Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 2

Botafogo 1-0 Santos
Internacional 0-1 Ceará
Avaí 1-3 Atlético Mineiro
São Paulo 1-0 Figueirense
Corinthians 2-1 Coritiba
Bahia 3-3 Flamengo
Atlético Paranaense 0-1 Grêmio
Cruzeiro 1-1 Palmeiras
Vasco da Gama 3-0 América Mineiro
Atlético Goianiense 0-1 Fluminense

Botafogo got the round underway when they took on a reserve Santos side who included only Pará from the starting line up that played in midweek against Cerro Porteño in the Libertadores. With the Asunción trip on the minds of the visitors, Botafogo were not about to miss the opportunity in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras. The visitors put up a valiant fight but were defeated by a Fábio Ferrira strike nine minutes before the break. Internacional are still searching for their first win of the campaign after they were stunned when Ceará took all three points away from the Beira-Rio. Veteran striker Iarley got the only goal just after the hour and the visitors finished with ten me when Washington saw red in injury time. Atlético-MG lead the way after two rounds as they came from behind to defeat Avaí at the Ressacada. Fabio Santos put the home side ahead with just seven minutes on the clock but Leandro Silva levelled for Atlético-MG just nine minutes later. Réver put Atlético-MG ahead two minutes after the break and a second for Leandro Silva secured the points half way through the second half. The final game on Saturday saw São Paulo make it two from two as they left it very late against newly promoted Figueirense at the Morumbi. The winner came as they game went into injury time at the second half when a 25 yarder from Lucas gave São Paulo the extra two points their performance didn't deserve.

Despite their long unbeaten run through the Copa do Brasil and Campeonato Paranaense Coritiba are finding live in the Brasileirão Petrobas not too easy as they fell to another defeat at Corinthians. Paulinho put the Muskateers ahead with just four minutes on the clock but Cleiton levelled for Coritiba seventeen minutes from time. This stung the home side into action and Danilo won the game ten minutes from time. After a promising start last weekend Flamengo were left cursing after a late goal cost them victory at another promoted side, Bahia. The home side took the lead with seventeen minutes gone when Lulinha put them ahead but Ronaldinho Gáucho levelled on the half hour. Jóbson out Bahia ahead again eight minutes before the break but Dario Botinelli levelled again for Flamengo eight minutes after the break. Egído edged Flamengo ahead eighteen minutes from time and when Helder was sent off five minutes later the writing was on the wall for the home side. Bahia rallied and battled hard and a second from Jóbson in injury time rescued a point for the home side. Grêmio, notoriously bad away from home, got their home campaign off to the perfect start after victory at the Arena de Baixada against Atlético-PR. The home side contributed to their own downfall, an own goal from Rafael Santos thirteen minutes into the game the difference between the sides.

The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Arena do Jacaré as Palmairas were held by a Cruzeiro side that is currently struggling to impress after a Libertarores exit and failure in the Campeonato Mineiro. After a scoreless first half Palmeiras took the lead on the hour when Luan put them ahead, but Cruzeiro showed some fighting spirit and levelled sixteen mintues from time courtesy of Anselmo Ramon. It leave Cruzerio still searching for their first victory of the season. Despite a victory last week, América Mineiro were bought back to earth with a bump as cup finalists Vasco da Gama made it two from two with a comfortable victory at the São Januário. An own goal from Bernardo with just nine minutes on the clock put Vasco ahead but they didn't double the lead until three minutes after the break when Enrico made life more comfortable. América Mineiro were reduced to ten men twelve minutes from time when Dudu was shown a second yellow card and Elton put the icing on the cake for Vasco in injury time. After an opening home loss the Champions, Fluminense for their away campaign off to a winning start with victory at the Serra Dourada against Atlético-GO. The goal came with just eleven minutes on the clock courtesy of Leandro Euzébio and the Tricolor held on to their lead to take home all three points.

Another midweek dominated by other competition and Week three takes place next weekend with a staggered round that won't be completed until next Wednesday night.

Palmeiras x Atlético Paranaense
Fluminense x Cruzeiro - Coverage on Premier Sports TV
Ceará x Botafogo
Figueirense x Atlético Goianiense
Flamengo x Corinthians - Coverage on Premier Sports TV
Grêmio x Bahia
Coritiba x Vasco da Gama
Santos x Avaí
Américo Mineiro x Internacional
Atlético Mineiro x São Paulo

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0870 633 9000

Copa Libertadores Semi Final First Leg

Santos 1-0 Cerro Porteño

Santos edged towards a first final appearance since 2003 after a narrow victory over Cerro Porteño at the Pacaembu on Wednesday night. The two time winners took the lead when captain Edu Dracena headed home a Neymar cross three minutes before the break. It was little more than Santos deserved as they dominated the action and will be kicking themselves for not going to Asunción next week with a bigger lead. Alan Patrick, the hero at Once Caldas a fortnight ago, did everything but score as Diego Barreto in the Cerro Porteño goal managed to keep his chance out with his legs.

