Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 19 - Rivalry Week

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

Rivalry week got underway in Curitiba as it finished honours even in the Atletiba. The home side took the lead half way through the first half when Emerson headed home from a corner. Atlético-PR levelled half way through the second half, a free kick from Edílson fooling everybody in the box and ended up in the back of the net to delight the travelling fans. In one of the none derby games, Atlético-GO made it four wins in a row then they came from behind to defeat América-MG. The home side were ahead in the 28th minute, Willian Rocha arriving late and unmarked at the back post to head in. Atlético-GO levelled twenty minutes from time when Juninho's glancing header found the back of the net and his second seven minutes later he beat the offside trap to fire home the winner and his second goal of the game. The Premier Sports TV cameras made the late switch for the Clássico 'Vovô' at the Engenhão as Fluminense's disappointing season continued despite taking the lead ten minutes into the second half thanks to a header from Fred. The lead lasted less than a minute, Elkeson slicing through some poor Flu defending to roll the pall past Diego Cavalieri. Botafogo's winner came eight minutes later as Fluminense were caught on the break and Lucas found the bottom corner of the goal for the winner.

At the Prudentão leaders Corinthians fell to defeat in the Derby Paulista with reports of two Palmeiras fans being shot before the game started in a game moved to Presidente Prudente to avoid this kind of thing. Emerson put Corinthians ahead with eighteen mintues gone when he cross evaded everyone and ended up in the back of the net. Palmeiras levelled nine minutes before the break, the ball falling at the feet of Luan eight yards out and he smashed the ball home. The winner though, was well worth the wait. Fernandão latched onto a Marcos Assunção pass, controlled on the chest before volleying the ball past Júlio César. The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Vila as São Paulo closed the gap at the top of the table after a draw against a Santos side that is reviving it's season slowly but surely. São Paulo suffered a blow with twenty seven minutes gone when Carlinhos Paraiba was sent off but they took the lead on the stroke of half time, a stunning run from Lucas Silva straight through the Santos defence and kept his cool to finish. Santos rescued a point ten minutes from time, Paulo Henrique Ganso left Rogério Ceni motionless as his shot from the edge of the box flew into the top corner. The Gre-Nal saw newly crowned Recopa Sudamericana winners Internacional fall to defeat against Grêmio. The home side took the lead with sixteen minutes gone when Marquinhos slotted home. The visitors levelled eight minutes later, defender Índio's diving header at the back post beating Victor in the Grêmio goal. Controversy surrounded the awarding of a penalty thirteen minutes from time when the players seemed to run into each other and the referee pointed to the spot. Douglas wasn't about to turn in invitation down as he beat Muriel with the penalty. At the Engenhão on Sunday, the Clássico dos Milhões saw a red card, no goals and personal tragedy for Vasco coach Ricardo Gomes. Flamengo were indebted to Felipe as he made a string of saves to keep them in the game but they were reduced to ten men when Welinton was sent off for a professional foul. The game though was marred when Ricardo Gomes suffered a suspected stroke during the game, he remains in intensive care where his condition is described as serious. The draw for Flamengo leaves then three games without a win and another lost chance to topple Corinthians at the top of the table.

Ceará had a comfortable afternoon at the Castelão as Bahia were sent back with their tails between their legs. Ceará took the lead with sixteen minutes gone when Thiago Humberto's shot spun into the net. Ceará doubled the lead ten minutes from time when they caught Bahia on the break and Felipe Azevedo was unmarked to slot home. The icing on the cake came in injury time, Edmilson's free kick going through the Bahia wall and into the back of the net. In Sete Lagoas, it was Cruzeiro who got the better of the Belo Horizonte Derby when they needed a late goal to snatch victory over Atlético-MG. Argentinian striker Walter Montillo put Cruzeiro ahead with thirteen minutes gone when he latched onto a Wellington Paulista pass. Atlético-MG got themselves back into the game three minutes short of the hour, a thirty yard shot from Fillipe Soutto flew into the top corner. Atlético-MG were three minutes away from a valuable point but were undone three minutes from time when Montillo took his goal tally to doubled figures for the season when his shot from twenty yards out found the bottom corner. Finally bragging right in the Florianópolis Derby went to Avaí as they defeated Figueirense in a classic at the Orlando Scarpelli. The home side took the lead with nineteen minutes gone when Ygor's header somehow found it's way into the back of the net. Avaí were level seven minutes before the break thanks to Lincoln's header but they went into the break behind when goalkeeper Felipe failed to hold a Julio Cesar shot and he followed up to put the ball into the back of the net. Avaí were level again on the hour when William arrived at the back post to slide the ball home and three minutes from time he headed home his second of the game, and seventh of the season, to snatch all three points for Avaí and only their fourth win of the season.

And it's onwards and upwards with a full midweek round as we begin the second half of the season

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

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 8 Catch Up

Santos 2-1 Fluminense

Last Thursday night saw a catch up game between Santos and Fluminense at the Vila Belmiro. The home side took the lead when Borges headed home an Elano free kick with thirteen minutes gone. Fluminense levelled seven minutes before the break, Rafael Moura springing the attempted offside trap by the home side to head home. The teams were level for just three minutes before a twelfth goal of the season for Borges won it when he was left unmarked in the box.

