Sunday 22 May 2011

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

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You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0870 663 9000

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