Peñarol 1-0 Vélez Sarsfield

Five time champions Peñarol took a step towards their first title since 1987 when they edged ahead of Vélez Sarsfield at the Estádio Centenario in Montevideo. In an even first half, both teams had chances to take the lead and both goalkeepers were kept busy by the opposition strikers. The breakthrough came just before the break when a diving header from Dario Rodríguez found the back of the net. Vélez looked a little out of touch given their ability to find the back of the net in the competition do far but will fancy their chances of making the final in the return across the River Plate and adding to their only success in 1994.

The return legs take place next week

Cerro Porteño v Santos (0150 Thursday - LIVE on Premier Sports TV)
Vélez Sarsfield v Peñarol (0150 Friday - LIVE on Premier Sports TV)

Premier Sports TV is the home of South American Football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0870 633 9000

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 1

Flamengo 4-0 Avaí
Ceará 1-3 Vasco da Gama
Atlético Mineiro 3-0 Atlético Paranaense
Santos 1-1 Internacional
Palmeiras 1-0 Botafogo
Grêmio 1-2 Corinthians
Coritiba 0-1 Atlético Goianiense
Figueirense 1-0 Cruzeiro
Fluminense 0-2 São Paulo
América Mineiro 2-1 Bahia

Ceará, Avaí and Vasco da Gama, three of the Copa Kia do Brasil semi finalists had contrasting fortunes on the opening weekend of the Brasileirão Petrobas. The opening game of the Premier Sports TV coverage saw Flamengo cruise to a 4-0 win over Avaí at the Engenhão. Dario Botinelli put Flamengo ahead half way through the half and Ronaldinho Gáucho got his first Série A goal eighteen minutes after the break. Thiago Neves made it three with twenty minutes to go and Diego Mauricio wrapped things up for the Rubro Negro a minute from time. Up at Ceará, Vasco put their semi final worries to the back of their mind after coming from behind to claim the point. When Cleber put Ceará ahead twenty five minutes from time it looked like it would be enough but two goals in the space of two minutes from Bernardo suddenly had Vasco ahead. Jeferson wrapped things up with the third with two minutes remaining. Two side with contrasting fortunes last season met in Sete Lagoas and it was the newly crowned Campeonato Mineiro champions, Atlético who too the points against Atlético-PR. Toró gave Atlético-MG the perfect start when he put them ahead with just five minutes gone and Magno Alves doubled the lead half way through the first half. A second from Alves sixteen minutes from time gave Atlético-MG the perfect start to the season. Santos are another side with a huge distraction at the moment with their Libertadores semi final against Cerro Porteño on the horizon. They took the lead just before the half hour when Keirrison converted from the spot after Thiago Alves was upended. The lead lasted on the six minutes before Zé Roberto levelled for the Colorado and wasted a golden second half opportunity to take the points back to Porto Alegre.

On Sunday, Palmeiras took the points against Botofogo thanks to Kléber's strike nineteen minutes after the break. The game marked his 100th game in the Green shirt and it was appropriate he provided the bright point of what was a largely forgettable game. The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Olímpico Monumental on Sunday as Corinthians came from behind to defeat Grêmio. Douglas put the home side ahead from the spot on the hour but Chicão also levelled from the spot six minutes later. After being fouled to win the penalty, Liédson's volley seventeen minutes from time proved to be the winner for Corinthians. Are the wheels coming off for Coritiba, after recently losing their 24 game winning streak they fell to a disappointing home defeat to Atlético-GO on their return to the top flight. One goal was enough to give Atlético-GO the victory, and it came seventeen minutes from time courtesy of Marcão. Coritiba now look forward to the second leg of their Copa Kia do Brasil semi final against Ceará on Wednesday night.

The shock result of the round came in Florianópolis, where last season's Série B runners up stunned Cruzeiro on their first game in the top flight since 2008. The game was settled by an own goal from Marquinhos Paraná three minutes after the game, he was the unfortunate game to onto the score sheet after Cruzeiro keeper Fabio's attempted clearance bounced off him and into the back of the net. Defending champions Fluminense got off to a poor start when they were defeated by São Paulo at the Engenhão. Dagoberto put São Paulo ahead twelve minutes before the break and Lucas doubled the lead two minutes into the second half to set the four times champions off to a winning start. Finally two promoted clubs clash when América-MG took on Bahia in Sete Lagoas. Bahia took the lead half way through the first half when Souza converted from the penalty spot and it took América-MG until four minutes after the break when Rodriguinho levelled. It looked like both teams were going to settle for a share of the points but Alessandro's strike four minutes from time gave América-MG the three points and the perfect start to the season.