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Copa Sudamericana week 4

First Stage Second Leg

Santa Fe 2-0 Universidad César Vallejo
Santa Fe advances 4-1 on points
Juan Aurich 1-2 La Equidad
La Equidad advances 6-0 on points

Santa Fe made it into the second stage when they overcame Universidad César Vallejo of Peru in Bogotá. After a goal less first half Santa Fe took the lead ten minutes into the second half courtesy of Sergio Galván Rey and they wrapped up their passage seventeen minutes from time when midfielder Óscar Rodas made it two. The result sets up an all Colombian clash with Deportivo Cali in the second stage. In Chiclayo, another Colombian side La Equidad made it into the second stage after coming from behind on the plastic pitch against Juan Aurich. The home side, trailing by two goals from the first leg, took the lead through Mauricio Montes with sixteen minutes gone. Although still ahead on aggregate La Equidad got a crucial away goal fifteen minutes from time through substitute Victor Guazá and after a Luis Guadalupe foul in injury time Juan Núñez stepped up to convert from the spot. La Equidad will now take on Libertad of Paraguay in the second stage.

Second Stage Second Leg

São Paulo 3-0 Ceará
3-3 on points, São Paulo advances on goal difference
Botafogo 1-0 Atlético Mineiro
Botafogo advances 6-0 on points
Atlético Paranaense 0-1 Flamengo
Flamengo advances 6-0 on points
Palmeiras 3-1 Vasco da Gama
3-3 on points, Vasco da Gama advances on the away goals rule

With the Premier Sports TV cameras at the Morumbi São Paulo made it into the Round of 16 after avenging their first leg defeat at Ceará. Three goals in the space of nine second half minutes were enough for São Paulo. Eleven minutes after they break they took the lead through Cícero and doubled the advantage through Lucas Silva six minutes later. Dagoberto wrapped things up for São Paulo with the third twenty minutes into the second half. At the Engenhão, Botafogo ensured their place in the last sixteen after wrapping up victory over Atlético-MG. Ahead 2-1 from the first leg in Sete Lagoas a fortnight ago Botafogo got the only goal of the game in first half injury time when German Herrera converted from the spot after a foul by Leonardo Silva.

After a single goal victory in the first leg at the Engenhão a fortnight ago it was again an understrength Flamengo side that travelled to the Arena de Baixada to take on Atlético-PR. The Arena de Baixada hasn't been the happiest of hunting grounds for Flamengo in recent times and it needed the introduction of Ronaldhino Gáucho from the bench to get the winner sixteen minutes from time. At the Pacaembu, Palmeiras premiered their new kit to the world as they looked to overturn a two goal deficit against Vasco da Gama. The home side got off to the best of starts when Luan put them ahead with thirteen minutes gone. Nine minutes after the break it was level on aggregate as Kléber doubled the Palmieras lead on the night. The visitors got their crucial away goal four minutes later when Jumar stunned the expectant home crowd sensing a Palmeiras comeback. A Marcos Assunção free kick made levelled the aggregate score deep in injury time but Jumar's strike was enough send Vasco into the last sixteen.

Next week the four of the Argentinian sides enter the competition as they line up like this

Second Stage First Leg

Arsenal v Estudiantes
Nacional Asunción v Aurora
Lanús v Godoy Cruz - Live on Premier Sports TV
Anzoátegui v Universitario

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Recopa Sudamericana 2nd leg

Internacional 3-1 Independiente
3-3 on points, Internacional wins on goal difference

Last night at the Beira-Rio, Brazil's Internacional were crowned 2011 Recopa Sudamericana champions after defeating Independiente of Argentina 3-1 to lift their second title after their 2007 success.

In form Leandro Damião put Inter ahead with twenty minutes gone when he beat two defenders and fired a shot across the goal and into the far corner. Five minutes later Damião made it two when he took advantage of a mistake in the Independiente defence to volley over goalkeeper Hilario Navarro.

Independiente changed their tactics at half time and it had an almost immediate effect, four minutes after the break Maxi Velázquez, who had opened the scoring a fortnight ago in Buenos Aires, cut inside to take a pass and beat goalkeeper Muriel. The visitors then almost levelled but Muriel managed to keep out Marco Perez. With extra time looming Internacional settled the tie when Kléber converted from the spot six minutes from time after Navarro had brought down substitute Jô.

