Copa Sudamericana week 9

LDU Quito 2-0 Independiente
Olimpia 0-0 Arsenal
Godoy Cruz 1-1 Universitario
Botafogo 1-1 Santa Fe

Holders Independiente of Argentina made their bow in the competition at the Round of 16 stage and they had a tough trip to La Casa Blanca in Quito to face the 2009 winners LDU. The Premier Sports TV cameras were in town for the tie of the round and it was the home side who took a decisive advantage to take back to Allenvenda in two weeks time. Paul Ambrosini put LDU Quito ahead three minutes before the break when he was the spare man in the box and seven mintues after the break a Luis Bolaños stunner made it two. No goals in Asunción as three times Copa Libertadores champions Olimpia drew with 2007 winners Arsenal of Argentina. It's advantage Olimpia for the return match in three weeks time.

Universitario of Peru were within two minutes of claiming victory against Godoy Cruz in Mendoza. A tight game came to life in the last nine minutes when Universitario countered and Raul Ruidíaz was on the end of the move to slot home. However two minutes from time Gonzale Cabrera levelled for the home side but the away goal in the bag and the second leg played at altitude the Peruvian side will fancy their chances. After knocking out Colombian rivals Deportivo Cali last week Santa Fe stunned the Botafogo fans in the Engenhão when they grabbed an away goal and the lead with just eight minutes gone. Argentinian striker Omar Pérez with the goal that put Santa Fe in control of the tie. Botafogo, despite the usual attitude of Brazilian clubs to this competition, were fielding a pretty strong side and they finally levelled half way through the second half. Caio with the goal just four minutes after arriving from the bench.

The Round of Sixteen continues next week with two games and they line up like this

Universidad Católica v Vélez Sarsfield - LIVE on Premier Sports TV - Wednesday 2315
Aurora v Vasca da Gama

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 26

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

Santos were left stunned when Figueirense left the Vila with all three points on Saturday night. Julio Cesar put the visitors ahead with just eight minutes gone but Borges further extended his lead at the top of the scoring chart with the equaliser sixteen minutes later. The teams were only level for two minutes before Wellington Nem restored the Figueirense lead but Léo levelled things again on the stroke of half time. The visitors won it six minutes from time when Julio Cesar converted from the spot for his second of the night. The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Engenhão as Flamengo finally got back to winning ways with success against América-MG. The visitors actually took the lead when Kempes converted from the spot with half an hour gone. Deivid's tenth goal of the season levelled matters just after the hour and when it looked like it would be another frustrating result for the Rubro-Negro, Thiago Neves struck at the second attempt with two minutes left to give Fla victory. Trouble at the Arena de Baixada as a controversial late decision denied Atlético-PR a vital victory over Fluminense. Paulo Baier put Atlético-PR ahead just beyond the hour but they were reduced to ten men with twenty to go when Rafael Santos was dismissed. Then in injury time came the controversial decision which saw Fluminense awarded and penalty and Pablo became the second Atlético-PR player to be sent off. Fred kept his composure in the chaos of the situation and slotted home the penalty to level matters. Then the real fun began as the Atlético-PR fans surrounded the tunnel and it was nearly ten minutes after the final whistle that referee Wagner Reway could leave the field of play under shields provided by the Military Police. This was after the military police had been waving rifles and wading into the Atlético-PR fans.

Corinthians climbed back into second after their first win in four games when they needed a single goal to see off Bahia in the Pacaembu. Emerson got the goal twelve minutes into the second half but blotted his copybook when he was sent off seven minutes from time. The Premier Sports TV cameras remained at the Engenhão for the big clash between Botafogo and São Paulo. Sebastian Abreu put Botafogo ahead with twenty-five minutes gone and his coolly taken penalty five minutes before the break doubled their lead. São Paulo got back into the game half way through the second half when Henrique halved the deficit and they stole a point in injury time when veteran Rivaldo struck. Vasco da Gama remain top when they cruised to victory in Sete Lagoas against Cruzeiro. Diego Souza put Vasco ahead six minutes before half time and he doubled the lead on the hour. Cruzeiro had Marquinhos Paraná sent off fifteen minutes from time before Diego Souza completed his hat trick nine minutes from time. Grêmio's away record isn't the best but they pulled away from the relegation zone after a third victory on the road this season at Avaí. Mário Fernandes put Grêmio ahead three minutes before the break and Douglas doubled the lead as people were still taking their seats for the second half. Avaí pulled a goal back twenty minutes from time through Pedro Ken and defeat leaves them seven points away from safety.