With the Copa Kia do Brasil and Copa Libertadores taking preference in midweek, round 2 takes place next weekend

Botafogo x Santos - Coverage on Premier Sports TVInternacional x Ceará
Avaí x Atlético Mineiro
São Paulo x Figueirense
Corinthians x Coritiba
Bahia x Flamengo
Atlético Paranaense x Grêmio
Cruzeiro x Palmeiras - Coverage on Premier Sports TV
Vasco da Gama x América Mineiro
Atlético Goianiense x Fluminesne

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0870 633 9000

Copa Libertadores Quarter Final Second Legs

Libertad 2-4 Vélez Sarsfield
Vélez Sarsfield advances 6-0 on points

Vélez went into the tie with a three goal advantage from the first leg but their Paraguayan opponents were not going to lie down and roll over. Rodrigo Rojas put Libertad ahead a minute before the break, but before the celebrations had died down in the stands Maximiliano Moralez had levelled for Vélez and gave them an away goal. It left Libertad needed four goals to win the tie and Manuel Manciel put them back in front six minutes after the break. A second from Moralez half way through the second half killed off the tie for Vélez and two late goals courtesy of a Guillermo Franco penalty and from the spot and Augusto Fernandez sent Vélez into the semi finals

Santos 1-1 Once Caldas
Santos advances 4-1 on points

At the Pacaembu, Santos made it through to the semi finals despite Neymar missing from the penalty spot. The youngster put the Brazilian side ahead with just twelve minute gone when his powerful shot from the edge of the area beat Luis Martínez in the Once Caldas goal. The visitors got themselves right in the tie after half an hour when Wason Rentería levelled from close range, it left the Colombian side one goal away from progressing to the semi finals. Santos though, had much the better of the second half with Neymar and Zé Eduardo missing superb chances to put the tie beyond the visitors. The penalty came six minutes from time when Neymar was fouled by Luis Núñez but Matínez came up with the save. Once Caldas threw the kitchen sink at Santos but the home side clung on to claim their last 4 spot.

Universidad Católica 2-1 Peñarol
3-3 on points, Peñarol advances on goal difference

A late goal from Fanian Estoyanoff ensured the 5 times champions Peñarol yet another semi final appearance after their tie against Universidad Católica was destined for penalties in Santiago. After two massive goalkeeper errors gave Peñarol a two goal lead in the first leg Universidad Católica were right back in the tie with nineteen minutes gone when when Fernando Meneses put the home side ahead on the night. Peñarol then took charge of the game, creating chance after chance and they were made to pay when substitute Roberto Gutiérrez levelled the tie twenty minutes from time. The cruel twist came when Católica goalkeeper Sosa lost the path of a Aguiar cross and Estoyanoff volleyed home the winner.

Cerro Porteño 1-0 Jaguares
Cerro Porteño advances 4-1 on points

Jaguares, the last Mexican side in the competition, made their exit after falling to defeat in Asunción against Cerro Porteño. Tournament leader scorer Roberto Nanni wasted a golden opportunity to put Cerro Porteño ahead with ten minutes gone but he was denied by Fabian Villaseñor in the Jaguares goal, as was Jonathan Fabbro's free kick. Nanni and Fabbro were constant dangers for Cerro Porteño as the home side took control of the game. Despite his efforts Villaseñor was responsible for the home sides winner twenty minutes from time, he could handle a high ball from a miscued head from Ismael Fuentes and Cerro Porteño defender Pedro Benítez was on hand to head home. Knowing a goal would force penalties at a minumum, Jaguares tried to find a way back into the game but the sending off of Fuentes eight minutes from time took the wind from their sails and Cerro Porteño celebrated a first semi final appearance since 1999.

The semi-finals begin next week and they line up like this, with both games live on Premier Sports TV. Check listings for times.

Santos V Cerro Porteño
Peñarol v Vélez sarsfield

Premier Sports TV is the home of Live South American Football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0870 663 9000

2011 Brasileirão Petrobras Team Guide

A look at the 20 clubs who make up Campeonato Série A this season in Brazil. Due to commercial reasons the league is known as the Brasileirão Petrobras. This will be the second year for some teams away from their traditional home stadiums as necessary upgrades for the 2014 FIFA World Cup continue. The league gets underway on Saturday and runs until the first weekend in December.

América Mineiro

Stadium: Estádio Independência (25,000) currently under reconstruction. Home games currently held at the Arena do Jacaré (25,000)
State: Minas Gerais
Website: www.americamineiro.com.br
Offical Twitter: @AmericaFC_MG
Champions: None. Won Série B in 1997
State Champions: 15 times (last in 1999)
Manager: Mauro Fernandes
Last season: 4th in Série B
Key Man: Fábio Júnior
CONMEBalls Prediction: 16th

Atlético Goianiense

Stadium: Estádio Serra Dourada (54,000)
State: Goiânia
Website: www.atleticogoianiense.com.br
Offical Twitter: @ACGOficial
Champions: None. Won Série C in 1990, 2008
State Champions: 12 times (Last 2011)
Manager: PC Gumsão
Last season: 16th
Key Man: Márcio
CONMEBalls Prediction: 15th

Atlético Mineiro

Stadium: Mineirão (75,783) currently under reconstruction. Home games currently held at the Arena do Jacaré (25,000)
State: Minas Gerais
Website: www.atletico.com.br
Offical Twitter: @atleticogalo
Champions: 1971
State Champions: 40 times (last 2010)
Copa CONMEBOL: 1992, 1997
Manager: Dorival Júnior
Last season: 13th (Qualified for Copa Sudamericana)
Key Man: Richarlyson
CONMEBalls Prediction: 13th

