile went top of the group after inflicting Flamengo's first defeat of the competition. Eduardo Vargas put Universidad de Chile ahead three minutes before half time. Rodrigo Alvim levelled for Flamengo six minutes into the second half but Flamengo were undone when Felipe Seymour won the game for Universidad with their second ten minutes into the second half

Standings

1. Universidad de Chile 7pts
2. Flamengo 6pts
3. Universidad Cátolica 2pts
4. Caracas FC 1pt

Next weeks games line up like this

Estudiantes v Bolívar
Libertad v Universitario
Lanús v Blooming
Universidad Cátolica v Caracas FC
Cruzeiro v Deportivo Italia
Racing Club v Independiente Medellín
Vélez Sársfield v Colo Colo
Deportivo Quito v Emelec

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 4

Bangu 2-1 Madureira
Boavista 4-1 Resende
Friburguense 0-1 Duque de Caxais
América 1-1 Fluminense
Botafogo 2-0 Olaria
Tigres do Brasil 2-1 Americano
Flamengo 1-0 Vasco da Gama
Volta Redonda 0-2 Macaé

A week of red cards in the Taça Rio, eight in total as Vasco lost their first regular season game of the year and Fluminense were held by América while Botafogo and Flamengo march on.

Bangu picked up their second win of the season after a 2-1 success over Madureira. A double from Taino, one just before half time and the other 20 minutes from time gave them a 2-0 lead. Obina pulled a goal back for Maduerira seven minutes from time but they couldn't claim a point. Caio was dismissed for Maduerira in injury time. Boavista kept up the pressure on the big two in Group A after a 4-1 win over Resende. Pessanha put Boavista ahead just before half time and a double from Leo Guerreiro put the hosts three goals to the good. Fabiano pulled a goal back for Resense twenty minutes from time but Ruy wrapped things up for Boavista seven minutes from time.

Duque de Caxais picked up their third win of the season after a late late goal against Friburguense. The red cards came first, Lucas went first for Friburguense or a second yellow on 52 minutes before Maurino saw red for Duque de Caxias with 15 minutes to go. The game was won for Duque de Caxais in stoppage time by Faioli. América got their best result of the season after holding Fluminense at the Engenhão. The red cards came after 15 minutes when América's Jones and Fluminense's Everton were sent off after clashing. Marquinho put Flu ahead 11 minutes before the break but Júnior levelled right on half time and the teams settled for a point each.

Another game at the Engenhão finished 10 aside after Botafogo defeated Olaria 2-0. Antonio Carlos put Fogo ahead after 20 minutes and Gabriel doubled the lead 4 minutes into the second half. The flash point came with 19 minutes left after "El Loco" Sebastian Abreu and Olaria's Diego were sent off after clashing. Tigres claimed their first win of the Taça Rio after a 2-1 success over Americano. Oziel put Tigres ahead five minutes into the second half and Gilberto doubled the lead 10 minutes later. William pulled a goal back for Americano 13 minutes from time but they couldn't complete their comeback.

The big game of the weekend was the Clássico dos Milhões at the Maracanã as Flamengo inflicted Vasco's first regular season defeat of the year. Vasco da Gama didn't help themselves after a first half penalty was saved by Bruno in the Flamengo goal. When Adriano, back in the team after some well publicized difficulties, was offered the same opportunity 6 minutes into the second half he found the back of the net to get the only goal of the game. The held over game from the round saw Macaé claim victory at Volta Redonda. They left it late though, Andre Gomes got the opening goal with a minute left in the game and as Volta Redonda desperately chased an equaliser they left themselves exposed at the back and Marciel claimed a second 4 minutes into injury time.

Full round at the weekend and they line up like this

Friburguense x Bangu
Olaria x Vasco da Gama
Americano x Macaé
Fluminense x Resende
Duque de Caxais x Madureira
Tigres do Brasil x Volta Redonda
América x Boavista
Botafogo x Flamengo

Godoy and Independiente make a break for it

Vélez Sársfield 1-0 Lanús
Godoy Cruz 2-1 Atlético Tucumán
Chacarita Juniors 0-1 Independiente
Estudiantes 2-0 Newell's Old Boys
Colón 1-1 Gimnasia La Plata
Banfield 0-0 Arsenal
River Plate 2-0 Huracán
Rosario Central 1-0 San Lorenzo
Tigre 3-0 Boca Juniors
Racing Club 0-1 Argentinos Juniors

The top two have made a break for it in the Clausura. Banfield's goalless draw with improving Arsenal allowed Godoy Cruz and Independiente to go clear. Federico Higuain got both for Godoy Cruz against Tucumán, the second and vital one coming in second half stoppage time. His first came on the half hour, but Javier Páez equalised 15 minutes into the second half before a few moments of madness saw Tucumán's Deivis Barone get a straight red and Godoy's Sergio Sanchez receive a second yellow before Higuain swooped for the winner. Godoy trail Independiente by two points after they beat Chacarita through Eduardo Tuzzio's fourth minute effort in a low-key game.

Vélez move above Banfield on goal difference after Rolando Zarate's early effort saw them get past struggling Lanús who drop to second bottom. Rosario Central move above Lanús after beating nine-man San Lorenzo who saw Pablo Pintos and Jonathan Bottinelli dismissed early in the second half. Eventually, the numerical disadvantage told and Milton Caraglio won it with a couple of minutes left. Boca Juniors are only ahead of Rosario and Lanús on goal difference after being well beaten by a vastly improved Tigre side. Carlos Luna got all three for Tigre as they move up to sixth.

