Copa Libertadores Round of 16 First Leg

Grêmio 1-2 Universidad Católica
Vélez Sarsfield 3-0 LDU Quito
Estudiantes 0-0 Cerro Porteño
Jaguares 1-1 Junior
Santos 1-0 América
Once Caldas 1-2 Cruzeiro
Peñarol 1-1 Internacional
Fluminense 3-1 Libertad

Chile's Universidad Católica got the Round of 16 underway with a fanstastic victory in Porto Alegre against Grêmio. After Lucas Pratto put visitors ahead with half an hour gone things took a turn for the worse for the home side when Borges of Grêmio was sent off six minutes later. The ten men rallied and levelled through Douglas on the hour but a second from Pratto fifteen minutes from time gave Universidad Católica an advantage to take back to Santiago next week. Vélez Sarsfield for off to the perfect start at home to 2008 winners LDU Quito when a brace from Augusto Fernández in the opening eleven minutes put them firmly in control. It didn't get any better for LDU Quito when Luis Bolaños was sent off nine minutes after the break and it got worse when Sebastian Domínguez made it three a minute later. To cap a bad night off for the Ecuadorian club Neicer Reasco was also sent off twenty minutes from time.

Cerro Porteño continue to fly the flag for the Paraguayan cause after a goalless draw in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras against 2009 champions Estudiantes in La Plata. It put the the Argentinian side behind the 8-ball for the trip to Asunción next week but the hosts will be without Rodrigo Burgos after he was sent off four minutes from time. Colombian side Junior were another team to make a great start to their Round of 16 tie when they took a seventh minutes lead through Luis Páez against the Mexicans Jaguares in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. The home side levelled twelve minutes after the break when their Colombian forward Jackson Martínez put one over his fellow countrymen with the equaliser to set everything up nicely for the second leg in Branquilla.

At the Vila Belmiro in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras, Santos secured a narrow advantage to take to Azteca Stadium against América in a repeat of their 2008 quarter final meeting. In their hunt for a first Libertadores title since 1963 Santos got the only goal of the game seven minutes before the break courtesy of the youngster Paulo Henrique Ganso. Miguel Láyun of América will miss the second leg, after his introduction as a substitute just before half time he managed to pick up a second caution in injury time to see red. Cruzeiro went in to the Round of 16 as the number 1 seeded side and they kept up their great form in the competition with a 2-1 victory at 2004 winner Once Caldas of Colombia. The goals all came late in the game, Wallyson put the 1997 winners ahead seventeen minutes from time and Paraguayan start Jose Ortigoza doubled the lead seven minutes from time. Once Caldas gave themselves hope for the return when Luis Núñez pulled a goal back a minutes from time.

With the Premier Sports TV cameras in attendance holders Internacional of Brazil set themselves up nicely for next weeks second leg in Porto Alegre after coming from behind to get a draw in Montevideo against Peñarol. Matias Corujo put the home side ahead nine minutes before the break in their quest for a first title since 1987. The holders though fought back and levelled matters twenty minutes after the break when Leandro Damião levelled matters. Fluminense scraped into the Round of 16 after results went their way in match day six but they will take a commanding lead against Libertad of Paraguay. Rafael Moura put the Tricolor ahead with just four minutes on the clock but Rodolfo Gamarra got what could be a vital away goal for the visitors on the hour. But two goals in two minutes gave Fluminense their advantage for next week, with seventeen minutes left Marquinho restored the lead and Argentinian talisman Dario Conca made it three two minutes later.

The last eight line up will be decided next week when the return legs take place

América v Santos
Internacional v Peñarol
Libertad v Fluminense
Cruzeiro v Once Caldas
Universidad Católica v Grêmio
Cerro Porteño v Estudiantes
LDU Quito v Vélez Sarsfield
Junior v Jaguares

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Campeonato Paulista Quarter Finals

Santos 1-0 Ponte Preta
Corinthians 2-1 Oeste
São Paulo 2-0 Portuguesa
Palmeiras 2-1 Mirassol

This is the first year of the new format in the Campeanato Paulista with eight teams being in the play offs and using the single elimination format used in the Carioca for the quarter and semi finals.

In the Saturday games Santos were the first team into the semi finals after overcoming a stubborn Ponte Preta side at the Vila Belmiro. Neymar was the difference between the two sides, after going close with just thirteen minutes gone he struck a powerful shot past Bruno Fuso with twenty one minutes gone to get the only goal of the game. Muricy Ramalho's side will need to improve if they are to retain their crown and a 19th State Title. Corinthians joined Santos in the last four after they were pushed all the way by Oeste at the Pacaembu. Liédson continues to to be a fans favourite since return to Brazil from Sporting CP and he put Corinthians ahead in the ninth minute, but that was cancelled out when Fabio Santos struck for Oeste on the stoke of half time. But the introduction of Willian from the bench turned the game in Corinthians' favour, with the forward firing home the winner with 64 minutes on the clock.

In front of the Premier Sports TV cameras São Paulo cruised into the last four with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Portuguesa at the Arena Barueri. Ilsinho put São Paulo ahead four minutes before the break and the victory was confirmed when Dagoberto struck ten mintues from time to give them a semi final against Santos. Palmeiras will now face Corinthians after their 2-1 victory over courageous Mirassol at the Pacaembu. Jorge Valvida put Palmeiras ahead with ten minutes on the clock but they were pegged back when substitute Marcelinho levelled for the visitors five minutes before the break and only eight minutes after his introduction to the game. Palmeiras have only suffered one home defeat all season and they weren't about to make it two as Marcio Araujo restored their lead eleven minutes after the break. Two minutes later Mirassol were reduced to ten when Xuxa saw his second yellow card and there was to be no comeback for the minnows.