Atlético Paranaense

Stadium: Arena da Baixada (28,272)
State: Paraná
Website: www.atleticoparanaense.com
Offical Twitter: @ATLETICOPR
Champions: 2001
State Champions: 21 times (last 2005)
Manager: Adílson Batista
Last Season: 5th (Qualified for Copa Sudamericana)
Key Man: Paulo Baier
CONMEBalls Prediction: 11th

Avaí

Stadium: Ressacada (15,000)
State: Santa Catarina
Website: www.avai.com.br
Offical Twitter: @avaifc
Champions: None. Won Série C in 1998
State Champions: 14 times (last in 2010)
Manager: Silas
Last Season: 15th
Key Man: William
CONMEBalls Prediction: 20th

Bahia

Stadium: Estádio de Pituaçu (32,157)
State: Bahia
Website: www.esporteclubebahia.com.br
Offical Twitter: @ecbahia_oficial
Champions: 1988
State Champions: 43 times (last 2001)
Manager: Chiquinho de Assis
Last season: 3rd in Série B
Key Man: Souza
CONMEBalls Prediction: 19th

Botafogo

Stadium: Engenhão (45,000)
State: Rio de Janeiro
Website: www.botafogo.com.br
Offical Twitter: @BotafogOficial
Champions: 1995
State Champions: 19 times (last 2010)
Copa CONMEBOL: 2003
Manager: Caio Júnior
Last Season: 6th (Qualified for Copa Sudamericana)
Key Man: Germán Herrera
CONMEBalls Prediction: 12th

Ceará

Stadium: Castelão (60,326)
State: Ceará
Website: www.cearasc.com
Offical Twitter: @CearaSC
Champions: None
State Champions: 39 times (last time 2006)
Manager: Dimas Filgueiras
Last season: 12th (Qualified for Copa Sudamericana)
Key Man: Marcelo Nicácio
CONMEBalls Prediction: 14th

Corinthians

Stadium: Pacaembu (37,180)
State: São Paulo
Website: www.corinthians.com.br
Offical Twitter: @sitecorinthians
Champions: 1990, 1998, 1999, 2005
State Champions: 25 times (last time 2003)
FIFA World Club Champions: 2000
Copa do Brasil: 1995, 2002, 2009
Manager: Tite
Last Season: 3rd (Qualified for Copa Libertadores and failed miserably)
Key Man: Liédson
CONMEBalls Prediction: 7th

Coritiba

Stadium: Couto Pereira (37,812)
State: Paraná
Website: www.coritiba.com.br
Offical Twitter: @coritibaoficial
Champions: 1985
State Champions: 35 times (last 2011)
Manager: Marcelo Oliveira
Last season: Série B Champions
Key Man: Geraldo
CONMEBalls Prediction: 9th

Cruzeiro

Stadium: Mineirão (75,783) currently under reconstruction. Home games currently held at the Arena do Jacaré (25,000)
State: Minas Gerais
Website: www.cruzeiro.com.br
Offical Twitter: @cruzeiroec
Champions: 2003
State Champions: 37 times (last 2011)
Copa do Brasil: 4 times (last 2003)
Copa Libertadores: 1976, 1997
Manager: Cuca
Last Season: 2nd (Qualified for Copa Libertadores)
Key Man: Walter Montillo
CONMEBalls Prediction: 2nd

Figueirense

Stadium: Orlando Scarpelli (19,908)
State: Santa Catarina
Website: http://novosite.figueirense.com.br
Offical Twitter: @figueirensefc
Champions: None
State Champions: 15 times (last 2008)
Manager: Márcio Goiano
Last season: 2nd in Série B
Key Man: Wilson Pittoni
CONMEBalls Prediction: 17th

Flamengo

Stadium: Maracanã (95,000) currently under reconstruction. Home games being played at the Engenhão (45,000)
State: Rio de Janeiro
Website: www.flamengo.com.br
Offical Twitter: @cr_flamengo
Champions: 1980, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1992, 2009
State Champions: 32 times (last 2011)
Copa do Brasil: 2006
Copa Libertadores: 1981
Manager: Vanderlei Luxemburgo
Last season: 14th (Qualified for Copa Sudamericana)
Key Man: Ronaldinho Gáucho
CONMEBalls Prediction: 10th

Fluminense

Stadium: Maracanã (95,000) currently under reconstruction. Home games being played at the Engenhão (45,000)
State: Rio de Janeiro
Website: www.fluminense.com.br
Offical Twitter: @OficialFlu
Champions: 2004, 2010
State Champions: 30 times (last in 2005)
Copa do Brasil: 2007
Manager: Vacant
Last Season: Champions (Qualified for Copa Libertadores)
Key Man: Dario Conca
CONMEBalls Prediction: 5th

Grêmio

Stadium: Olímpico Monumental (51,081)
State: Rio Grande do Sul
Website: www.gremio.net
Offical Twitter: @gremiooficial
Champions: 1981, 1996
State Champions: 36 times (Last 2010)
Copa Libertadores: 1983, 1995
Copa do Brasil: 1989, 1994, 1997, 2001
Manager: Renato Gaúcho
Last Season: 4th (Qualified for Copa Libertadores)
Key Man: André Lima
CONMEBalls Prediction: 4th