Internacional remain in the hunt for a Libertadores spot despite being without Leandro Damião when they defeated Atléico-MG at the Beira-Rio. Argentinian Mario Bolatti put Inter ahead with twenty six minutes gone but Atlético-MG, who are deep in relegation mire, levelled with twenty minutes to go when Renan Oliveira struck. Inter won it fifteen minutes from time when Fabricio got the winner but the game finished ten a side. Réver of Atlético-MG was the first to go thirteen minutes from time and he was joined by Rodrigo Moledo of Inter ten minutes later. Palmeiras are still waiting for a win despite finishing with a two man advantage over Atlético-GO at the Serra Dourada. Henrique put Palmeiras ahead half way through the first half and three minutes before the break Anderson became the first Atlético-GO player to be sent off. When Vítor Júnior followed just after the hour you would have expected Palmeiras to cruise home but the nine men of Atlético-GO levelled ten minutes from time through Thiago Feltri. And we finish as we started with a five goal thriller from the Castelão as Ceará defeated Coritiba. Roger put Ceará ahead with seven minutes gone but Bill levelled for Coritiba thirteen minutes later. Edmilson restored the Ceará lead six minutes before the break but a second from Bill three minutes after the break levelled matters again. Ceará got their winner half way through the scond half when Roger got his second of the game to give them their first win in eight.


No league games in midweek with the return leg of the Copa Roca alongside Copa Sudamericana action taking priority. Week 27 is next weekend and they line up like this with a couple of huge clashes thrown in for good measure:

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


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Copa Sudamericana week 8

Aurora 5-2 Nacional Asunción
Aurora advances 4-1 on points

Nacional 0-2 Universidad de Chile (Match abandoned after 46 minutes and awarded to U de Chile)
Universidad de Chile advance 6-0 on points

Trujillanos 0-1 LDU Quito
LDU Quito advances 6-0 on points

Libertad 1-0 La Equidad
Libertad advances 6-0 on points

Emelec 1-2 Olimpia (Match abandoned after 81 minutes, result stands)
Olimpia advances 6-0 on points

Deportivo Cali 1-1 Santa Fe
2-2 on points, Santa Fe advances 6-5 on penalties

What a week. What a mess. Two games abandoned due to off-field shenanigans casts something of a pall over proceedings. First, the game between Emelec and Olimpia was abandoned with nine minutes remaining after a shower of missiles rained down on visiting goalkeeper Martin Silva. Prior to that, Richard Ortiz had put Olimpia in front, getting on the end of a lovely, flowing move that ripped the middle our of Emelec. Half way through the first half, Pablo Zabellos was found with a great through-ball and slammed it high into the roof of the net for 2-0. Emelec came back into it after the break and, after spurning a few good chances, Jose Franco slipped one between Silva's legs to reduce the deficit. Raul Caceres picked up a second yellow late on to leave Olimpia a man short before the shower of bottles - an apparent protest against coach Juan Ramon Carrasco - forced the referee's hand. The result stands as is and Olimpia progress.
A day later, the game between Nacional and Universidad de Chile didn't even make it to half-time. Universidad were already 2-0 up by that point as Eduardo Vargas and Matias Rodriguez opened up a porous defence when a till roll struck one of the assistant referees on the head. Again, the result stands and Universidad go through.
Elsewhere, Bolivians Aurora thrashed Nacional Asunción despite going behind to Rodrigo Teixeira early on. Jair Reinoso equalised and a penalty from Diomedes Peña put Aurora in front. Teixeira's second levelled it up, but Aurora kicked on and were back in front before the break through Fernando Sanjurjo and late goals from Augusto Andaveris and Jaime Cardozo wrapped up a big win.
Single-goal wins were enough for LDU Quito - Luis Bolaños for the Ecudorians against ten-man Trujillanos - and Libertad - Ignacio Canuto with the only goal - against La Equidad as they both backed up first-leg wins in some comfort.
Drama in the all-Colombian tie between Deportivo Cali and Santa Fe as they battled to a second successive 1-1 draw. Juan Roa's own goal put Deportivo in the lead, but Sergio Galvan Rey levelled it up twenty minutes from time. Hurnan Burbano was the only player to miss in the resultant shoot-out and Santa Fe go through.

Round of 16 Draw and holders Independiente make their bow in the competition

Vélez Sarsfield v Universidad Católica
Universidad de Chile v Flamengo
Vasco da Gama v Aurora
Libertad v São Paulo
Independiente v LDU Quito
Universitario v Godoy Cruz
Arsenal v Olimpia
Santa Fe v Botafogo

Next week's games (subject to change)

Universidad Católica v Vélez Sarsfield
Godoy Cruz v Universitario
Flamengo v Universidad de Chile
Aurora v Vasco da Gama
Olimpia v Arsenal

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 25

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

After a blip at weekend Fluminense got back to winning ways when they defeated Avaí at the Engenhão. Fred set the Tricolor on their way with the opener in the fifth minutes but William got Avaí level three minutes later. A second for Fred ten minutes before the break restored the Fluminense lead and substitute Alejandro Martinuccio secure the points with a third twelve minutes from time. Cruzeiro are now without and win in six and their slide towards the relegation zone continued when they were defeated at Coritiba. Marcos Aurélio put Coritiba ahead half way through the first half and Bill doubled the lead on the hour. Bobô pulled one back for Cruzeiro but the home side held on for their tenth win of the season. Santos made it four straight victories when they overcame América-MG in Uberlândia. An eighteenth goal of the season on the hour for Borges, extending his lead at top of the scoring chart, opened the scoring for Santos but Kempes got América-MG level eight minutes later. The teams were level again for ten minutes before Santos captain Edu Dracena got the winner to lift the Piexe into the top half of the table for the first time since their Libertadores success.