Semi Finals take place next weekend

São Paulo x Santos
Palmeiras x Corinthians

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Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Semi Finals

Taça Rio Semi Finals

Vasco da Gama 1-0 Olaria
Fluminense 1-1 Flamengo
Flamengo advances 5-4 in penalty competition

The Saturday semi final was a repeat of the week 8 encounter which finished 2-2 and put Olaria into the semi finals. There was for the minnows to be no Boavista type fairytale as a single goal from Éder Luís seven minutes before the break put Vasco da Gama into their first Taça Rio final since they were victorious in 2004.

They will now face a Flamengo side one game away from the State Title after an action packed Sunday semi final against Fluminense at the Engenhão. The match was stopped for several minutes in the first half because of a power outage near to the stadium. Rafael Moura headed Fluminense ahead with twenty-two minutes gone but Flamengo levelled when Thiago Neves headed home a long cross from Willians half way through the second half.

With the game level at 90 minutes it headed straight to a penalty competition and goalkeeper Felipe was the Flamengo hero. He saved from Araújo and Tartá but Renato Abreu and Thiago Neves also failed for Flamengo to take the shoot out into sudden death. Fluminense then went behind when Souza put his penalty against the woodwork and Diego Mauricio stepped up to win it for Flamengo and put them into the final.

Trofeu Carlos Alberto Torres

Americano 1-2 Madureira
Botafogo 2-5 Boavista

Maduerira and Boavista will contest the final of the Trofeu Carlos Alberto next weekend after victories over Americano and Botafogo respectively. Madureira fell behind to a Carlos Alberto penalty after six minutes but Valdir levelled four minutes from time and Jones won it at the death. Botafogo fielded a reserve team in their game against Boavista and still managed to throw a two goal lead away. Jairo and Vitinho had the Alvinegro two up inside twenty minutes but Frontini pulled a goal back three minutes after the break. It was all one way traffic in the second half, Santiago levelled thirteen minutes after the break and Max put them ahead six minutes later. Tony put the result beyond doubt seven minutes from time and a second for Frontini put the icing on the cake two minutes from time.

Next week the Campeonato Carioca could come to a conclusion with a Flamengo victory in the final of the Taça Rio.

Vasco da Gama x Flamengo

Trofeu Carlos Alberto Torres Final

Boavista x Madureira

Copa Libertadores group stage complete

And finally the Group Stage of the 2011 Copa Santander Libertadores comes to a close. We review the final eight matches

Group 1

Libertad 2-0 San Luis
Universidad San Martin 0-2 Once Caldas

Libertad were already through in Group 1 but boosted their seeding for the Round of 16 after two early goals gave them victory over San Luis and dent their slim hopes of qualifying. Jorge Gonzalez put Libertad ahead with eleven minutes gone and Nicolas Pavlovich doubled the lead six minutes later. The big winners of the night were Once Caldas who jumped from bottom of the table into the qualifying zone after victory over Universidad San Martin in Lima. Wason Rentería put Once Caldas ahead with sixteen minutes gone and Mathias Mirabajes doubled the lead with fifteen minutes left. Frustration set in for the home side, Adan Balbin was sent off with ten minutes to go and he was followed by Orlando Contreras in injury time.

Group 3

Nacional 0-0 América
Argentinos Juniors 2-4 Fluminense

Fluminense were also big winners when the last two games of the Group Stage took place, with no goals in Montevideo between Nacional and América ensuring the Mexicans qualified for the Round of 16. Fluminense scraped into next stage with a 4-2 win over the River Plate at Argentinos Juniors, Júlio César put Fluminense ahead with 18 minutes gone but Santiago Salcedo levelled from the spot six minutes later. Fluminense talisman Fred restore the Tricolor lead five minutes before the break but they were pegged back again nine minutes after the break by Gustavo Oberman and Argentinos Juniors were still in the hunt to qualify. Rafael Moura restored the Fluminense lead mid way through the second half and Fred's penalty a minute from time wrapped things up to give Flu a win the Brazilian press have described as sensational.

Group 5

Santos 3-1 Deportivo Táchira
Colo Colo 2-3 Cerro Porteño

Santos needed a win at home to Deportivo Táchira to give them any hope of getting into the Round of 16 and they delivered, handing the Venezuelan side their fourth straight defeat to eliminate them. Neymar set Santos on their way in the fourth minute and Jonathan Cícero doubled the lead nine minutes later. Gerson Chacón halved the lead with twenty minutes to go but Danilo restored the two goal cushion three minutes later. Colo Colo crashed out of the competition after surrendering a two goal lead at home to Cerro Porteño. Leading the group going into Matchday 6 Colo Colo took the lead through Cristobel Jorquera with just four minutes gone and they were last 16-bound when Esteban Paredes doubled the lead with twenty minutes gone. Jonathan Fabbro gave Cerro Porteño hope when he pulled a goal back two minutes before the break and they levelled three minutes after it through Ivan Piris. With two minutes to go Colo Colo were still in a qualifying spot before a second from Fabbro grabbed Cerro Porteño top spot in the group.

Group 6

Jorge Wilstermann 2-1 Jaguares
Internacional 2-0 Emelec

Despite falling to defeat in Bolivia at Jorge Wilstermann, Mexican side Jaguares made it into the last 16 courtesy of holders Internacional's victory over Emelec. Jaguares made a decent start in Bolivia when Julio Frias put them ahead with seven minutes gone but he will miss the opening Round of 16 clash after getting sent off five minutes after the break.
Jorge Wilstermann took full advantage of the extra man, Fabio Mineiro levelled with fourteen minutes left and Nicolas Torres won it eight minutes from time to give Jorge Wilstermann their first victory. With the Premier Sports TV cameras in attendance, Internacional denied Emelec a place in the Round of 16 after a 2-0 win at the Beira-Rio. Rafael Sóbis put Inter ahead seven minutes after the break and Leandro Damião wrapped things up six minutes from time.