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 18

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

The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Pacaembu as the week opened with a shock in for Figueirense at leaders Corinthians. The visitors were full value for their victory and they took the lead ten minutes before half time through striker Wellington Nem. Corinthians couldn't find a way through some stubborn Figueirense defending and the visitors wrapped it up in injury time when Wilson Pittoni rolled the ball into an empty net. Botafogo made it three wins in the last five when they defeated Atlético-MG at the Engenhão. Elkeson set the home side on their way with a quarter of an hour gone and Felipe Menezes doubled the lead eleven minutes before the break. A second for Felipe Menezes nine minutes after break made it three but Atlético-MG finished the game with a consolation from André in injury time. In Uberlândia, Cruzeiro leapfrogged over Ceará in the table after claiming victory courtesy of a Walter Montillo penalty with nineteen minutes left in the game. The spot kick was awarded after Ceará right back Ânderson Luis upended Wellington Paulista in the box.

The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Beira-Rio on Sunday when Flamengo had the chance to take advantage of Corinthians' slip up against Internacional. Flamengo took the lead courtesy of a Ronaldinho Gáucho free kick with twenty five minutes gone. Inter suffered a blow on the stroke of half time when Pablo Guiñazú was sent off for a second yellow but the levelled five minutes after the break when defender Índio headed home. Jael restored the Flamengo lead when he got his second goal of the week ten minutes later but Flamengo were denied victory when Leandro Damião's bicycle kick levelled matters thirteen mintues from time. No goals at the Recassada as Avaí pulled further away from the bottom of the table as Coritiba's two game wining run came to and end. Atlético-GO capped off a great week in which they picked up back to back victories after success over Grêmio at the Serra Dourada. Grêmio had Rafael Marques sent off thirteen minutes from time and the visitors were moments from snatching a point when Diogo Campos got the winner. It was derby day at the Morumbi as São Paulo and Palmeiras went head to head. Dagoberto put São Paulo ahead three mintues before the break when he beat a defender and chipping over the advancing Marcos. Palmeiras levelled when Henrique headed home a Marcos Assunção free kick just after the hour.

It was also derby day at the Engenhão as Fluminense finally managed to draw a game at the 18th attempt when they held high flying Vasco da Gama. Vasco captain Juninho Pernambucano put the home side ahead from the spot nine minutes before the break after a foul by Márcio Rozário. Fluminense levelled when Rafael Moura followed up his double strike in midweek with his seventh goal of the season on the hour. In a battle of two teams in the relegation zone at the Arena de Baixada Atlético-PR were left kicking themselves when they threw away a two goal lead against bottom of the table América-MG. Atlético-PR were ahead in the opening minutes when Marcinho put them ahead and Edigar doubled the lead with twenty four minutes gone. Three minutes later Kempes halved the deficit for América-MG and they claimed a point half way through the second half whey André Dias levelled matters. Finally Santos hauled themselves out of the relegation zone when they won away from home at Bahia. Neymar put the Libertadores holders ahead with a third minute penalty but Bahia levelled on the half hour through Júnior Pipoca. Santos managed to get a vital victory nine minutes from time when Alan Kardec put them ahead for a second time and lift them to fifteenth in the table.

First of all there is a catch up game on Wednesday night at the Vila Belmiro as Santos take on Fluminense.

Next week we hit the half way stage of the season with Week 19 or "Rivalry Week" as we've christened it.

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

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 17

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

Fluminense kept up their remarkable record of not drawing a game all season when their put back to back defeats behind them with victory over Figueirense at the Engenhão. All the goals came in the second half and it was Edinho who opened the scoring four minutes after the break. Two minutes later former Goias striker Rafael Moura doubled the advantage and his second twenty minutes from time wrapped things up. Vasco da Gama's great season continued when they defeated managerless Avaí at the Recassada. Diego Souza put Vasco ahead with twenty seven minutes gone and Dedé doubled the lead midway through the second half. Avaí finished the game with ten men after Robinho was sent off seventeen minutes from time. Grêmio's poor away record continued after they came back empty handed from the long trip up north to Ceará. Eusébio put Ceará ahead eleven minutes before the break and Marcelo Nicácio doubled the advantage a minute after the break. The home side wrapped things up twenty minutes from time when Marcelo Nicácio got his second of the game. Atlético-PR hauled themselves out of the relegation zone with a vital victory over Cruzeiro at the Arena de Baixada. Marcinho put Atlético-PR ahead with half an hour gone but three minutes later Wellington Paulista levelled for Cruzeiro. It looked like it was going to be honours even until Atlético-PR snatched all three points a minute from time when Cléber Santana grabbed a winner.

Santos dropped into the relegation zone after twice letting a lead slip against Coritiba. Borges put Santos ahead with just four minutes on the clock but Jeci's equaliser twelve minutes before the break sent the teams into half time level. Santos restored their lead eleven minutes after the break when a tenth goal of the season for Borges restored their lead. Nine minutes later Coritiba were level again through Marcos Aurélio and they gained a man advantage fifteen minutes from time when Pará was sent off. The Coritiba winner came three minutes from time from Léo Gago and Santos finished with nine men after captain Edu Dracena was shown a straight red card in injury time. Internacional made it three games unbeaten in the league when a single goal was enough to see off Botafogo at the Engenhão. Leandro Damião's seventh goal of the season twelve minutes after the break was enough to give the home side all three points as they continue their chase for a Libertadores spot in 2012. While others were failing around them Corinthians took advantage to go clear at the top of the table after a dramatic fightback gave them all three points at Atlético-MG. Dude Cearense put Atlético-MG ahead with fourteen minutes gone and Guilherme doubled the lead from the spot thirteen minutes later. What ever Tite said in the dressing room at half time seemed to work, Emerson pulled a goal back four minutes into the second half and after Atlético-MG had Réver sent off Alex converted from the penalty spot to level things up. Corinthians won it sixteen minutes from time when Liédson got his sixth goal of the season.