The highly-rated Mauro Boselli was on target again for Estudiantes as they beat Newell's at home. Nahuel Roselli's own goal put them in front on the stroke of half time before Boselli's fifth of the season sealed it. Colón lost yet more ground after their great start as they drew with Gimnasia who were in front on the half hour through Marcos Perez. Marcelo Goux squared it up before the break. River Plate scored a much-needed win over Huracán for whom Ezequiel Filipetto put through his own net in just the second minute to give River the advantage. Gustavo Canales made it two with quarter of an hour left to seal it. Finally, Nicolas Pavlovich got the only goal of the game as Argentinos Juniors beat Racing Club.

Next week:

Huracán v Chacarita Juniors
Atlético Tucumán v Estudiantes
San Lorenzo v Colón
Lanús v Racing Club
Argentinos Juniors v Tigre
Newell's Old Boys v Vélez Sársfield
Boca Juniors v River Plate
Godoy Cruz v Banfield
Gimnasia La Plata v Arsenal
Independiente v Rosario Central

It's Superclasico time, though that term has lost a lot of value given the two sides relative struggles over the last twelve months or so. Boca arrive at this one in rotten form and only three points off the foot of the table. River are locked in mid-table which, for them, isn't good enough. It'll still be a monumental clash though as these games always are, no matter what state the sides are in. Elsewhere, Godoy face a stern test of their top-of-the-table credentials with a game against Banfield while Independiente take on lowly Rosario Central. Estudiantes can make up some ground with a game against rock bottom Tucumán.

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 14

Botafogo SP 2-1 Oeste
Mirassol 1-2 Rio Claro
Portuguesa 1-0 São Caetano
Paulista 1-2 Prudente
Mogi Mirim 3-0 Ituano
Monte Azul 1-0 Sertãozinho
Santos 3-4 Palmeiras
São Paulo 2-1 Rio Branco
Corinthians 2-1 Santo André
Ponte Preta 4-3 Bragantino

Goals a plenty in the Paulista A1 this week as unbeaten records were broken and the race for "the Four" hots up. The round started with Botafogo SP getting back on the horse after a recent dodgy run. They had to come from behind against Oeste as well after Ricardo Bueno put the visitors ahead after 33 minutes. Ademir Sopa levelled for Botafogo SP on the hour and Oeste were cruelly denied a point when Rogerio put through his own net in the last minute. Rio Claro climbed out of the relegation zone after also coming from behing at Mirassol. Bruno Perone put Mirassol ahead after 13 minutes put Edu Sales levelled after half an hour. It was a second from Sales that won the game for Rio Claro eight minutes from time. Portuguesa jumped above São Caetano and into sixth after a slender single goal victory. Domingos with the only goal of the game after 28 minutes to give Portuguesa an outside chance of still making "the Four".

Prudente, after a poor start, are now comfortable in mid table after victory over a Paulista side destined for Série A2 next year. Tadeu put Prudente ahead after 26 minutes and Flavinho doubled the lead 20 minutes into the second half. Baiano pulled a goal back for Paulista ten minutes from time but it was too little too late. Mogi Mirim pulled further away from the relegation zone after a surprising 3-0 win over Ituano. Geovane was the hero for Mogi Mirim, he put them ahead in the 22nd minute and then completed his hat-trick with two further second half strikes. Monte Azul remain in the bottom 4 despite success in the 6-pointer against Sertãozinho. One goal seperated the teams and that came from Rafael Ueta four minutes before half time. It was only Monte Azul's second win of the season.

The big game of the weekend saw Santos lose their long unbeaten run at the hand of Palmeiras. It looked to be all going the way of Santos when they quickly took a two goal lead through Pará and Neymar. But Palmeiras were level by half time, two goal in two minutes from Robert ensured parity at half time. Diego Souza then stunned the Vila Belmiro after putting the Big Green ahead 10 minutes into the second half but Madson levelled ten minutes from time. But up popped Robert three minutes from time to complete his hat trick and win the game for Palmeiras. After victory in Asunción in midweek São Paulo continued their good run of State form with a 2-1 win over Rio Branco. Jorge Wágner put São Paulo ahead after 11 minutes, a lead they held til 9 minutes from time when Marcio levelled. São Paulo stole all three points though, when André Luís grabbed the winner in injury time.

With Santos losing, Santo André had the chance to go top but they came unstuck after a lighting start by Champions Corinthians. Dentinho followed his midweek Libertadores goal by opening the scoring after three minutes and Roberto Carlos opened up his account for the season doubling the lead seven minutes later. Ricardo Conceicao halved the defecit for Santo André three minutes before half time but that was a close as the visitors got, their cause not helped by the dismissal of Branquinho 10 minutes into the second half. Bragantino are still looking over their shoulders at the bottom four after coming off second best in a seven goal thriller at Ponte Preta. The home side raced into a three goal half time lead, Tinga put them ahead in the 12th minute and two goal in the final two minutes of the half from Finazzi and Otacilio Neto seemed to have put the game to bed. Bragantino came fighting back and reduced the defecit to one through Paulinho and Macedo but they were undone chasing the game and Leo Oliveira restored a two goal customer 7 minutes from time. Paulinho's second for Bragantino in injury time turned out to be nothing more than consolation.

Again the players get midweek off as we get to the business end of the season and the race for the Four. 5 games left and they line up like this...