Unlike the UEFA Champions League the 16 qualified teams will be seeded in the knockout stages according to their results in the group stage. The Group winners are seeded 1–8, the Group runners-up seeded 9–16.

The First Leg games are scheduled for next week but this is subject to change. (Seeds in brackets)
Once Caldas (16) v Cruzeiro (1)
Santos (9) v América (8)
Jaguares (13) v Junior (4)
Estudiantes (12) v Cerro Porteño (5)
Fluminense (15) v Libertad (2)
Vélez Sarsfield (10) v LDU Quito (7)
Peñarol (14) v Internacional (3)
Grêmio (11) v Universidad Católica (6)

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Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 19

Santos 3-0 Paulista
São Paulo 1-1 Oeste
Santo André 0-2 Corinthians
Ponte Preta 2-1 Palmeiras
Portuguesa 1-0 São Bernardo
Botafogo SP 3-0 Mirassol
Grêmio Prudente 1-0 Americana
São Caetano 0-2 Linense
Ituano 0-2 Noroeste
Bragantino 2-3 Mogi Mirim

The final week of the regular season saw joy for Portuguesa, Ituano and Linense with heartbreak for Noroeste, Santo André and São Bernardo as the final places were decided in the league table.

São Paulo finished top of the pile at the end of the regular season after their draw with Oeste was enough to see them overhaul Palmeiras who fell to a shock defeat at Ponte Preta in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras. In the Morumbi, Oeste stunned the home fans when they took the lead through Reinaldo de Sol six minutes before the break. Henrique levelled for São Paulo eighteen minutes from time as they waited for the news to come through from Ponte Preta. It had all started well for the Big Green when Max Pardalzinho put them ahead with twenty minutes on the clock but Ponte levelled five minutes later through Marcio Diogo. Ponte Preta got the winner fifteen minutes from time when Renatinho send them into the play-offs in good heart. Corinthians finished third in the table after the condemned Santo André to relegation after a 2-0 victory. Paulo André put Corinthians ahead with twenty-one minutes gone and Edno wrapped thing up to finish things off.

Santos blew Paulista away with two goals inside the opening two minutes at the Vila and Paulista missed out on their outside chance of making "The Eight". Maikon Leite and Alan Patrick with the goal that set Santos on their way and it was the former who wrapped things up with his second eleven minutes from time to see them finish in fourth. Mirassol will go into the play offs in mixed form after they fell to their second defeat in their last three games after they went down to Botafogo SP. Anselmo set Botafogo on the way with the opener ten minutes before the break and he doubled the lead twenty minutes into the second half. Anselmo then ensured he'd finish the season on a high when he completed his hat-trick two minutes later. Portuguesa claimed the last spot in "The Eight" when they left it late again to claim victory over São Bernardo and overtake São Caetano claim their place in the end of season fun and games. Last week Portuguesa scored in the 90th minute, this week they were a minute earlier when Ananias got the crucial goal. That goal had big repurcussions for São Bernardo as it dropped them to 17th place in the league into Série A2.

São Caetano were denied their place in "The Eight" when they were defeated at home by Linense. A result that ensured they would be in the top flight next season and a miracle escape. Éder Marcelo got the opening goal eight minutes after the break and he wrapped things up with a second six minutes from time. Noroeste were also relegated after they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Ituano, a result that allowed them to remain in the top flight for another year. Kleiton Domingues put Ituano ahead with half an hour gone and a penalty from Anderson Salles doubled the lead just after the hour. Already relegated Grêmio Prudente ensured they wouldn't finish bottom of the table as they exited Série A1 with a 1-0 victory over Americana. Alex Maranhão with the only goal of the game seven minutes before half time. The only meaningless game of the week also saw the most goals as Mogi Mirm were 3-2 winners at Bragantino. Geovane put Mogi Mirim ahead with ten minutes gone but Juninho Quixada levelled nine minutes before the break. Maizena restored the Mogi Mirm lead four minutes after the break but Bragantino hit back again when Paulo Roberto levelled on the hour. The Mogi Mirim winner came eleven minutes from time when Andres Baraka converted from the penalty spot.

The new style play offs begin next weekend and as with the Carioca these games are single elimination matches which go to penalties at the conclusion of 90 minutes if the games are all square. Coverage on Premier Sports TV is yet to be confirmed but they line up like this....

Santos x Ponte Preta (Saturday 2000 BST, Vila Belmiro)
Corinthians x Oeste (Saturday 2230 BST, Pacaembu)
São Paulo x Portuguesa (Sunday 2000 BST, Arena Barueri)
Palmeiras x Mirassol (Sunday 2230 BST, Pacaembu)

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Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 8

Resende 1-1 Madureira
Cabofriense 1-2 Volta Redonda
Bangu 1-2 Americano
Flamengo 1-1 Macaé
América 1-3 Botafogo
Boavista 3-0 Duque de Caxias
Fluminense 1-0 Nova Iguaçu
Olaria 2-2 Vasco da Gama

The final week of the regular season in the Taça Rio saw the final two semi-final spots decided and there will be a new name on the trophy this year after Olaria pipped holders Botafogo to second place in Group B. Needing only a draw against already qualified Vasco da Gama in their final game they made the perfect start when Waldir put them ahead with seventeen minutes gone. Four minutes into the second half Felipe doubled the Olaria lead and they then had to withstand a fight back from Vasco. Bernardo pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in the 64th minutes and they had to endure a tense final couple of moments when Romulo levelled in the final minute. The teams will meet again next Saturday in the semi final. That meant the Botafogo's 3-1 win a América was pretty meaningless in the long run. Lucas put Botafogo ahead with eleven minutes on the clock and Alessandro doubled the lead eight minutes after the break. A second from Lucas nine minutes from time wrapped things up before Bruno Reis got the América consolation in injury time.