Internacional

Stadium: Beira-Rio (56,000)
State: Rio Grande do Sul
Website: www.internacional.com.br
Offical Twitter: @assessoriainter
Champions: 1975, 1976, 1979
State Champions: 40 times (Last in 2011)
Copa Libertadores: 2006, 2010
FIFA Club World Cup: 2006
Copa Sudamericana: 2008
Copa do Brasil: 1992
Manager: Paulo Roberto Falcão
Last Season: 7th (Qualified for Copa Libertadores as holders)
Key Man: Pablo Guiñazú
CONMEBalls Prediction: 3rd

Palmeiras

Stadium: Palestra Itália (37,952) currently under reconstruction. Home games are held at the Pacaembu (37,180) and Arena Barueri (35,000)
State: São Paulo
Website; www.palmeiras.com.br
Offical Twitter: @sitepalmeiras
Champions: 1972, 1973, 1993, 1994
State Champions: 22 times (Last in 2008)
Copa Libertadores: 1999
Copa do Brasil: 1998
Manager: Luiz Felipe Scolari
Last Season: 10th (Qualified for Copa Sudamericana)
Key Man: Marcos Assunção
CONMEBalls Prediction: 8th

Santos

Stadium: Estádio Vila Belmiro (20,120)
State: São Paulo
Website: www.santosfc.com.br
Offical Twitter: @santosfc
Champions: 2002, 2004
State Champions: 19 times (last in 2011)
Copa Libertadores: 1962, 1963
Copa CONMEBOL: 1998
Copa do Brasil; 2010
Manager: Muricy Ramalho
Last Season: 8th (Qualified for Copa Libertadores as Copa Do Brasil holders)
Key Man: Neymar
Prediction: 1st

São Paulo

Stadium: Morumbi (80,000)
State: São Paulo
Website: www.saopaulofc.net
Offical Twitter: @SaoPauloFC
Champions: 1977, 1986, 1991, 2006, 2007, 2008
State Champions: 21 times (last in 2005)
FIFA World Club Champions: 2005
Copa Libertadores: 1992, 1993, 2005
Copa CONMEBOL: 1994
Manager: Paulo César Carpegiani
Last Season: 9th (Qualified for Copa Sudamericana)
Key Man: Luís Fabiano
CONMEBalls Prediction: 6th

Vasco da Gama

Stadium: São Januário (25,000)
State: Rio de Janeiro
Website: www.crvascodagama.com
Offical Twitter: @crvascodagama
Champions: 1974, 1989, 1997, 2000
State Champions: 22 times (Last in 2003)
Copa Libertadores: 1998
Manager: Ricardo Gomes
Last Season: 11th (Qualified for Copa sudamericana)
Key Man: Juninho Pernambucano
CONMEBalls Prediction: 18th

Please check out friend of the site, Pitaco do Gringo's Brasileirão Petrobras Guide for a more in depth analysis and a history guide to the competition.

Premier Sports TV will be showing at least two games a weekend from the Brasileirão Petrobras.

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 633 9000


Please note, the information in this article was correct at the time of writing.

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Final Second Leg

Santos 2-1 Corinthians
Santos wins 4-1 on points

Santos claimed their 19th Paulista title after victory over arch rivals Corinthians at the Vila Belmiro. It's back to back successes for Santos and means coach Muricy Ramalho claims a second title as manager after success with São Caetano seven years ago.

Marcos Arouca put Santos ahead with fifteen minutes gone after the fired home from close range after a cross from Zé Eduardo. Corinthians nearly levelled two minutes late but Jorge Henrique fired over the bar. Santos though, were getting on top in the game and had numerous chances to extend their lead before the break. Neymar doubled the lead seven minutes from time when his shot from the edge of the area beat Júlio César in the Corinthians goal. Corinthians gave themelves hope when when Morais pulled a goal back three minutes from time but Santos were not to be denied as they held on to claim their crown.

Santos are back at the Vila on Wednesday night when they look to book their place in the semi final of the Libertadores against Once Caldas. Corinthians now look forward to a tough opening in the Brasileirão Petrobas when they travel to Grêmio.

Premier Sports TV is the home of live South American Football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or calling 0871 633 9000

Copa Libertadores quarter-final round

Apologies for the slight delay in bringing this week's Copa Santander Libertadores round up as the race for Semi-Final spots hots up.

Peñarol 2-0 Universidad Católica

Peñarol took a huge step to yet another semi-final appearance when they took a two goal cushion over Chile's Universidad Católica at the Estádio Centenário in Montevideo. The hosts had Católica Chilean internation goalkeeper Paulo Garces to thank for their lead as his two errors gifted Peñarol their advantage. In the 37th minute Garces dropped a harmless looking cross and Juan Manuel Olivera tapped home to open the scoring. With the tie finely balanced and poised with next weeks clash in Santiago looming, Garces played the joker card again, spilling a harmless ball into the box and Alejandro Martinuccio pounced to double the Peñarol advantage.