Monte Azul x Portuguesa
Palmeiras x Ponte Preta
Sertãozinho x Mirassol
Santo André x Bragantino
Rio Claro x Rio Branco
São Caetano x Oeste
Prudente x Corinthians
São Paulo x Mogi Mirim
Santos x Ituano
Paulista x Botafogo SP

Copa Libertadores 2nd Phase Week 4

Group 1

Racing Club 2-1 Cerro Porteño
Independiente Medellín 1-1 Corinthians

Racing Club picked up their first win of the competition after a 2-1 success over Cerro Porteño in Montevideo. Mathias Mirabaje put Racing ahead after 20 minutes and Martin Cauteruccio doubled the lead 20 minutes from time. Cerro Porteño then had Javier Villareal sent off 12 minutes from time but the 10 men ensured a nervy finish after pulling a goal back through Luis Caceres six minutes from time. Corinthians went top of Group 1 after coming from behind to get a point in Medellín. Cesar Valoyes put the home side ahead with only 14 minutes to go but Denthino claimed a point for Corinthians five minutes from time.

Standings

1. Corinthians 4pts
2. Racing Club 3pts
3. Independiente Medellín 2pts
4. Cerro Porteño 1pt

Group 2

Once Caldas 1-1 Monterrey
Club Nacional 0-2 São Paulo

Once Caldas opened up a three point lead at the top of Group 2 after a 1-1 draw with 9 men Monterrey on Wednesday. The Mexicans took the lead on the half hour through Hector Morales, a lead they took into half time. Jesus Zavala was the first to see red, 12 minutes into the second half and Once Caldas immediately took advantage with a strike from John Valencia. Gerado Galindo was the second Monterrey player to see red, seven minutes from time. The night after São Paulo reduced Once's lead to a point after a comfortable victory in Asunción against Club Nacional. After being the first half hero at the weekend against Ponte Preta, this time Washington left it until the second half to grab his brace. The first came on the hour and the second was a tap in as injury time began.

Standings

1. Once Caldas 7pts
2. São Paulo 6pts
3. Monterrey 4pts
4. Club Nacional 0pts

Group 3

Bolívar 0-0 Estudiantes
Alianza Lima 2-0 Juan Aurich

The holders continue to struggle in the comptition after an uninspiring goalless draw against Bolívar. It leaves Estudiantes 5 points behind Alianza Lima, who picked up their third straight win with a victory over fellow Peruvians Juan Aurich. José Fernández put Alianza ahead four minutes before half time and Giancarlo Tragodara wrapped things up half way through the second half.

Standings

1. Alianza Lima 9pts
2. Estudiantes 4pts +1GD
3. Juan Aurich 4pts -4GD
4. Bolívar 1pt

Group 4

There were no fixtures in Group 4 this week.

Standings

1. Libertad 7pts +6GD
2. Universitario 7pts +3GD
3. Lanús 3pts
4. Blooming 0pts


Group 5

Emelec 1-2 Cerro
Deportivo Quito 1-1 Internacional

Cerro went top of Group 5 after making it two from two with a marvellous win at Emelec. Pablo Caballero put the visitors ahead six minutes into the second half and Claudio Dadómo stunned the home crowd when he doubled the lead half way through the half. Pablo Pérez halved the defecit for Emelec with twenty minutes to go but the Uruguayans hung on for victory. Down the road in Quito it was honours even between Deportivo and Internacional. Tilson Minda put Deportivo ahead after 33 minutes but Giuliano levelled for Inter five minutes before half time to put them second in the group. Inter were thankful to goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri who made a remarkable double save late doors.

Standings

1. Cerro 6pts
2. Internacional 4pts
3. Deportivo Quito 1pt
4. Emelec 0pts

Group 6

Nacional 2-2 Banfield
Deportivo Cuenca 2-0 Morelia

An entertaining first half in Montevideo saw the spoils shared between Nacional and Banfield. Gustavo Varela put the home side ahead in the 5th minute but they were pegged back in the 18th minutes by James Rodriguez. Rodriguez then doubled his tally from the spot 9 minutes from half time but Mario Regueiro levelled four minutes later. Despite Nacional's second half effort, Banfield seemed content to take the point back across the River Plate. Morelia sucummed to the altitude of Cuenca as they went down consecutive away defeats. Gabriel Mendez put Deportivo ahead on the hour and Luis Escalada finished things eight minutes from time. The game finished 10 a-side, Mario Moreno going first for Morelia with 4 minutes to go and he was followed a minute later by Giancarlo Ramos.

Standings

1. Banfield 7pts
2. Nacional 5pts
3. Deportivo Cuenca 3pts
4. Morelia 1pt

Group 7

Deportivo Italia 2-2 Cruzeiro

An entertianing game in Caracas saw Cruzeiro get a point against Deportivo Italia. A result that wasn't much use for either side. The home side took the lead with 11 minutes on the clock when Ricardo Blanco scored, but Cruzeiro were level by half time thanks to Kléber's leveller after 27 minutes. A second from Kléber five minutes into the second half edged Cruzeiro ahead but they were pegged back by an equaliser from David McIntosh. Kléber was then sent off 4 minutes from time but was followed by Deportivo's Rafael Lobo two minutes later.