On Thursday night at the Candidé, Palmeiras made it five games without a win when they were held by Bahia. Chilean star Jorge Valvida put Palmeiras ahead nine minutes after the break but they could only hang onto the lead for twelve minutes until Titi levelled for Bahia. The shock result of the night came at the Engenhão as Ronaldinho Gáucho less Flamengo were hammered by Atlético-GO to suffer their first defeat of the season. Pituca silenced the home fans when he put Atlético-GO ahead with thirteen minutes gone and it got worse when Juninho doubled the lead eight minutes before the break. Anselmo made it three six minutes after the break and substitute Diogo Campos made it four nine minutes from time. Jael got a consolation goal for Flamengo a minute later but the shine was taken off the Atlético-GO win when substitue Joílson was sent off three minutes from time for a second bookable offence. Finally in Sete Lagoas, São Paulo lost ground in the title race when they were held to a draw by bottom of the table América-MG. Both goal came in the last five minutes of the match it it was São Paulo who broke the deadlock when Marlos got the opening goal of the game. The lead lasted only a couple of minutes as a spectacular bicycle kick from Kempes got what could prove to be a valuable equaliser for América-MG.

We are a week away from the half way point of the season and week 18 looks like this.

Corinthians x Figueirense - LIVE on Premier Sports TV Freeview
Botafogo x Atlético Mineiro
Cruzeiro x Ceará
Internacional x Flamengo - Coverage on Premier Sports TV
Avaí x Coritiba
Atlético GO x Grêmio
São Paulo x Palmeiras
Vasco da Gama x Fluminense
Atlético PR x América Mineiro
Bahia x Santos

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Copa Sudamericana Week 3

First Stage First Leg

La Equidad 2-0 Juan Aurich

On Thursday night in Bogotá the final First Stage tie got underway as La Equidad welcomed Juan Aurich of Peru to the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo. Defender Hayner Mosqura put the home side ahead with twenty minutes gone and they doubled their advantage for next weeks second leg ten minutes from time through striker Juan Núñez.

First Stage Second Leg

Universidad Católica 3-0 Bella Vista
Universidad Católica advances 4-1 on points
Anzoátegui 2-0 Deportivo Quito
3-3 on points, Anzoátegui advances on goal difference
LDU Quito 1-0 Yaracuyanos
LDU Quito advances 4-1 on points
Nacional Asunción 1-0 San José
Nacional Asunción advances 4-1 on points
Fénix 0-0 Universidad de Chile
Universidad de Chile advances 4-1 on points

After being held in Montevideo a fortnight ago, Universidad Católica made light work of qualifying for the second stage when an opening blitz saw off Bella Vista in Santiago. Cesar Carignano put Universidad Católica ahead with just five minutes gone and Matias Mier doubled the lead six minutes later. A second from Cesar Carignano twenty minutes into the second half wrapped things up for the Chileans. In Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui of Venezuela left it late to secure their passage in the next round with a dramatic victory over Deportivo Quito of Venezuela. Trailing from the first leg, the tie was levelled within sixty second when Evelio Hernández put Anzoátegui ahead on the night. Penalties were looming as the game went into injury time but the home side snatched victory when a cross from substitute Pablo Richetti was turned into his own net by Luis Checa. It was the first time that Anzoátegui had ever managed to progress in this competition.

The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Casa Blanca in Quito as 2009 winners LDU Quito made it into the second stage with a narrow victory over Yaracuyanos of Venezuela. The only goal of the game came with twenty mintues on the clock when midfielder Enrique Vera got the goal that was to prove the difference. Yayacuyanos drove forward looking to get the goal to take the tie to penalties but LDU held on to progress. After a score less first leg, Nacional of Asunción made it through to the second stage after a fifth minute goal from Silvio Torales proved to be the difference between the two sides over 180 minutes. Finally in in Montevideo, Universidad de Chile advanced into the second stage after holding on to their one goal first leg victory after there were no goals again Fénix. Brazilian referee Heber Roberto Lopes got involved in the action as he dismissed two players from the field of play. First to go was Universidad's Guillermo Marino who saw a straight red for a poor challenge nine minutes before the break and it was ten a-side nine minutes after the break when Gonzalo Papa was shown a second yellow card

The action continues next week and Premier Sports TV will be at the Morumbi in the early hours of Thursday morning.