After the draw of Olaria, Fluminense ended up in top spot in Group B after their 1-0 victory over Nova Iguaçu. A penalty from Fred with 27 minutes gone the difference for an under par Fluminense side who have bigger fish to fry in Buenos Aires on Thursday night as they attempt to rescue their Libertadores campaign. Flu will meet eternal rivals Flamengo in the Sunday semi-final after the Rubro-Negro limped into the playoffs with a 1-1 draw at "home" to Macaé in Volta Redonda. Jean put Flamengo ahead eleven minutes after the break but Macaé levelled twelve minutes from time when Hyantony levelled for Macaé. Flamengo had a chance to win the game in injury time but Ronaldinho Gáucho put his penalty into row Z.

Elsewhere it finished all square between Resende and Madureira to leave the visitors unbeaten in four at the end of the regular season and in good form for the Troféu Carlos Alberto Torres. Baiano put Madureira ahead a minute into the second half but they were pegged back when Tuta levelled for Resende five minutes from time. Americano finished third in Group A after a come from behind vicoty at Bangu. Gedeilson put Bangu ahead with thirteen minutes on the clock but Elson levelled twelve mintues later. The winner came in injury time at the end of the game when Diego got the goal to give Americano all three points. Cabofriense finished the season with four straight defeats after they went down at home to Volta Redonda. Bruno Barra put Volta Redonda ahead with just five minutes gone and it took Cabofriense until ten minutes from time before Everton Santos levelled. That lead lasted only three minutes before Jhonnattann got the winner for Volta Redonda to give them 5th in Group A. Boavista finished Group A in fourth after finishing with victory over Duque de Caxias. Leandro Chaves put Boavista ahead a minuts after the break and Tony doubled the lead two minutes later. Frontini wrapped things up for Boavista with the third and his 7th of the year six minutes from time.

Next weekend sees the start of the play-offs with single game semi-final at the Engenhão. Games go straight to penalties if level at 90 minutes.

Taça Rio Semi Finals

Vasco da Gama x Olaria (Saturday 2230 BST, Engenhão)
Fluminense x Flamengo (Sunday 2000 BST, Engenhão)

Troféu Carlos Alberto Torres

Americano x Madureira (Saturday 1930 BST, Estádio da Rua Bariri)
Botafogo x Boavista (Saturday 2000 BST, São Januário)

Copa Libertadores round-up

We're getting to the end of the group stage of this season's Libertadores and here's a slightly belated round-up of the latest action.

Group 2

Oriente Petrolero 3-0 Grêmio
Junior 1-1 León de Huánuco

With positions already decided in Group 2, Grêmio sent a virtual reserve team to Bolivia as Oriente Petrolero finished their campaign with back to back victories. Nicolas Fernández put the home side ahead six minutes after the break and Fernando Saucedo doubled the lead fifteen minutes from time. Juan Acre made it three ten minutes from time but Grêmio's Rodolfo will miss the opening game of the Round of 16 after his dismissal five minutes from time. Junior ensured they will go into the Round of 16 as group winners after they were denied victory by a late León de Huánuco goal in Branquilla. Jossymar Gómez put Junior ahead fourteen minutes from time but León de Huánuco levelled eight minutes through Orlando Rodríquez

Group 4

Universidad Católica 2-1 Unión Española
Caracas FC 0-3 Vélez Sarsfield

Matchday Six heartbreak for Caracas FC as they went from top to third and elimination after the final group games. Caracas were stunned 3-0 at home by Agentinian side Vélez Sarsfield who moved above the Colombians by virtue of the result. Maxi Morales put Vélez ahead with twenty-one minutes gone and a quickfire double in the opening ten minutes of the second half from Santiago Silva wrapped things up. Universidad Católica also leapfrogged Caracas and into the Round of 16 after victory over fellow Chilean side Unión Española. Kevin Harbottle stunned Universidad Católica when he gave Unión the lead two minutes after the break but Pablo Calandria levelled two minutes later. Marcelo Cañete got the winner for Universidad Católica twelve minutes from time to put them into the Round of 16.

Group 5

Colo Colo 2-1 Deportivo Táchira
Cerro Porteño 1-2 Santos

Still only Matchday 5 in Group 5 and going into Matchday 6 it's going to be two from three as it's tight at the top of the group. Colo Colo went top on Tuesday night after a 2-1 defeat of Deportivo Táchira in Santiago. The visitors made the perfect start when Edgar Pérez Greco put them ahead with just four minutes gone but Diego Rubio levelled for the home side just three minutes later. A second to Rubio with twenty five minutes on the clock won it for the home side to put them top of the group. It left Santos in a must-win situation in Paraguay when they took on Cerro Porteño any result but a win would almost certainly eliminate them. Danilo da Silva put Santos ahead with twelve minutes on the clock and Maikon Leite doubled the lead three minutes after the break. Pedro Benítez pulled a goal back for Cerro Porteño in injury time but it was little more than mere consolation. Santos will now be favourite to qualify when they entertain win less Deportivo Táchira while it's winner takes all in Santiago where Colo Colo entertain Cerro Porteño.

Group 7

Estudiantes 0-3 Cruzeiro
Guaraní 0-2 Deportes Tolima

Cruzeiro will go into the Round of 16 as the number 1 seed after a demolition of 2009 champions Estudiantes. In what was a meaningless game with both teams already qualified Cruzeiro laid down a marker with this result. Thiago Ribeiro put them ahead with eleven minutes gone and Wallyson doubled the lead on the stroke of half time. Gilberto wrapped things up for the visitors eight minutes from time. Guaraní have had a Libertadores to forget as they finished with six defeat after Deportes Tolima were 2-0 winners in Asunción. Danny Santoya put Tolima ahead three minutes into the second half and Luis Closa wrapped things up midway through the second half.