Standings

1. Vélez Sársfield 6pts P2
2. Cruzeiro 4pts P3
3. Colo Colo 3pts P2
4. Deportivo Italia 1pt P3

Group 8

Universidad Católica 2-2 Universidad de Chile
Caracas FC 1-3 Flamengo

The clash between the two Chilean clubs saw the visitors Universidad de Chile strike late to claim a point at Universidad Católica. Universidad de Chile took the lead in the 19th minute through Juan Olivera but Matias Rubio levelled matters two minutes later. Francisco Silva then put Universidad Católica ahead twenty minutes from time but Edson Puch grabbed a levelled two minutes into injury time. A 10 man Adriano less Flamengo made it two from two after victory over Caracas FC. Vagner Love put Flamengo ahead from the spot after Giovanni Romero had handled Dejan Petkovic's goal bound shot. Flamengo's Toró was then sent off for a second bookable offence 8 minutes into the second half and Rafael Castellin levelled for Caracas 20 minutes into the second half. A second from Vagner Love 15 mintues from time restored Flamengo's advantage and substitute Rodrigo Alvim wrapped things up in injury time as Caracas chased the game

Standings

1. Flamengo 6pts
2. Universidad de Chile 4pts
3. Universidad Católica 1pt
4. Caracas FC 0pts

Next weeks fixtures

Banfield v Nacional, G6
Colo Colo v Vélez Sársfield, G7
Juan Aurich v Alianza Lima, G3
Morelia v Deportivo Cuenca, G6
Cerro Porteño v Corinthians, G1
Caracas FC v Universidad Católica, G8
Universidad de Chile v Flamengo, G8
Monterrey v Once Caldas, G2
São Paulo v Club Nacional, G2
Cerro v Internacional, G5
Independiente Medellín v Racing Club, G1

2010 Série A Fixtures Released

The fixtures for the 2010 season have been released by the CBF. The season will start on May 8th and run through to the first weekend of December. After the first 8 rounds the season will be put on hold for a month whilst the FIFA World Cup takes place in South Africa. The last fixtures take place on June 6 and then there is nothing until the league recommences with a midweek round on July 14. It also means the number of midweek games scheduled this season has increased as well.

Opening day fixtures see the promoted sides handed tough starts, Atlético-GO will entertain Grêmio, Ceará entertain Fluminense and Guarani host Goiás. The 2009 Série B Champions Vasco da Gama will start their campaign at the Mineirão against Atlético-MG. The fixture planners have also scheduled a blockbuster opener as the Champions Flamengo meet the previous Champions São Paulo at the Maracanã. Robinho and Santos start up the road at the Engenhão against Botafogo while last seasons surprise package Avaí host Prudente. Corinthians will start on neutral soil against Atlético-PR as a sanction from the CBF is imposed, the first of two affected fixtures.

Also some clubs may be forced into a mid season move as work begins on upgrading stadiums to be ready for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The affected stadiums are the Morumbi, Maracanã, Beira Rio, Mineirão and Castelão, the home of Ceará.

So the countdown to kick off is on, its only 57 days until it all gets underway and we'll be there every step of the way at CONMEBalls.

If anyone needs/requires a copy of the fixture list. Please contact us by commenting on this post or via Twitter

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 13

Oeste 1-1 Prudente
Bragantino 1-1 Monte Azul
Rio Branco 2-2 Mirassol
São Caetano 0-1 Corinthians
Portuguesa 1-1 Santos
Ponte Preta 0-2 São Paulo
Santo André 4-1 Botafogo SP
Rio Claro 0-0 Mogi Mirim
Ituano 1-0 Paulista
Palmeiras 3-2 Sertãozinho

In what is now a derby match, it finished honours even between Oeste and Prudente. Dionísio put Oeste ahead just after the hour but Flavinho snatched a point for Prudente with the equalizer a minute from time. Monte Azul also needed a late goal to snatch a point at Bragantino for their sixth draw of the season. Frontini put Bragantino ahead in the 11th minutes but Borebi levelled three minutes from time. Rio Branco remain in the bottom four despite a draw with Mirassol. Eder Marcelo put Mirassol ahead with their very first attack but they were reduced to ten men after 15 minutes when Thiago was dismissed. Mirassol made life even harder for themselves when Anderson Paim put through his own net to level the game six minutes later. It got worse when Anselmo Ramon put Rio Branco ahead half way through the second half, but they were also reduced to 10 men seven minutes from time when Vinicius was dismissed. Pablo Escobar snatched a point for Mirassol three minutes from time.

Champions Corinthians climbed back into the top 4 after an away win at São Caetano. Again it was another late goal from Dentinho which claimed the points for Corinthians ahead of their midweek Libertadores clash in Medellín. The long winning run of Santos was ended by Portuguesa. Heverton put the home side ahead in the 14th minute and it looked like they were going to claim all three points but they were pegged back in the last minute by Zé Eduardo. Another team in Libertadores action in midweek, São Paulo, warmed up for their trip to Asunción with a comfortable victory over Ponte Preta. Both goals coming in the first half from Washington, to take his total to 5 for the season.

Santo André came from behind to claim the points in the big clash of the weekend against Botafogo SP. Leandro Amaro put Botafogo ahead six minutes before the break but they were pegged back on the stroke of half time by Bruno Cesar. Santo André dominated the second half, Branquinho put Santo André ahead on the hour and Ricardo Conceicao doubled the lead 18 minutes later. Xuxa was then sent off for Botafogo SP 9 minutes from time and Nunes wrapped this up a minute later to give Santo André their seventh straight win. No goals between Rio Claro and Mogi Mirim, a result which leaves both teams looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone. Ituano moved up to ninth after their victory over relegation threatened Paulista. Welton got the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the sixth minute, but they finished with 10 men after Alemão was sent off 12 minutes into the second half. Palmeiras left it very late as they bounced back from consecutive defeats against Sertãozinho. Lenny put the Big Green ahead in the 22nd minute but they were stunned 5 minutes either side of the break when Mendes and a penalty from Ricardo Lopes but rock bottom Sertãozinho ahead. Cleiton Xavier then levelled the game seven minutes from time and then grabbed the winner 4 minutes into injury time.