First Stage Second Leg

Santa Fe v Universidad César Vallejo
Juan Aurich v La Equidad

Second Stage Second Leg

Botafogo v Atlético Mineiro
São Paulo v Ceará - LIVE on Premier Sports TV
Atlético Paranaense v Flamengo
Palmeiras v Vasco da Gama

Premier Sports TV is the home of the South American football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000

Brasileirão Petrobras - Rivalry Week

While doing a bit of planning ahead for upcoming games for the site, I stumbled across this on the fixture list for week 19. These will also act as the reverse fixtures for Week 38 as well, the final game of the season. It's basically what you could call "Rivalry Week".

They line up for week 19 like this

Fluminense x Botafogo - Clássico 'Vovô'
Coritiba x Atlético Paranaense - The Atletiba
Palmeiras x Corinthians - The Derby Paulista
Santos x São Paulo - The San-São
Flamengo x Vasco da Gama - O Clássico dos Milhões
Grêmio x Internacional - Gre-Nal
Atlético Mineiro x Cruzeiro - Belo Horizonte Derby
Figueirense x Avaí - Florianópolis Derby
Ceará x Bahia
América Mineiro x Atlético Goianiense

The obvious exceptions are the bottom two games, América-MG are the odd club out in Belo Horizonte while the other three teams are also the sole representatives in their city.

The fixture planner at the CBF must have had a huge smile on their faces when they managed to stage 8 of the biggest derbies in the domestic football calendar in Brazil for the this particular week.

Could you imagine if the Premier League in England had come up with something like this for the last day of the season?

Liverpool x Everton
Manchester United x Manchester City
Newcastle x Sunderland
Chelsea x Fulham
Arsenal x Tottenham
Wigan x Bolton
Wolves x WBA
Aston Villa x Stoke
QPR x Blackburn
Swansea x Norwich

How about Spain?

Atlético Madrid x Real Madrid
Rayo Vallecano x Getafe
Espanyol x Barcelona
Valencia x Villareal
Sevilla x Real Betis
Real Socieded x Athletic Bilbao
Racing Santander x Sporting Gijon
Granada x Malaga
Mallorca x Levante
Osasuna x Zaragoza

You just could imagine any of the fixture planners in the big European leagues had these kind of schedules for the last day of the season. It would be fantastic, as there wouldn't be a case of any teams lying down and rolling over because they are playing their deadliest rivals (in most cases). It could actually make for an interesting end to the season.

We shall see what happens in Week 19 but what will be more interesting further down the line is what happens in Week 38 especially if there is anything on the line.

Your thoughts, as ever, are always welcome via the comments facilty or twitter.

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 16

São Paulo 2-2 Atlético Paranaense
Cruzeiro 5-0 Avaí
Atlético Goianiense 2-0 Santos
Botafogo 4-2 América Mineiro
Corinthians 2-2 Ceará
Vasco da Gama 1-0 Palmeiras
Figueirense 2-2 Flamengo
Coritiba 3-0 Atlético Mineiro
Grêmio 2-1 Fluminense
Bahia 1-1 Internacional

The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Morumbi as São Paulo needed a late Rivaldo goal to rob Atlético-PR of all three points. The visitors took the lead with twenty minutes gone when Fransérgio headed home but three minutes later Ilsinho cracked in a superb leveller. Atlético-PR went ahead thirteen minutes from time when Edigar struck but the Atlético-PR were denied victory after that Rivaldo goal in injury time. After a brief resurgence it was back to business for Avaí as they were thumped in Uberlândia by Cruzeiro. Fabrício put Cruzeiro ahead with twenty seven minutes gone and Anselmo Ramon doubled the lead eight minutes later. Avaí had Welton Felipe sent off two minutes from half time after bringing down Wellington Paulista and Walter Montillo converted from the spot. Thiago Ribeiro made it four nine minutes from time and Paraguayan striker Jose Ortigoza wrapped things up a minute from time. Santos fell to their seventh defeat of the season when they were beaten at the Serra Dourada by Atlético-GO. Despite having their international stars back on deck Santos were undone twenty minuets from time when Anselmo put Atlético-GO ahead. Substitute Diogo Campos doubled the Atlético-GO lead ten minutes later to give them only their fourth win of the season. The late Saturday game saw Botafogo get a rude awakening as América-MG took a two goal lead inside the opening ten minutes. Alessandro with the América-MG opener with just two minutes gone and Rodriguinho stunned the Engenhão into silence with the second eight minutes later. Elkeson reduced the deficit on the half hour but it took Botafogo until the hour mark to get level when Antônio Carlos struck. Fifteen minutes from time Alex put the Alvinegro ahead and his second from the spot with ten minutes to go wrapped up an uncomfortable night for the hosts.

Corinthians will remain top going into Week 17 but will see it as 2 points dropped at home against Ceará. Paulinho put Corinthians ahead with 24 minutes gone but Osvaldo levelled five minutes later. The team were level for just one minute before Alex put them ahead for a second time and they were just six minutes from victory before Rudnei levelled for Ceará. The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the São Januário as Vasco da Gama closed to within four points of the top of the table after victory over Palmeiras. The only goal of the game came ten minutes from time when Bernardo's 30 yard free kick flew past Deola in the Palmeiras goal. The victory saw Vasco climb above Palmeiras in the table and into a Libertadores spot. Flamengo ensured no change at the top of the table as they also drew, but only after throwing a two goal lead away against Figueirense at the Orlando Scarpelli. Deivid put Flamengo ahead nine minutes before the break and his second five minutes after the break, his eighth of the season, put the Rubro-Negro in complete control. Three minutes later Somália halved the deficit and the comeback was completed twenty minutes from time when Édson Silva levelled matters.