Group 8

Peñarol 0-1 Independiente
LDU Quito 2-0 Godoy Cruz

Disaster for both Argentinian sides in Group 8 as both departed the competition despite Independiente winning in Montevideo at Peñarol. One goal separated the sides and it came when Facundo Parra fired past Sebastian Sosa twelve minutes before the break. The result though, wasn't enough for the seven times Libertadores winners as fellow countrymen Godoy Cruz fell to defeat at LDU Quito. The 2008 champions took the lead when Luis Bolaños was left unmarked at the back post to tap home and they doubled the lead ten minutes later when Hernan Barcos scored a marvellous individual goal. LDU Quito go into the Round of 16 as Group 8 winners while Peñarol scraped through by the skin of their teeth.

The Group stage comes to a conclusion this week when the final group games take place in four groups. They line up like this

Jorge Wilstermann v Jaguares
Internacional v Emelec Premier Sports, 19:30pm Tuesday April 19
Libertad v San Luis
Universidad San Martin v Once Caldas
Santos v Deportivo Táchira
Colo Colo v Cerro Porteño
Nacional v América
Argentinos Juniors v Fluminense

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Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 18

Mogi Mirim 1-1 Botafogo SP
São Bernardo 2-1 Santo André
Mirassol 3-0 Ituano
Palmeiras 2-0 Grêmio Prudente
Paulista 0-1 Portuguesa
Corinthians 1-2 São Caetano
Noroeste 1-4 São Paulo
Americana 0-0 Santos
Linense 2-1 Bragantino
Oeste 2-1 Ponte Preta

Mogi Mirim's slim hopes of making the end of season shake up were ended when they were held to a draw by Botafogo SP, a result that edges them away from the relegation zone. Anselmo put Botafogo SP ahead four minutes before the break but Ytalo claimed a point for Mogi Mirim with the leveller five minutes from time. The big relegation clash went the way of São Bernardo, a result that leave Santo André certain to be in Serie A2 next year. Anderson Cléber put Santo André ahead just after the hour but Kauê levelled fifteen minutes from time. If conceding the lead wasn't enough for Santo André they went behind two minutes later when Bady for the São Bernardo winner. The result still leaves São Bernardo looking over their shoulder going into the last round. Ituano also look doomed after they slumped to defeat at Mirassol. Wellington Amorim put Mirassol ahead a minute before the break and Serginho doubled the lead eleven minutes from time. Otácilio wrapped things up two minutes later to confirm Mirassol's position in the play offs.

In the Saturday Premier Sports TV game Palmeiras kept their hopes of top spot alive after the confirmed the relegation of Grêmio Prudente with a 2-0 victory. Thiago Heleno put the Big Green ahead on the half hour and a Douglas Marques own goal fifteen minutes from time sealed the fate of Grêmio Prudente. Portuguesa kept their hopes of making "The Eight" alive with a last gasp win at Paulista. The only goal of the game came in injury time when Jael got the Portuguesa winner. The result knocks Paulista out of "The Eight", Portuguesa go level on points with Paulista and it's all to play for next week. Corinthians have now gone three games without a victory as they limp into the playoffs after defeat at home to São Caetano. Eduardo put São Caetano ahead from the penalty spot with nine minutes on the clock and he doubled the lead ten minutes after the break. Paulinho pulled a goal back ten minutes from time but São Caetano held on and going into the last week of the regular season they hold the final spot in "The Eight"

In the live Sunday Premier Sports TV game São Paulo kept up the pressure on Palmeiras in the race for top spot after a 4-1 victory at Noroeste. A Rogério Ceni penalty, his 101st career goal, put São Paulo ahead ten minutes before the break and Marlos doubled the lead on the hour. Dagoberto made it three for São Paulo with fourteen minutes left but Halisson pulled one back for Noroeste two minutes later. Ilsinho wrapped things up for São Paulo with the fourth in injury time. With the Libertadores being more of a priority at the moment and their spot in "The Eight" assured Santos made still fielded a strong side for the game at Americana. It was though to no avail as recent arrived coach Muricy Ramalho watched his side lumber to a scoreless draw. Linense hauled themselves out of the relegation zone after a crucial victory over Bragantino. Gilsinho put Linense ahead with sixteen minutes gone and Éder Marcelo doubled the lead on the half hour. When Rodriguinho pulled a goal back with twenty mintues to go the pressure was on Linense but they held on to claim all three points and boost their survival chances. In the final game, two teams assured of a place in "The Eight" were battling for positions as Oeste jumped over Ponte Preta in the table after a 2-1 victory. An own goal from Adriano put Ponte Preta ahead seven minutes after the break but Reinaldo de Sol levelled seventeen minutes from time. The winner came two minutes from time when Reinaldo de Sol got his second of the game to give Oeste the victory.

Next week is the final week of the regular season before the playoffs start, any three from seven can be relegated and another three teams are chasing the last spot available in "The Eight". All games will be played simultaneously on Sunday night. They line up like this

Santos x Paulista
São Paulo x Oeste
Santo André x Corinthians
Ponte Preta x Palmeiras
Portuguesa x São Bernardo
Botafogo SP x Mirassol
Grêmio Prudente x Americana
São Caetano x Linense
Ituano x Noroeste
Bragantino x Mogi Mirim

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Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 7

Nova Iguaçu 1-1 Bangu
Volta Redonda 0-0 Olaria
Madureira 2-1 Boavista
Vasco da Gama 2-1 Cabofriense
Macaé 1-1 América
Duque de Caxias 2-1 Resende
Americano 1-5 Fluminense
Botafogo 0-2 Flamengo