No midweek action because of Libertadores and Copa Brasil action. Next weekend the big clash is between Corinthians and Santo André. They line up like this

Botafogo SP x Oeste
Mirassol x Rio Claro
Portuguesa x São Caetano
Paulista x Prudente
Mogi Mirim x Ituano
Monte Azul x Sertãozinho
Santos x Palmeiras
São Paulo x Rio Branco
Corinthians x Santo André
Ponte Preta x Bragantino

Colón ship six in a week as Independiente go top

Rosario Central 2-3 Arsenal
Vélez Sársfield 4-4 Boca Juniors
Racing Club 1-1 Huracán
Estudiantes 0-1 Argentinos Juniors
Godoy Cruz 2-1 Lanús
Tigre 0-1 Independiente
Chacarita Juniors 0-1 Gimnasia La Plata
Atlético Tucumán 1-1 Newell's Old Boys
River Plate 1-0 San Lorenzo
Banfield 3-1 Colón

League leaders Colón went down hard in the midweek round, Ruben Ramirez scoring twice for Apertura champions Banfield, the second bringing an abrupt end to a late fightback from Colón, Esteban Fuertes on target late on to set nerves jangling. That was the only game to end with a more than one goal in it, but if that sounds dull, then think again. Boca blew a two-goal lead and Vélez led twice in a crazy game at the José Amalfitani. Victor Zapata put Vélez ahead early on, but ten minutes into the second half Boca led 3-1 after Fabian Monzón, Martín Palermo and Osvaldo Gaitán gave them breathing space. Santiago Silva pulled one back five minutes later and Juan Martinez brought it level before Silva's second gave Vélez the lead a second time with eight minutes remaining. Gary Medel snatched a point late on for Boca.

Godoy Cruz went top with a 2-1 win over Lanús, Carlos Sanchez with the winner quarter of an hour from time, and Independiente were right on their heels, Nestor Silvera with the only goal against Tigre. Estudiantes were surprisingly beaten at home by Argentinos, Jose Calderon's first half strike the difference while Newell's were held, Juan Pereyra with a stoppage time equaliser for Tucumán after Mauricio Sperdutti had looked like giving Newell's the win.

Down at the bottom, Arsenal did themselves a favour as they came back from an early deficit to beat Rosario. Milton Caraglio put Rosario in front just ten minutes in, but Arsenal were back level seven minutes later through Javier Yacuzzi and five more minutes had elapsed when they hit the front through Ivan Obolo. Sergio Sena made it three on the hour and good job he did as Luciano Figueroa set up a tense finish with Rosario's second ten minutes from time. Eduardo Dominguez rescued a point for Huracán in the last minute against Racing, Hernan Encina popped up with a late winner for Gimnasia against Chacarita while River Plate climbed away from the bottom with Facundo Affranchino's solitary strike.

Boca Juniors 1-2 Racing Club
Lanús 0-0 Estudiantes
Huracán 2-3 Tigre
Newell's Old Boys 2-1 Godoy Cruz
Argentinos Juniors 1-0 Vélez Sársfield
Independiente 2-0 River Plate
Atlético Tucumán 0-0 Banfield
San Lorenzo 3-1 Chacarita Juniors
Gimnasia La Plata 1-1 Rosario Central
Arsenal 3-0 Colón

And so to the weekend where Colón again conceded three, Obolo bagging two of Arsenal's goals and Cristián Alvarez making it three in stoppage time. Godoy Cruz also lost despite Jairo Castillo putting them in front with a free-kick after Rolando Schiavi was sent off. Nicolas Olmedo followed him Schiavi up the tunnel moments later and Joaquin Boghossian converted a penalty. Boghossian's second early in the second period won it for Newell's. Banfield also dropped points, held to a goalless draw by Tucumán, which allowed Independiente to sneak to the top of the table after their second win of the week. Goals in each half from Dario Gandín and Nestor Silvera did it for them.

Marco Torsiglieri got a comedy own goal five minutes from the end to give Argentinos a win over Vélez and there was another one in La Plata where Gimnasia were the beneficiaries of Nahuel Valentini's blunder on 23 minutes. Rosario did get themselves out of trouble thanks to Gervasio Nunez's equaliser on the hour. San Lorenzo finally got to winning ways, Bernardo Romero with two as they eased past Chacarita. Romero's second and Sebastien Valdez's strike came within the space of three second half minutes broke the resistance. Estudiantes were held to a goalless draw by Lanús and finished with ten men, Raul Iberbia sent off in stoppage time.

Racing came from behind to beat Boca after Oscar Gaitán put the Buenos Aries giants in front. They led for just three minutes, Brian Lluy equalising, and Gabriel Hauche's strike on the stroke of half-time proved decisive. Tigre were pegged back twice before eventually winning against Huracán. Paulo Goltz put through his own net to give Tigre the lead, but Eduardo Dominguez pulled it back quarter of an hour later. Carlos Luna restored the lead second before the break, but it was all square ten minutes after the restart thanks to Gaston Esmerado. Claudio Perez put Tigre ahead for a third time halfway through the second half and, this time, they held on.

This weekend:

Vélez Sársfield v Lanús
Godoy Cruz v Atlético Tucumán
Chacarita Juniors v Independiente
Colón v Gimnasia La Plata
Estudiantes v Newell's Old Boys
Banfield v Arsenal
River Plate v Huracán
Rosario Central v San Lorenzo
Tigre v Boca Juniors
Racing Club v Argentinos Juniors

Top spot seems to be cursed at the moment, so expect Independiente to lose this weekend. Banfield will have it all on to see off battling Arsenal, the big improvers over the last week or two while Estudiantes v Newell's is a crunch game already with the loser in danger of being dropped out of the title chase.