Coritiba's decent home form continued as Atlético-MG slipped back into the relegation zone after a 3-0 defeat. Coritiba's leading scorer, Bill put them ahead just after the half hour and Rafinha doubled the lead from the spot thirteen minutes from time. The third also came from the spot, substitue Leonardo converting this time after Atlético-MG had Serginho Mineiro sent off for the challenge to concede the penalty. Fluminense's title defence is over after they fell to their eight defeat of the season against Grêmio at the Olímpico Monumental. Flu got the opening goal of the game when Fred put them ahead after twenty four minutes but Marquinhos levelled seven minutes later. A second for Marquinhos on the stroke of half time on the stroke of half time and it turned out to be the winner. Internacional remain an outside contender for a Libertadores spot but they won't be happy after dropping two points at Bahia. A sixth goal of the season for Leandro Damião four minutes before the break out Inter ahead and things got better for them on the hour when Bahia had Fabinho sent off. Bahia levelled twelve minutes from time, Inter had Índio sent off for the challenge which conceded the penalty which Jóbson converted.

Midweek round anyone? Why not then and they line up like this

Fluminense x Figueirense
Avaí x Vasco da Gama
Atlético Paranaense x Cruzeiro
Ceará x Grêmio
Santos x Coritiba
Internacional x Botafogo
Atlético Mineiro x Corinthians
Palmieras x Bahia
Flamengo x Atlético Goianiense
América Mineiro x São Paulo

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
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Copa Sudamericana Week 2

First Stage First Leg

Universidad de Chile 1-0 Fénix

Universidad de Chile grabbed themselves a narrow lead to take back to Uruguay next week when they overcame Fénix in a tight encounter in Santiago. The visitors were reduced to ten men with half an hour gone when Fabian Trujillo was sent off for a second yellow card. The home side won it ten minutes after the break, Eduardo Vargas heading home the winner for La U.

First Stage Second Leg

The Strongest 2-1 Olimpia
3-3 on points, Olimpia advances on goal difference

Olimpia are the first team to qualify for Stage 2 of the competition after surviving an onslaught in La Paz against The Strongest. Two goals down after last weeks encounter in Asunción The Strongest halved the aggregate deficit on the half hour courtesy of Alejandro Chumacero. Four minutes after the break the tie was all square when Pablo Escobar struck for the home side but The Strongest were found to be the weakest just short of the hour when Adrian Romero got an away goal and what proved to be the winner in the tie.

Second Stage First Leg

Ceará 2-1 São Paulo
Atlético Mineiro 1-2 Botafogo
Flamengo 1-0 Atlético Paranaense
Vasco da Gama 2-0 Palmeiras

The Brazilian sides entered the competition this week and as usual all eight qualifiers were seeded to meet each other at this stage. In Fortaleza Ceará needed a late goal in order to give them an advantage for their second leg with São Paulo. Veteran Rivaldo put São Paulo ahead half way throug the first half but Rudnei levelled for Ceará on the stroke of half time. A minute after the break, São Paulo were reduced to ten when Denílson was sent off for the second time in his short São Paulo career. The home side won it deep in injury time thanks to Marcelo Nicácio's goal. Botafogo's only continental title came in 1993 but they put a tentative step into the Round of 16 when they defeated Atlético-MG in Sete Lagoas. German Herrera set the Alvinegro on their way with just six minutes on the clock and Maicousel doubled the lead six minutes before the break. Atlético-MG got back in the game on the stroke of half time when Richarlyson pulled a goal back but the Galo will be without Toró for the second leg after the was sent off four minutes from time.

The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Engenhão as an understrength Flamengo side scraped by Atlético-PR. A crowd of under 3,000 turned up to witness the game as Flamengo took gained a single goal lead to take back to Curitiba next week. After an hour, Flamengo coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo got fed up with his teams efforts and threw on Renato Abreu, Thiago Neves and Ronaldinho Gáucho in an effort to find a way through. The breakthrough finally came eight minutes from time, Ronaldinho Gáucho converting from the penalty spot after Jael had been upended by Atlético-PR keeper Santos. The final game took place on Thursday night across Rio at the São Januário as Vasco da Gama and Palmeiras clashed in what, by league positions, is the tie of the round. After winning the Copa do Brasil, Vasco are looking for a cup double but credit to both coaches who fielded stronger than expected line ups. The opening goal came two minutes before the break. A corner was flicked on to Diego Souza who was in the right place at the right time as the ball struck him on the chest and bounced into goal. Vasco doubled their lead eleven mintues from time when Elton got to a free-kick before Marcos and headed home.