The opening fixture was between two sides playing for pride as Nova Iguaçu and Bangu opened up the weekend with a 1-1 draw. Somália put the visitors ahead thirteen minutes into the second half before Leonardo levelled matters ten minutes later. Olaria are limping towards the play offs after their second consecutive scoreless draw, this time at Volta Redonda. Olaria are still in the play off zone going into the last round of fixtures and a point at home to Vasco will be enough to see them in the semi finals. After making the Taça Guanabara final, Boavista won't be involved in the end of season shake up after a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Madureira. It all started well for Boavista when a Paulo Rodrigues own goal put them ahead just short of the half hour. Maciel levelled for Madureira with seventeen minutes to go and then his second two minutes from time claimed all three points for the home side. Vasco da Gama will be in the semi-finals after their victory over Cabofriense at the São Januário. Bernardo put Vasco ahead with twenty minutes gone but Cabofriense levelled fourteen minutes later when Zotti struck. Things got harder for Cabofriense eleven minutes after the break when Assumpção was sent off but the held out for half an hour until Alecsandro for the winner four minutes from time.

América snapped their five game losing streak when they picked up a point at Macaé. América took the lead four minutes before the break through Bruno Reis but Hyantony levelled matters eighteen minutes from time. Duque de Caxias made it three wins in the last four after victory over Resende. Somália and Gilcimar put Duque de Caxias two up inside the opening twenty three minutes and although Resende pulled a goal back late on it was too little too late for them. Fluminense will go into the last week of the season top of Group A and almost certain to be in the playoffs, the need a point, after a 5-1 victory over Americano. Fluminense were rocked with twenty minutes on the clock when Gustavinho put Americano ahead but the Tricolor were ahead for half time. Argentinian star Dario Conca levelled eleven minutes before the break and Araújo fired them ahead two minutes later. Mariano made it 3-1 five minutes after the break before a second for Araújo put the result beyond doubt. Marquinho put the icing on the cake three minutes from time. The big clash of the weekend saw Flamengo book their place in the semi finals and keep on track for the double after a 2-0 victory over Botafogo at the Engenhão. Thiago Neves put Flamengo ahead eleven minutes before the break and his second two minutes from time wrapped the points up. The result leaves Botafogo in danger of missing out on the semi finals, the need Olaria to lose and Botafogo need to turn over the goal difference as well.

Next week is the final week of league action before the play offs start and all games start at the same time on Sunday.

Flamengo x Macaé
América x Botafogo
Boavista x Duque de Caxias
Resende x Madureira
Fluminense x Nova Iguaçu
Cabofriense x Volta Redonda
Bangu x Americano
Olaria x Vasco da Gama

Copa Libertadores matchday 5

The group stage is drawing to a close in the Copa Libertadores. Some clubs have booked their passage through to the knockout stages while there's still plenty left to play for with one set of fixtures remaining.

Group 2

Grêmio 2-0 Junior

Grêmio ended the 100% record of Junior and also knocked out Léon de Huánuco from the competition after a 2-0 victory in Porto Alegre. Lúcio put Grêmio ahead just after the half hour and Borges doubled the lead on the hour for the Tricolor. Jaider Romero didn't help the Junior cause after his second half dismissal. The result means both teams will be in the Round of 16 but with Junior still top of the table they are the more likely to progress from pole position.

Group 3

Nacional 2-0 Fluminense
América 2-1 Argentinos Juniors

Group 3 is tight, very tight after Matchday 5 and all four teams still have a chance of qualifying for the Round of 16. Fluminense are now rank outsiders to get into the next stage and heavily dependent on their own and other results in the final matchday after defeat to Nacional in Montevideo. A second half Santiago García double enough for the home side to secure victory which still leaves them outside the top two in the group at the moment but with the travel sick América in Montevideo on Matchday 6. América kept their 100% record in the competition after a 2-1 victory over Argentinos Juniors in the Estadio Azteca. They did it the hard way though after falling behind to a Franco Niell goal four minutes into the second half. Vicente Vuoso levelled with seventeen minutes to go and Dániel Marquez got the winner eight minutes from time. The result leaves América top of the group going into Matchday 6 but a defeat in Montevideo and victory for Argentinos Juniors will eliminate the Mexicans and Brazilian champions.

Group 4

Unión Española 1-2 Caracas FC
Universidad Católica 0-0 Vélez Sarsfield

Caracas will go into Matchday 6 top of Group 4 after a come from behind victory in Santiago against Unión Española on Tuesday night. In a game they needed to win, Sebastian Jaime put Unión Española ahead with just three minutes on the clock but Louis Peña levelled for Caracas ten minutes before the break. Caracas stuck a tentative toe into the last 16 when Josef Martínez got the winner seven minutes from time to eliminate Unión Española from the competition. Again in Santiago on Thursday night, there was a goalless deadlock between Universidad Católica and Vélez Sarsfield meaning it will go down to Matchday 6 where the two Chilean clubs clash and Vélez go to Caracas.

Group 5

Deportivo Táchira 0-2 Cerro Porteño
Santos 3-2 Colo Colo

Only Matchday 4 in Group 5 as Cerro Porteño went top of the group after victory in Venezuela at Deportivo Táchira. Roberto Nanni put Cerro Porteño ahead with twenty minutes gone and Ivan Torres wrapped things up with the second twenty minutes after the break. The big news of the week came in the live Premier Spots TV game from the Vila Belmiro where there were 5 goals and 5, yes 5, red cards as Santos picked up their first victory of competition against Colo Colo of Chile. Santos were on their way thanks to Elano's 34th minute free kick and Danilo doubled the lead two minutes later. When Neymar made it three seven minutes after the break with a fantastic goal and Santos were coasting but after the young stars celebration, when he wore a mask of his own face upside down, he was shown a second yellow card and dismissed. Three minutes later Zé Eduardo of Santos and Andre Scotti of Colo Colo both saw red after some good old fashioned fisticuffs before Patrico Jerez pulled a goal back for the visitors with eight minutes left. Diego Rubio then got a second for Colo Colo with three minutes left but Elano, by this time on the bench after being subbed, was shown a red card for arguing the decision to award the goal. The fifth red card followed when Cristobal Jorquera of Colo Colo was shown a straight red for a poor challenge but the result has probably saved the campaign of Santos in the competition.