Wednesday night also sees Argentinos Juniors and Newell's try to complete their abandoned game which will - if it gets completed - see everyone on the same number of games played and make that table look a little more balanced.

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 3

Madureira 0-2 Volta Redonda
Macaé 2-1 Bangu
Resende 0-4 Flamengo
Americano 1-1 Friburguense
Duque de Caxais 2-1 Tigres do Brasil
Olaria 0-1 América
Vasco da Gama 1-0 Boavista
Fluminense 2-1 Botafogo

Volta Redonda moved into third in Group A with an 2-0 away success at Madureira, Maciel with the opening goal. Macaé picked up their first win of the Taça Rio after a 2-1 success over Bangu. Andre Gomes put Macaé ahead in the 14th minute and Fernandão doubled the lead nine minutes into the second half. It was a nervy finish though as Pipico pulled a goal back for Bangu with seven minutes to go but Macaé held on. Flamengo made it three out of three, but more importantly they've stopped conceding goals. It was a comfortable warm up for the trip to Caracas, Bruno Mezenga put Fla ahead 8 minutes before half time and Leo Moura, Vinicius Pacheco, and Vagner Love wrapped things up in the second half.

Americano fought back to claim their first point of the season after coming from a goal down against Friburguense. Cadao put Friburguense ahead four minutes before half time before each team had a man sent off. Leandro Gomes for Americano and Gilson for Friburguense but Americano struck back to claim a point. Duque de Caxais bounced back from defeat in midweek to claim a victory against Tigres. Marcelo Macedo put Duque de Caxais ahead from the spot as they climb into fifth in Group A. América claimed succesive victories after success over Olaria. Claudemir with the only goal of the game just before half time.

Vasco's Guanabara hangover continuned as they scraped past Boavitsa. Carlos Alberto with the only goal of the game from the penalty spot twenty minutes from time. Fluminense came from behing to win the first clash of the Big 4. German Herrera put Botafogo ahead from the penalty spot nine minutes before half time. Fred levelled on the hour for Fluminense and Mariano won it seven minutes from time. The game was marred by two red cards, Dario Conca went for Fluminense midway through the second half and Botafogo scorer Herrera went 13 minutes from time.

No games in midweek due to Libertadores and Copa do Brasil commitments and it's also a staggered round with the last game not taking place until next Wednesday. They line up like this

Bangu x Madureira
Boavista x Resende
Friburguense x Duque de Caxais
América x Fluminense
Botafogo x Olaria
Tigres do Brasil x Americano
Flamengo x Vasco da Gama
Volta Redonda x Macaé

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 2

Boavista 2-1 Macaé
Bangu 0-2 Vasco da Gama
Volta Redonda 4-0 Resende
Flamengo 2-0 Madureira
América 3-1 Americano
Friburguense 1-2 Olaria
Tigres do Brasil 0-3 Fluminense
Botafogo 2-1 Duque de Caxais

Again a round which was dominated by Group A sides kicked off with Boavista defeating Macaé. All the goals game in the first half, Ruy put Boavista ahead in the 9th minute and Andre Gomes levelled 5 minutes later. Leo Guerreiro got the winner for Boavista on the half hour. Despite a 2-0 victory, Vasco are showing a hangover form their Guanabara final defeat and struggled to overcome Bangu. Dodô put Vasco ahead after 56 minutes and then Vasco had Márcio Careca sent off. Fernando made the game safe for Vasco in injury time. Volta Redonda recovered from their opening round defeat to crush Resende. Tassio led the way with a hat-trick for Volta Redonda and Maciel grabbed the fourth midway through the second half. Flamengo, without Adriano, disposed of Madureira. Fernando put the Vultures ahead in the 14th minute and Vagner Love put the game safe in the last minute.

América picked up their first win after defeating Americano. América had to come from behind though as Leandro Gomes put Americano ahead 10 minutes before half time. Jones levelled the game 19 minutes into the second half and Ciro put América ahead 4 minutes form time. Claudemir sealed the game in injury time for América. Olaria also remain undefeated after their come from behind win at Friburguense. Hercules put Friburguense ahead 4 minutes before half time but Caca levelled with 15 minutes to go and Araruama grabbed the winner five minutes from time. Fluminense also remain undefeated after a comfortable 3-0 win at Tigres do Brasil. Fred, back from injury, put Fluminense ahead midway through the first half and Everton doubled the lead 5 minutes before the break. Dario Conca wrapped things up for Fluminense three minutes from time. Botafogo also remain unbeated after a 2-1 success against Duque de Cazais. Marcelo Macedo put Duque ahead 10 minutes into the game but German Herrera levelled from the spot seven minutes before half time. It was the Argentinian who claimed a second goal from the spot in the second half to give Botafogo all three points.

Week three takes place this weekend with the first big clash taking place in the competition so far.