Once Caldas 0-1 Santos

Muricy Ramalho's Santos sneaked into the Round of 16 by the skin of their teeth, but as the last Brazilian side in the competition they put themselves in good stead for a semi final berth after a 1-0 victory over Once Caldas in Colombia in an action packed game. Even without the injured Paulo Henrique Ganso and a second leg of the Paulista final looming they won the game when Ganso's replacement Alan Patrick latched onto a Neymar pass to beat Luis Enrique Martinez three minutes before the break. Once Caldas will be without Elkin Calle for the second leg after he was sent off for a professional foul on Neymar on the hour. Elano almost doubled the lead six minutes after but his free kick smashed back off the woodwork and in a frantic finale after Santos decided to hold onto their lead, Once Caldas had a penalty claim waved away after Bruno appeared to bring down Wason Renteira.

Vélez Sarsfield 3-0 Libertad

Vélez also took a huge stride towards a semi final spot after a convincing victory over Libertad at La Bombonera. Vélez were forced to move the game to the home of Boca Juniors after the AFA closed their ground after incidents in their previous home game against Banfield. Vélez took the lead with twenty minutes gone when Maximiliano Moralez fired home a Augusto Fernandez cross. Libertad should have levelled five minutes before the break, Manuel Maciel was one on one with Marcelo Barovero but his attempted lob ended up in the grateful keepers hands. Fifteen minutes from time Vélez doubled their lead after Juan Manuel Martínez was hauled down by Libertad keeper Tobias Vargas and he brushed himself off to slot the penalty home. Vargas was to blame for the Vélez third, allowing a Martínez shot to slip through his hands and into the net. Vargas redeemed himself in injury time, just managing to fend away a free kick from Ricardo Álvarez. Three goals is a lot to pull back in Asunción next week, four would have been impossible

Jaguares 1-1 Cerro Porteño

In Tuxtla Gutierrez, Cerro Porteño gave themselves a solid base for the second leg next week after a 1-1 draw against Jaguares. Roberto Nanni should have put Cerro Porteño ahead when he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper but he messed about too long and was denied by Fabian Villaseñor in the Jaguares goal. Cerro Porteño took the lead seventeen minutes from time when Fredy Bareiro found Jonathan Fabbro and he placed the ball into the Jaguares net. It looked like Cerro Porteño would have an advantage to take back to Paraguay next week but they were pegged back three minutes into added time when Antonio Pedroza headed home from a Guillermo Rojas cross to send the teams to Asunción on level terms

The second legs all take place next week and are all live on Premier Sports TV

Libertad v Vélez Sarsfield (WED 2330 BST)
Santos v Once Caldas (THU 0200 BST)
Universidad Católica v Peñarol (FRI 0000 BST)
Cerro Porteño v Jaguares (FRI 0230 BST)

Premier Sports TV is the home of live South American Football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or calling 0871 633 9000

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Final First Leg

Corinthians 0-0 Santos

Neymar twice hit the woodwork as Santos and Corinthians finished goalless in the first leg Paulista final at the Pacaembu. Neymar, currently one of the form players in Brazilian football, created the best scoring chances but came up just short on each occasion. His 23rd minutes shot hit the right post creating the space and firing an angled shot from close range which beat Julio Cesar in the Corinthians goal but just clipped the post and away to safety. Neymar was a constant thorn in the Corinthians' side and his shot hit the crossbar with fifteen minutes to go.

Santos are in the middle of a busy spell, returning from Mexico after qualifying for the last eight of the Libertadores on Tuesday night they lost Paulo Henrique Ganso to injury at half time and Elano didn't last the distance either. Corinthians, who exited the Libertadores in disgrace back in February had their best chance when Liédson hit the bar with five minutes to go. While Santos go to Colombia in midweek to face Once Caldas, Corinthians will be sat at home with their feet up waiting for the return at the Vila Belmiro next weekend. A draw will not result, as in the past, with Santos being crowned champions as the higher placed team but the final will go to penalties instead at the conclusion of 90 minutes.

The game will be covered by Premier Sports TV, check listings for details

Santos v Corinthians (Sunday 15th May, 2000 BST)

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Copa Libertadores Round of 16 Second Legs

América 0-0 Santos
Santos advances 4-1 on points

No goals for the Premier Sports TV viewers as Santos made it through to the last 8 with a goalless draw against América of Mexico. América nearly took the lead in the opening five minutes but Juan Valenzuela just could get his head onto the ball and they came even closer half way through the half when Aquivaldo Mosquera hit the inside of the post, the ball hit Rafael in the Santos goal but went to safety. Santos also hit the post five minutes into the second half after a free kick from Paulo Henrique Ganso and captain Edu Dracena missed a golden opportunity to make the tie safe. As they game pushed on, América went to the goal to give them a chance of a shoot out at least but Rafael ended up being the Santos hero on the night.