Group 6

Jaguares 1-0 Internacional
Jorge Wilstermann 0-0 Emelec

Holders Internacional fell to their first defeat of the competition when they went down to a single goal defeat in Mexico to Jaguares. Antonio Salazar with the only goal ten minutes after the break. Despite the defeat Internacional remain top of the group going into Matchday 6. The other game in Bolivia finished goal less as already eliminated Jorge Wilstermann picked up their first point of the season against Emelec. The result is a disappointing one for the Ecuadorian side who could have been level with points on Internacional going into Matchday 6 especially with a trip to Porto Alegre and the holders in wait. Jaguares will be hoping they can pick up the victory they require at Jorge Wilstermann.

Group 8

Independiente 1-1 LDU Quito

It was a draw that Independiente didn't need as they were eliminated from the competition after the result against LDU Quito. Leonel Núñez put the home side ahead from the spot with twenty four minutes gone but Hernan Barcos levelled matters for LDU thirteen minutes after the break. Independiente cross the River Plate to face group leaders Peñarol on Matchday 6 while there will be a straight shoot out in Quito where the home side only need a draw while Godoy Cruz need to win to progress to the round of 16

Next week sees Matchday 6 in all groups except Group 5 where the final matches in the groups will take place simultaneously.

Peñaraol v Independiente
LDU Quito v Godoy Cruz
Colo Colo v Deportivo Táchira
Estudiantes v Cruzeiro LIVE on Premier Sports, Thursday 14 April, 00:50BST
Guaraní v Deportes Tolima
Caracas v Vélez Sarsfield
Cerro Porteño v Santos
Universidad Cátolica v Unión Española
Oriente Petrolero v Grêmio
Junior v León de Huánuco

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Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 17

Ituano 2-3 Oeste
Portuguesa 0-2 Noroeste
Paulista 2-3 Mogi Mirim
São Caetano 6-1 São Bernardo
Linense 0-2 Americana
Santos 0-1 Palmeiras
São Paulo 1-0 Mirassol
Botafogo SP 0-0 Corinthians
Bragantino 0-1 Ponte Preta
Santo André 1-3 Grêmio Prudente

Oeste put one foot into "The Eight" when they came from behind to defeat Ituano in a game that saw three red cards. It all started well for Oeste when Anselmo Ramon put them ahead with just eleven minutes gone but Oliveira levelled from the spot three minutes after the break and Anderson Salles put Ituano ahead with nine minutes of the second half gone. Then the stupidity, Marx Ferraz of Ituano and Dionísio of Oeste went after clashing two minutes after the goal of Salles who then himself sent off ten minutes from time. Fabio Santos levelled from the spot with nine minutes left and he grabbed the winner two minutes from time. Noroeste hauled themselves out of the relegation zone after denting the play off hopes of Portuguesa with a 2-0 away victory. Diego put Noroeste ahead just after the half hour and Aleílson wrapped things up eight minutes from time. Mogi Mirim started a late claim for "The Eight" when they scraped past at Paulista. Baroboza put Paulista ahead with thirteen minutes gone but the lead lasted twelve minutes before Maizena levelled. Fábio Gomes restored the Paulista lead seven minutes before the break and they held that lead until twelve minutes before time when Roberto Jacaré levelled. Tiago Alves got the Mogi Mirim winner in injury time to leave them four points away from a spot in "The Eight"

São Bernardo fell back into the relegation zone as they suffered what only can be described as a humping at São Caetano. The game was all over inside the opening twenty three minutes of the first half, a doubled from Eduardo in the opening eighteen minutes put São Caetano two up before Antônio Flávio made it three five minutes later. Eduardo completed his hat-trick ten minutes later before adding a fourth on the stroke of half time. Amarildo pulled a goal back for São Bernardo nine minutes after the break but Eduardo capped a fine personal display when he got his fifth half way through the second half. Americana made it two in a row but it might be too little too late after their 2-0 win put Linense back into the relegation mire. José Fumagalli put Americana ahead with six minutes gone and the wrapped up the win when Jhon got the second in injury time at the end of the second half. The Premier Sports TV viewers got the big game of the weekend as Santos and Palmeiras squared off in a match that could have significant on top spot come play offs time. Only one goal separated the teams and it came from the Big Green eleven minutes from time when Kléber got the winner. The result puts Palmeiras in the box seat for finishing in top spot.

São Paulo are now the nearest challengers to Palmeiras after they scraped past Mirassol at the Arena Barueri. A single goal from Lucas enough to give São Paulo the victory that keeps them within touching distance of Palmeiras. Corinthians fell further behind in the race for top spot when they were held to a goalless draw at Botafogo SP. The Muskateers are now unlikely to finish any higher than third in the table but could yet drop below Santos. Ponte Preta confirmed their place in "The Eight" when they were 1-0 winners at Bragantino. Finally Grêmio Prudente gave themselves a lifeline when they got only their third win of the season at fellow strugglers Santo André. Elivelton put Grêmio Prudente ahead seven minutes after the break and Saldanha doubled the lead with twenty minutes left. Rychely pulled one back for Santo André with ten minutes left but Grêmio Prudente made sure of the win when Alex Maranhão got a third in injury time.