Madureira x Volta Redonda
Macaé x Bangu
Resende x Flamengo
Americano x Friburguense
Duque de Caxais x Tigres do Brasil
Olaria x América
Vasco da Gama x Boavista
Fluminense x Botafogo

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 12

Monte Azul 1-2 Mirassol
Portuguesa 3-1 Rio Claro
Bragantino 2-3 São Caetano
Prudente 2-0 Rio Branco
Sertãozinho 2-3 Mogi Mirim
Palmeiras 1-3 Santo André
Oeste 0-0 São Paulo
Corinthians 1-1 Botafogo SP
Ituano 1-1 Ponte Preta
Paulista 2-3 Santos

Mirassol pulled further way from the relegation zone after victory over Monte Azul. Two goals in the space of a minute just before half time from Evando and Lins put Mirassol two goals to the good. Lopes pulled a goal back 19 minutes from time for Monte Azul but it ended up being mere consolation. Portuguesa remain on the outskirts of the play offs after defeating Rio Claro. Heverton put Portuguesa ahead after 18 minutes but Jackson levelled matters right on half time. A second from Heverton restored the Portuguesa lead three minutes into the second hald and Luis Ricardo souble the lead three minutes later. São Caetano also remain poised to jump into the the Top 4 after recovering from two goals dowm to beat Bragantino in a game that also featured three red cards. Rodriguinho and Paulino put Bragantino two goals to the the good before Eduardo pulled a goal back. Then São Caetano's Everton Ribiero was the first to see red but the ten men levelled through Marcelo Batatais. Mauricio then got sent off for Bragantino and Nene's own goal put São Caetano ahead. Bragantino's Diego Macedo was the third player to see red three mintues from time.

Prudente are also within touching distance of the play offs after their 2-0 win over Rio Branco. Tadeu put Prudente ahead 18 minutes from time and David wrapped things up in injury time. Sertãozinho remain rock bottom of the table after their 3-2 home loss to fellow strugglers Mogi Mirim. Zulu put Mogi Mirim ahead after half an hour and Ricardo Lopes levelled from the spot just short of the hour. Rai put Mogi Mirim ahead from the spot with 7 minutes to go but Leo Mineiro levelled two minutes later. The game was level for only a minute as Geovane got the winner for Mogi Mirim. Palmeiras are now down in tenth after yet another defeat, this time to Santo André. Nunes put Santo André ahead in the 10th minute and Rodriguinho doubled the lead on the half hour. Robert pulled a goal back two minutes before the break but a second from Rodriguinho restotred Santo André's two goal advantage and to compound things for Palmeiras Diego Souza was sent off 10 minutes from time.

No goals in Prudente between Oeste and São Paulo, but three red cards. Ricardinho went for Oeste after half an hour and Cléber Santana and Wellington went for São Paulo in the second half. The game of the round between Corinthians and Botafogo SP also finished level. Dentinho put Corinthians ahead with twenty minutes to go but William levelled 8 minutes later to leave Corinthians in fifth and Botafogo SP in third. Another draw at Ituano as Ponte Preta claimed a point. The visitors took the lead in the 11th minute through Diego but Welton levelled for Ituano a minute before half time. The Santos winning run continues, but they were made to work hard for their 3-2 victory by Paulista. Barboza stunned Santos by putting Paulista ahead in the second minute but Wesley ensured parity at half time. Paulo Henrique put Santos ahead 7 minutes into the second half but Julinho levelled for Paulista. Santos though grabbed the lead for the final time with 22 minutes to go when Robinho, fresh for playing in London on Tuesday night for the national team, grabbed the winner.

Full round this weekend, here is how they line up.

Palmeiras x Sertãozinho
Oeste x Prudente
Bragantino x Monte Azul
Rio Branco x Mirassol
São Caetano x Corinthians
Portuguesa x Santos
Ponte Preta x São Paulo
Santo André x Botafogo SP
Rio Claro x Mogi Mirim
Ituano x Paulista

Name Change

It has been bought to out attention that Barueri are no more. The club still exsists but they have moved their base to Presidente Prudente. This move has come after a misunderstanding between the club and the city of Barueri and was formalized at the end of last month.

The club will now play their home games at the Estádio Eduardo José Farah in Presidente Prudente, this venue is normally used for the clashes between Palmeiras and Corinthians to prevent any trouble when the game is staged. The club have moved from the outskirts of São Paulo some 600km into the hinterland and they will now be known as Grêmio Prudente but for reasons of ease and to avoid confusion when Série A starts we will refer to them as Prudente. They will now ground share the 44,414 capacity Prudentão, as it is known, with Oeste.

Red card frenzy as Colón go top

Arsenal 0-3 Chacarita Juniors
Boca Juniors 1-1 Estudiantes
Independiente 1-0 Racing Club
Huracán 3-2 Vélez Sársfield
Colón 1-1 Rosario Central
San Lorenzo 1-0 Tigre
Lanús 3-0 Atlético Tucumán
Newell's Old Boys 2-1 Banfield
Argentinos Juniors 1-2 Godoy Cruz

Just two sides remain unbeaten in the Clausura after six rounds of matches and it's little surprise that those two - Colón and Godoy Cruz - are top. They're not away and clear though as three draws each in those six games sees them just a point clear. Colón drew with Rosario Central in a match blighted by three red cards. German Rivarola opened the scoring for Colón just before the break, but they were pegged back by Luciano Figueroa before the flurry of reds. Rosario's Jonatan Gomez went first, a second booking 20 minutes into the second half and he was joined by team-mate Guillermo Burdisso and Colón's Marcelo Goux after a fracas in the closing minutes. Godoy Cruz beat Argentinos Juniors thanks to two early strikes, Federico Higuain and Sergio Sanchez putting them two up in 20 minutes. Santiago Gentiletti pulled one back on the half hour, but neither side could find a crucial breakthrough in the second half.