Next weeks games are

First Stage First Leg

La Equidad v Juan Aurich

First Stage Second Leg

Universidad Católica v Bella Vista
Anzoátegui v Deportivo Quito
Nacional Asunción v San José
LDU Quito v Yaracuyanos
Fénix v Universidad de Chile

Premier Sports TV is the home of the South American Football in the UK
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Recopa Sudamericana - First Leg

Independiente 2-1 Internacional

The Recopa Sudamericana pits the winners of the two intercontinental competitions from the previous year as Copa Sudamericana holders Independiente met last years Libertadores winners Internacional of Brazil in Avellaneda.

Inter took the lead and got an away goal eight minutes before the break when Leandro Damião slid in to put the ball over the advancing Hilario Navarro. Five minutes later Independiente were back in the game when defender Maxi Velázquez headed the home side level. The home side completed their comeback eighteen minutes from time when a Marcos Pérez free kick took a deflection and wrongfooted Muriel.

The second leg takes place at the Beira-Rio in two weeks time.

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 5 Catch Up

Santos 0-0 Corinthians

No goals in this week 5 catch up game at the Vila as an understrength Santos were unable to stop Corinthians going top of the table. A game of two halves as Corinthians had the better chances in the first half while the home side had much the better chances of the second half with leading scorer Borges wasting a number of chances. The point though was enough for Corinthians to climb above Flamengo and take top spot in the table on games won.

This weekend Premier Sports TV will be covering São Paulo x Atlético-PR on Saturday and Vasco da Gama x Palmeiras on Sunday.

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 15

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

The week opened at the Estádio Candidé as Palmeiras were held to a goalless draw by Grêmio. Palmeiras will be kicking themselves tough as they had much the better chances to win the game, Patrik spoiling a great chance late on to snatch all three points. Meanwhile the Premier Sports TV were treated to late late drama at the Engenhão on Saturday night as the Rubronegro went top of the table after snatching a victory over Coritiba. The visitors set up to take a point back to Curitiba with them but were unlocked in the last minute, a cross from Ronaldinho Gáucho finding Jael who headed past Edson Bastos in the Coritiba goal. In the late Saturday game, Figueirense made it back to back victories as they overcame Atlético-MG in Ipatinga. Elias volleyed the visitors ahead with just eight minutes gone and his piledriver on the stoke of half time doubled the lead. Dudu Cearense headed Atlético-MG back into the game two minutes after the break but the visitors held on for win number six of the season.

Sunday started with Santos getting their season back on track with what could turn out to be a valuable victory over Ceará at the Pacaembu. One goal was enough, Diego in the Bahia goal palming a shot from Neymar into the path of Borges who pounced for his eighth goal of the season. At the Arena de Baixada, the Premier Sports TV cameras saw the spoils shared by Corinthians and Atlético-PR. Cléber Santana put Atlético-PR ahead from the spot eight minutes before the break, but it was his foul that gave Alex the opportunity to level matters from the spot two minutes after the break. That result meant that Corinthians would need to win their catch up game in midweek in order to go back to the top of the table. Fluminense go from bad to worse after they fell to defeat to bottom of the table América-MG in Sete Lagoas. América-MG took the lead with ten minutes gone through the goal of the round from Rodriguinho and doubled their lead when Alessandro converted from the spot eight minutes into the second half. América-MG made the points safe fourteen minutes from time when Marcos Rocha added a third and Fluminense finished with ten me when Gum was sent off fourteen minutes from time. Internacional finally found their legs after their Germany jaunt with victory over Cruzeiro at the Beira Rio. Anselmo Ramon put Cruzeiro ahead with ten minutes gone but Inter were level nine minutes later when Andres D'Alessandro converted from the spot. Andrezinho put Internacional ahead seven minutes before the break and Leandro Damião doubled the advantage seventeen minutes from time. Leandro Guerreiro pulled a goal back for Cruzeiro seven minutes from time but Inter held on for their first win since week 12.

Avaí's recent good run was ended as São Paulo hauled themselves back into title contention with a come from behind victory at the Ressacada. William put Avaí ahead on the hour when he scored for the third consecutive game. But midefielder Cícero levelled for São Paulo five minutes later and his second twenty minutes from time ensured all three points for the visitors and keep them two points behind Flamengo. Bahia climbed away from the relegation zone after pushing Atlético-GO closer to it after a 2-1 victory. Jóbson put Bahia ahead eighteen minutes before half time but two minutes after the break Juninho levelled for Atlético-GO. Bahia won it sixteen minutes from time, Fahel with the vital strike for the home side. Finally, possibly the biggest game of the weekend was the Clásico Alvinegro at the Engenhão at Botafogo and Vasco da Gama met. Vasco were probably the competition form side coming into the fixture but that meant nothing as Botafogo routed their rivals to claim all three points. Antônio Carlos put Botafogo ahead with just ten minutes gone and a double in the space of twelve minutes from Sebastian Abreu had Botafogo three up at half time. Vasco has Diego Souza sent off half way through the second half for a second yellow card and German Herrera wrapped things up with a fourth for Botafogo in injury time.