Cruzeiro 0-2 Once Caldas
3-3 on points, Once Caldas advances on goal difference

The Premier Sports TV viewers were treated to a shock result with both teams also reduced to ten players. Roger of Cruzeiro went with just half an hour gone for two yellow cards and Carlos Carbonero saw a straight red 11 minutes after the break. A goal less draw would have done Cruzeiro but they fell behind when Diego Amaya headed them home midway through the half to level the tie on goals. Cruzeiro still had the away goal advantage but that disappeared nineteen minutes from time after Walter Rentería hit the post Dayro Moreno slammed the ball home from the edge of the box to put them ahead. Cruzeiro couldn't get the goal needed to force a shoot out and small band of fans who had made the long journey went home happy. Once Caldas will now meet Santos in the last eight

Internacional 1-2 Peñarol
Peñarol advances 4-1 on points.

Another shock, this time at the Beira-Rio as holders Internacional of Brazil were knocked out by the 5 times winners Peñarol of Uruguay. It all started to well for Inter when they were ahead inside a minute when Pedro sliced through some poor Peñarol defending and beat Sebastian Sosa in the Peñarol goal with a thumping shot from the edge of the box. Peñarol levelled just 25 seconds into the second half, Alejandro Martinuccio was allowed to run in the Inter box and he fired past Renan. Four minutes later the huge travelling support were in dreamland when Luis Aguiar's pinpoint cross was headed home by Juan Manuel Oliveira.

Universidad Catolíca 1-0 Grêmio
Universidad Católica advances 6-0 on points

Not a good night for the good folk of Porto Alegre as Grêmio became the third Brazilian side to be eliminated after Universidad Católica of Chile made it through with a comfortable victory on the night after their win in Brazil last week. A draw was enough for the Chilean side and the game seem to be heading that way but three minutes from time substitute Milovan Mirosevic headed past Marcelo Grohe to make it a bad week for Grêmio after their Gre-Nal defeat the previous weekend.

Libertad 3-0 Fluminense
3-3 on points, Libertad advances on goal difference

To cap off a really bad night for the Brazilian sides, Fluminense threw a two goal first leg advantage away late on to crash out. After a goalless first half Libertad took the lead when Rodrigo Rojas 30 yard effort flew past Ricardo Berna in the Fluminense goal. The Tricolor were still on their way to the last 8 until Miguel Samudio's volley from the edge of the D found the back of the net four minutes from time. Libertad were suddenly ahead in the tie courtesy of the away goal last week in the Engenhão and Fluminense were suddenly chasing the tie after sitting back and as they chased the game, gaps appeared and Jose Núñez fired home to make it three in injury time. There was still time for Mariano of Fluminense to get himself sent off to cap off a miserable night for them and Brazilian clubs, their worst showing in the Libertadores since 1994.

LDU Quito 0-2 Vélez Sarsfield
Vélez Sarsfield advances 6-0 on points

In Quito the 2008 winners LDU were dumped out of the competition as Vélez Sarsfield made it through with another comfortable victory. They opened the scoring ten minutes after the break when substitute David Ramírez released Ricardo Álcarez and he cut inside before firing past Alexander Domínguez in the the LDU goal. Ten minutes from time they wrapped things up, as LDU pressed for a way back into the game to restore some pride they were caught short by a long ball and Ivan Bella fired home to make it two. The night finished on a low note for LDU when Jorge Guagua was sent off two minutes from time.

Cerro Porteño 0-0 Estudiantes
2-2 on points, Cerro Porteño advances 5-3 on penalties

No goals again for the Premier Sports TV viewers as Cerro Porteño and Estudiantes again failed to break the deadlock. Referee Óscar Ruiz marked his final Libertadores game by dishing out nine yellow cards as the game went to a penalty shoot out. Substitute Julio dos Santos put Cerro Porteño ahead but Leandro Benitez calmly levelled for the visitors. Jonathan Fabbro then restored the lead and Hernan López levelled again for Estudiantes. Roberto Nanni of Cerro Porteño and Juan Pereya of Estudiantes kept both teams perfect before Luis Cáceres has his penalty saved by Agustin Orión in the Estudiantes goal, but Óscar Ruiz ruled that he had moved too soon and ordered a re-take. The Estuduantes coach Eduardo Berizzo went to discuss this with the referee but the TV replays proved the decision was correct and Cáceres made no mistake second time around. To rub the salt in the Estudiantes wounds, Cerro Porteño keeper Diego Baretto then saved Facundo Roncaglia's penalty to put the home side "on the hill". Cerro Porteño's Argentinian star Javier Villarreal then stepped up to slam the next penalty home to put his side into the last eight. knock out his fellow countrymen and start the party in Asunción.

Junior 3-3 Jaguares
2-2 on points, Jaguares advances on the away goals rule.