While Estudiantes and Banfield both stride on in the Libertadores, both dropped points at the weekend. Newell's beat Banfield in a game which came to life after the break, the first half a tepid affair. Cristian Nunez broke the deadlock with 25 minutes left and Joaquin Boghossian made it 2-0 for Newell's ten minutes later. Ruben Ramirez replied almost immediately, but Newell's held the champions off for the last ten minutes or so to seal the win. Martín Palermo put Boca ahead at home to Estudiantes with a first-half penalty and that looked to be enough for all three points until Leandro Gonzalez snatched a point deep into stoppage time. Vélez finished with nine men and conceded two penalties as they lost their first game of the season at Huracán. Rolando Zarate put Velez ahead just before the break, but they imploded after the interval. Gustavo Balvorín equalised from the penalty spot just after the restart before Leandro Velazquez was first man off, picking up a second yellow on the hour. Patricio Toranzo converted Huracán's second spot kick 12 minutes from time and Federico Laurito made it three two minutes later. Santiago Silva pulled one back three minutes from the end, but the Vélez fightback was halted with Maxi Morales's late dismissal.

Two off at Independiente as well, one per side, as they beat Racing Club. Dario Gandín struck from the penalty spot four minutes from half time and the game was up for Racing when Gabriel Hauche was sent off 15 minutes into the second half. Patricio Rodriguez picked up a second yellow in stoppage time, but too late to allow Racing back into the game. Two more off at San Lorenzo as they beat Tigre in among a late frenzy of action. The game was meandering to a goalless outcome when Emiliano Alfaro popped up nine minutes from time to relieve some of the pressure on Diego Siemone. Nelson Benítez was then sent off, reducing Los Azulgrana to ten, but Tigre were reduced to ten themselves barely a minute later, Ribair Rodriguez following Benítez down the tunnel.

Atlético Tucumán and Arsenal occupy the bottom two places after both were beaten by three goals. Diego Morales scored twice for Chacarita as Arsenal went down hard at home while Lanús shared the goals out against Atléti. Sebastian Blanco got the first late in the first half with Diego Lagos and Santiago Salcedo adding the second and third later on. River Plate were grateful to Gustavo Canales for his last minute equaliser which rescued a point from a seeming lost cause after Marcos Perez had put Gimnasia into a lead which they looked well capable of keeping after just eight minutes.

International breaks are for wusses down South America way. While the national team are in Germany for a friendly, there's a full programme of league action this midweek:

Rosario Central v Arsenal
Vélez Sarsfield v Boca Juniors
Racing Club v Huracán
Estudiantes v Argentinos Juniors
Godoy Cruz v Lanús
Tigre v Independiente
Chacarita Juniors v Gimnasia La Plata
Atlético Tucumán v Newell's Old Boys
River Plate v San Lorenzo
Banfield v Colón

It'll be real test of the league leader's credentials as Colón travel to take on Banfield, but the whole league is so tight, anyone putting a run together - in a good way or a bad one - can go from one end of the table to the other in a matter of days. Two points covers first - Colón - to eighth - Banfield, and trying to pick anyone out on form is nigh on impossible. In many ways, the crunch game of the round is San Lorenzo's trip to River Plate, but not for the right reasons. Both sides are under pressure to perform.

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 1

Madureira 1-2 Boavista
Resende 0-3 Bangu
Americano 1-3 Botafogo
Macaé 1-4 Flamengo
Duque de Caxais 1-0 América
Fluminense 5-1 Friburguense
Olaria 1-0 Tigres do Brasil
Vasco da Gama 2-1 Volta Redonda

The second stage of the Campeonate Carioca, Taça Rio, began this weekend in a 8 week competition which sees teams play off against the teams in the opposite group in a single round robin format before the single game semi finals and final in April. It was definitely a day for Group A teams who won 6 out of the 8 games played.

First up were Boavista who were 2-1 winners at Madureira thanks to two second half strikes from Leo Guerreiro. Bangu continued their good form with a comfortable 3-0 at Resende. Sassa put Bangu ahead with three minutes on the clock and Thiago Galhardo doubled the lead on the half hour. Andre Oliveira wrapped things up with the third 10 minutes into the second half. Guanabara champions Botafogo got off to a flying start, one of the two Group B teams to win at the weekend, with a comfortable success against Americano. Marcelo Cordeiro put Fogo ahead after 32 minutes but Botafogo were stunned when Leandro Gomes levelled two minutes later. Caio restored Botafogo's lead half way through the second half and then wrapped things up with a second five minutes from time.

Despite being in Libertadores action in midweek Flamengo has too much power on show for Macaé despite being without Adriano. Vagner Love put Fla ahead from the spot after 28 minutes but the teams went in level at half time thanks to Laio's equaliser six minutes before the break. Vinicius Pacheco restored the advantage thirteen minutes into the second half before a second from Love doubled the lead. Pacheco then wrapped things up with a second and Fla's fourth twenty minutes from time. América got off to a poor start as they were defeated by Duque de Caxais. Juninho with the only goal of the game twenty minutes from time.

Fluminense easily disposed of Friburguense at the Maracanã. Fielding a very strong side Flu quickly took a two goal advantage through Fred, returning from injury, in the 19th minute and Wellington Silva a minute later. Everton made it three twenty minutes into the second half before Dario Conca made it four five minutes later. Wallace grabbed a consolation from the spot six minutes from time but Andre Lima grabbed a fifth for Flu three minutes from time. Olaria also got their campaign off with a victory thanks to a single goal success over Tigres do Brasil. Vasco da Gama bounced back from their Guanabara disappointment to see off Volta Redonda 2-1 in front of just 986 spectators. Philippe Coutinho put Vasco ahead six minutes before half time and then Elton doubled the lead fifteen minutes from time. Adriano pulled a goal back five minutes later for Volta Redonda but it was too little too late.

Midweek action again and they line up like this.

Boavista x Macaé
Bangu x Vasco da Gama
Volta Redonda x Resende
Flamengo x Madureira
Tigres do Brasil x Fluminense
América x Americano
Friburguense x Olaria
Botafogo x Duque de Caxais