Eight clubs begin their Copa Nissan Sudamericana campaigns in midweek but the big fixture is the catch up game between Santos and Corinthians on Wednesday night. Week 16 takes place next weekend

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

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 14

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

Corinthians got back on the horse after their setback at the weekend by overcoming bottom of the table América-MG at the Pacaembu. The Musketeers got off to the perfect start, they were ahead in just 26 seconds when Jorge Henrique arrived at the back post to slot home. América were level with quarter of an hour gone, Kempes rising about two defenders and goalkeeper Renan to head home and give the small band of travelling fans something to cheer about. Corinthians won it half way through the second half, a free kick falling to Paulinho near the penalty spot and he beat Neneca in the América-MG goal. The visitors were then reduced to ten men when Gilson was sent off for arguing over the decision to award the goal. In Porto Alegre, Atlético-MG rescused a point with a late equaliser against Grêmio. All the goals came in the second period, Leandro put Grêmio ahead five minutes after the break but two minutes later a stunner from André levelled things. Grêmio retook the lead from the spot when veteran Fábio Rochemback converted after Miralles has been upended. The home side were two minutes away from victory but Leonardo Silva's bullet header from a corner rescued a point for the Galo. Figueirense picked up their first win in six as they defeated an off colour Botafogo at the Estádio Orlando Scarpelli. The home side took the lead with 18 minutes gone, Jefferson coming and failing to collect a free kick and Édson Silva headed home. The second came from the spot, a controversial call from referee Wagner Reway saw him point to the spot when Julio Cesar looked to have been upended outside the box and he dusted himself down to convert the penalty. The second half saw two red cards, goalscorer Édson Silva went twenty minutes into the half and Maicousel of Botafogo followed in injury time.

Avaí are on a roll after thier big win at weekend and made it back to back wins with a comfortable victory up north at Ceará. The home side were caught on the break with eighteen minutes gone and one of Sunday's heroes William opened the scoring. Ceará has Vincente sent off half way through the second half and another of Sunday's heroes Rafeal Coelho tapped home to make it two nine minutes from time. Avaí put the icing on the cake two minutes into injury time, Cleverson's 30 yarder finding the back of the net to leave the six Avaí fans in attendance happy for the long trip home. Santos are in deep trouble now after they fell a third straight defeat at the São Januário against Vasco da Gama. The home side were ahead with just two minutes gone, Diego Souza unleashing an unstoppable shot from 20 yards out to put the Vasco in front. Vasco went two up with nineteen minutes gone, Dedé just beat Santos keeper Rafael to a Felipe free kick to head home. Santos are now 18th in the table and if they don't buck up face the indignity of Série B football next year. Palmeiras again fell a little further behind in the title race after they came from behind to claim at draw at Coritiba. Jeci put Coritiba ahead with eight minutes gone after Marcos couldn't hold on to the ball but the Big Green levelled with nineteen minutes gone, Marcos Assunção with a trademark freekick. Palmeiras finished with ten men after Thiago Heleno was sent off fourteen minutes from time. Flamengo kept up the pressure on Corinthians at the top of the table after Vanderlei Luxemburgo made a winning return to one of his previous clubs, Cruzeiro, in Sete Lagoas. One goal was enough for Flamengo, Thiago Neves and Ronaldinho Gáucho combining to create the opportunity for Deivid to get his sixth of the season on the stroke of half time.

São Paulo bounced back from their disappointing defeat at weekend against Vasco to keep the pressure on at the top of the table with victory over Ceará. Rogério Ceni put the home side ahead from the spot with 28 minutes gone after his free kick attempted was handled by the wall. São Paulo went two up a minute before the break, Dagoberto with the break and his cheeky chip left Marcelo Lomba in the Bahia goal stranded. Young star Lucas Silva made it three five minutes after the break when he calmly slotted the ball past Lomba but the blight on the victory was the dismissal of Ivan Piris five minutes later. Internacional don't seem to have found their land legs yet since the trip to Germany and Fluminense took advantage at the Engenhão. They took the lead ten minutes into the second half when Souza headed home from a Márcio Rázario cross. Rafael Moura wrapped things up from the spot four minutes from time after Fernando Bob was upended by Wilson Matias, who was promptly sent off after receiving his second yellow card. Atlético-PR are another team full of confidence after a great win at the weekend and Atlético-GO were their victims at the Serra Dourada. Atlético-PR took the lead two minutes before the break when Fabrício Carioca was left unmarked at the back post to head home and he doubled the lead four minutes after the break, his shot too powerful for Marcio in the Atlético-GO to handle. Atlético-PR wrapped things up eleven minutes from time, former Aston Villa and Manchester United player Kléberson with the goal of the night as his piledriver from 25 yards out flew into the back of the net.

Week 15 takes place over the weekend with two games being covered by Premier Sports TV. The standout fixture from the list is the Clássico Alvinegro at the Engenhão.

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


Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000