Two rounds left as they fight for play off places continue and they line up like this

Mogi Mirim x Botafogo SP
São Bernardo x Santo André
Mirassol x Ituano
Palmeiras x Grêmio Prudente
Paulista x Portuguesa
Corinthians x São Caetano
Noroeste x São Paulo
Linense x Bragantino
Americana x Santos
Oeste x Ponte Preta

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Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 6

Nova Iguaçu 3-2 Cabofriense
Madureira 2-0 América
Volta Redonda 1-2 Fluminense
Macaé 2-1 Boavista
Duque de Caxias 0-2 Flamengo
Americano 0-0 Olaria
Vasco da Gama 4-0 Bangu
Botafogo 1-1 Resende

Nova Iguaçu picked up their second win of the Taça Rio as they overcame a Cabofriense who remain bottom of Group B. Dieguinho Batista put Noca Iguaçu up with eighteen minutes gone and his second doubled the lead seven minutes later. Zé Carlos pulled a goal back for Cabofriense with half an hour gone but Lukian restored the tow goal advantage eight minutes after the break. Assumpção gave Cabofriense a chance with a quarter of an hour to go but Nova Iguaçu held on for the victory. Madureira were another side to pick up their second win of the season after they defeated América. Rodrigo put Madureira ahead with twenty minutes gone and Valdir wrapped up the points with midway through the second half. Fluminense picked up their first win in four attempts but still remain outside the play off zone after victory at Volta Redonda. Two second half goals in the space of two minutes from Souza and Emerson put the Tricolor ahead. Arthur got what turned out to be mere consolation for Volta Redonda in injury time. Boavista fell out of the play off zone when they crashed to a surprised defeat at out of form Macaé who snapped a four game losing streak. Bruno Luiz was the hero for the home side as his doubled strike in the opening twenty-eight minutes put Macaé in control. Max dragged Boavista back into the game with nine minutes left but they were unable to claim anything from the game.

Flamengo got back on track with victory at Duque de Caxias after three straight draws. Renato Abreu put Flamengo ahead with seventeen mintues left and David made the game safe with the second in injury time. Olaria remain top of Group B but their four match winning streak was ended at Americano. No goals in the game a result that doesn't harm both teams chances of making the play offs. Vasco da Gama are now unbeaten in 5 after comfortably disposing of Bangu at the São Januário. After Bangu had Rafael sent off with just twenty minutes on the clock Dedé put Vasco ahead two minutes before the break and Éder Luís doubled the advantage two minutes after it. Alecsandro made it three seventeen minutes from time and Felipe wrapped things up two minutes later. Botafogo had to come from behind to claim a disappointing draw at home to Resende. The visitors stunned the Engenhão crown when Rogério headed past a motionless Jefferson on the stroke of half time. Botafogo finally levelled fifteen minutes from time through a smart turn and strike from Antônio Carlos.

Two weeks to go in the Taça Rio and it's all to play for with spots in the playoffs still technically available to fourteen of the sixteen clubs in the competition. Week 7 takes place next weekend and they line up like this

Nova Ignaçu x Bangu
Volta Redonda x Olaria
Madureira x Boavista
Macaé x América
Vasco da Gama x Cabofriense
Duque de Caxias x Resende
Americano x Fluminense
Botafogo x Flamengo

Copa Libertadores round-up

Oh, for the competition to be more structured like the UEFA Champions League is. Some teams in the Libertadores have played five, some four and a handful just the three. It's easy to lose track of which 'matchday' we're on. Anyway, here's the latest from South America's premier club competition.

Group 6

Internacional 3-0 Jorge Wilstermann

In the live Premier Sports TV offering defending champions Internacional of Brazil went to the top of Group 6 after repeating their victory over Jorge Wilstermann in Porto Alegre, a result which elminates the Bolivian side from the competition. After the comfortable 4-1 away victory a fortnight ago Internacional went ahead with eighteen minutes on the clock when Oscar put them ahead and he then turned provider, setting up Andres D'Alessandro for the second twelve minutes after the break. Wilster were reduced to ten men with twenty minutes to go when Lucas Fernández saw a second yellow for a poor challenge on D'Alessandro and Zé Roberto wrapped things up with the third two minutes after that.

Group 7

Deportes Tolima 1-1 Estudiantes
Guaraní 0-2 Cruzeiro

Estudiantes and Cruzeiro are the first two teams into the Round of 16 after both secured the necessary results in the group's fifth matchday. Top spot will be decided in Matchday 6 when Estudiantes and Cruzeiro clash but the Brazilian side will go into the game top of the group after their 2-0 win in Paraguay at Guaraní. Thiago Ribeiro put Cruzeiro ahead with seventeen minutes gone and their Paraguayan star Jose Ortigoza wrapped things up with the second in injury time. Estudiantes got the draw they needed in Venezuela to knock out Deportes Tolima. Fedrico Fernández put Estudiantes ahead half way through the first half but the home side levelled with half an hour gone when Felipe Noguera levelled from the spot.

Group 8

Peñarol 2-1 Godoy Cruz

Uruguay's Peñarol went to the top of Group 9 after victory over Godoy Cruz in Montevideo. Juan Manuel Oliveira put Peñarol ahead three minutes before the break but there was disaster for the home side when a Dario Rodríguez own goal levelled matters twelve minutes after the break. Peñarol though, got the win they desperately needed when Nicolas Freitas for the winner twenty minutes from time. It's still all to play for in Group 8 with all four teams still in with a chance of making the Round of 16.

Plenty of games next week as we get to the business end of the group stage

Independiene v LDU Quito
Unión Española v Caracas FC
Deportivo Táchira v Cerro Porteño
Jaguares v Internacional
Nacional v Fluminense
Santos v Colo Colo - LIVE on Premier Sports
América v Argentinos Juniors
Grêmio v Junior
Jorge Wilstermann v Emelec
Universidad Católica v Vélez Sarsfield

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You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or call 0871 663 9000