Junior of Colombia exited the competition after letting a lead slip three times against Mexican side Jaguares in Branquilla to go out on away goals. After the 1-1 draw last week in Mexico, Junior took the lead ten minutes before the break when Juan Valencia fired home after a mistake from Jorge Villalpando in the Jaguares goal. The lead lasted five minutes before Jaguares got their away goal back when Jackson Martínez climbed highest to head home. Six minutes after the break, Junior were ahead again when Luiz Páez converted from the penalty spot after John Viáfra had been brought down. Villalpando then made a crucial save to keep Jaguares in the tie before the complexion of the tie turned when Jackson Martínez levelled again after firing home a rebound from a Sebestian Viera save. The home side edged ahead again seventeen minutes from time when Villalpando made a schoolboy error and Carlos Bacca was on the spot to put the ball into an empty net, it was to be Villalpando's last involvement in the game as he was hauled off by coach Jose Cruz and the disgruntled goalkeeper didn't help himself by trying to attack his coach. Then twelve minutes from time came the flash point, Cesar Fawcett of Junior and Jackson Martínez clashed, players came rushing in from all directions for a bit of push and shove and the spectators which entered the field to join in were attacked by the Jaguares players, referee Heber Roberto Lopes of Brazil dismissed the two originators of the trouble. Incredibly, the Mexicans levelled again three minutes from time when a 30 yarder from Edgar Andrade flew past Viera to give Jaguares the draw and passage into the last eight.

Check the Premier Sports TV listings for the Copa Libertadores review show

These ties during the week were unfortunately marked by the appearance of laser pens at more than one of the fixtures, CONMEBOL need to be taking the appropriate action to ensure there is no repeat of this in the last eight ties which are due to take place next week.

The fixtures are

Santos v Once Caldas
Vélez Sarsfield v Libertad
Universidad Católica v Peñarol
Cerro Porteño v Jaguares

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Copa Libertadores in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or call 0871 663 9000

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Semi Finals

São Paulo 0-2 Santos Palmeiras 1-1 Corinthians
Corinthians advances 6-5 after penalty competition

In the Saturday semi final the Premier Sports TV viewers saw Santos remain on course to retain their title after a 2-0 victory over São Paulo put them into the final. In an open and entertaining game with chances a plenty it took Santos an hour to finally break down the São Paulo defence, Elano was unmarked at the back post and headed home. Twelve minutes later the lead was doubled when Neymar's cross found Paulo Henrique Ganso and he fired the ball past a stationary Rogério Ceni in the São Paulo goal. Moments later Neymar should have wrapped things up but fired over the bar when one on one with Ceni and then Fernando wasted a golden opportunity to get São Paulo back into the game when he somehow headed Rivaldo's cross wide. Santos held on and will now attempt to win their 20th Paulistão.

In the live Premier Sports TV Sunday semi-final with the rain pouring at the Pacaembu, Corinthains advances to the final after a incident packed victory over Palmeiras on penalties. The flash point came half way through the first half when Danilo was sent off for a studs up challenge on Liédson. It sparked a mass of players around the referee and two minute later Felipão was sent to the stands for continuing the arguments and having a running battle with Tite, the coach of Corinthians. Five minutes after the break Marcos Assunção hit the post with a free kick before Leandro Amaro put the ten men of Palmeiras ahead two minutes later. Corinthains were level again twelve minutes later when Willian was left unmarked at the back post from a corner and he headed home. So with the teams level at the end of regulation the game went to a penalty competition. After both sides were perfect with their opening five penalties the game went to sudden death. Júlio César then made the save to put Corinthians in the box seat before the next penalty hit the back of the net to put Corinthians into the final. Kléber of Palmeiras came out post game a criticised the officials on his Twitter account, nothing like a bad loser.

The final is over two legs, the first of which takes place at the Pacaembu next weekend before the return at the Vila Belmiro a week later.

In the Troféu do Interior, Oeste will meet Ponte Preta in the final after they defeated Mirassol 1-0. Ponte Preta qualified after winning a penalty competition after a goalless draw with São Caetano.

Premier Sports TV is the live home of South American football in the UK
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Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Final

Vasco da Gama 0-0 Flamengo
Flamengo wins 3-1 after penalty competition

Flamengo were crowned champions of the Carioca for the 32nd time yesterday after completing the double of Taça Guanabara and Rio with victory over Vasco da Gama on penalties in from of 38,000 at the Engenhão. The game never lived up to expectations, chances were few and far between with Thiago Neves of Flamengo and Éder Luís of Vasco have the best chances for their sides in the first half. Then in the last minute Allan of Vasco and Willian of Flamengo were given straight red cards after a head to head confrontation.

With no goals in regulation the game went straight to a penalty shoot out, Vasco were first up and Alecsasandro blasted his penalty past Felipe before Renato Abreu levelled for Flamengo. Bernardo then put his penalty wide of the post before Fierro put his into Row Z to keep it level. Felipe Bastos then put his penalty wide before Fernando coolly put Flamengo ahead. Élton then put his penalty wide also after sending Felipe the wrong way to put Flamengo on the hill and Thiago Neves duly stepped up to win the Taça Rio and Campeonato Carioca for Flamengo.

With Flamengo claiming the double of both Guanabara and Rio it means they are automatically crowned State Champions and for the second year in a row there is no need for the play off to crown the State Champions.

Trofeu Carlos Alberto Torres

Boavista 1-3 Madureira

Madureira upset the form book as they surprised Boavista to take the Trofeu Carlos Alberto Torres at the Engenhão. Rodrigo put Madureira ahead with just eight minutes on the clock and he doubled the lead six minutes before the break. Boavista's leading scorer Frontini got them back in the game seven minutes after the break but Adriano Magrão restored the two goal advantage four minutes later and there was to be no comeback from Boavista as Madureira claimed the honours.