Bahia pushed Atlético-PR deeper into the relegation mire while giving themselves more breathing space after victory in Salvador. One goal was enough for Bahia and Junior Pipoca was the here when he struck fifteen minutes from time. Flamengo's poor run of form continued as they were held to yet another draw, this time against Atlético-MG in Sete Lagoas. The home side took the lead four minutes after the break when Daniel Carvalho struck but Flamengo captain Ronaldinho Gáucho came to the rescue of the Rubro-Negro just after the hour mark. Atlético-MG had Serginho Mineiro sent off two minutes from time but they held on for what could be a valuable point in their relegation battle. Internacional had to fight back to claim a point from their trip to Florianópolis against Figueirense. The home side took the lead six minutes before half time courtesy of Ygor. Inter levelled six minutes after the break when former Manchester City and Everton player Jô got his second goal since arriving at the club. The big clash at the Morumbi between São Paulo and Corinthians turned into a damp squib as the game finished score less. The result briefly returned São Paulo to the top of the table overnight and left Corinthians without a win in three.

Thursday night saw Palmeiras pick up their first win in six games when they scraped past Ceará at the Candidé. One goal was enough for the Big Green and despite the official Palmeiras Facebook updates awarding the goal to Luan the goal was eventually credited as an own goal by Thiago Matias. Despite their poor run Palmeiras are still in a postition for a late charge into a Libertadores position come December. Vasco da Gama ended São Paulo's overnight stay at the top of the table when they came from behind to claim a point against inform Atlético-GO at the São Januário. The home side were stunned when an eight of the season from Anselmo put Atlético-GO ahead half way through the first half. That was enough to wake the home side up and they were level ten minutes later courtesy of Diego Souza to extend their unbeaten run to four games. Botafogo jumped above Corinthians and into third when they became on the second visiting side to take the points away from the Olímpico Monumental in Porto Alegre. Grêmio are heavily reliant on their home form, 22 of their 30 points have come at home this season, but they will be ruing a performance which saw them fall to defeat thanks to a Sebastian Abreu goal twenty minutes into the second half. Despite being written off in a few quarters before the season Botafogo are proving the pundits wrong.

Week 25 takes place this weekend and they line up like this

Atlético Paranaense x Fluminense
Santos x Figueirense
Flamengo x América Mineiro - Live on Premier Sports TV - Saturday 10pm
Corinthians x Bahia
Botafogo x São Paulo - Deferred coverage on Premier Sports TV - Sunday 11.30pm
Internacional x Atlético Mineiro
Cruzeiro x Vasco da Gama
Avaí x Grêmio
Atlético Goianiense x Palmeiras
Ceará x Coritiba


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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 24

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

Atlético-GO got back into the winning habit when they defeated Atlético-MG at the Serra Dourrada on Saturday night. One goal was enough for the home side and it came from Vítor Júnior on the hour. Vasco da Gama climbed to the top of the table when they thumped Grêmio at the São Januário. Elton set Vasco on their way with just four minutes gone and Diego Souza doubled the lead eleven minutes before the break. A fourth goal of the season for Éder Luís put the game beyond doubt seven minuets after the break and Fágner wrapped things up on the hour with a fourth. The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Morumbi as São Paulo kept up the heat on Vasco after also recording a 4-0 victory with Ceará being their victims. After Juan opened the scoring three minutes before the break, Ceará had wasted three decent opportunities to take the lead and when Ivan Piris doubled the lead two minutes later the half time score did not reflect the game. Casimiro got the third twenty minutes after the break before Rivaldo's volley, and the goal of the game, seven minutes later wrapped things up.

On Sunday, Fluminense's recent good run was bought to a juddering halt at Bahia. Souza put Bahia ahead with twenty eight minutes gone and an own goal from Gum thirteen minutes into the second half doubled their advantage. The day got worse for Gum twenty minutes from time when he was sent off and he was barely in the tunnel when Souza got his second of the game and a third Bahia goal and give them daylight in the battle to beat the drop. No goals at the Arena de Baixada as Atlético-PR remain deep in relegation trouble after a goal less draw with Figueirense. Atlético-PR are now four points away from safety and will need to pull off a similar escape to 2009 to survive in the top flight. On Sunday the Premier Sports TV cameras saw more red cards than goals as Avaí and Palmeiras finished all square at the Recessada. Avaí got their noses in front with just five minutes gone when Batista put them ahead before the first red card at the midpoint of the half saw Rivaldo of Palmeiras sent off for a second yellow card. The ten men levelled four minutes before the break through Chico but three minutes after the break Palmeiras were reduced to nine when Gerley was sent off. Avaí were reduced to ten men when Rafael Coelho was sent off on the hour but Palmeiras have now gone five games without a win and the pressure is mounting on Felipão.

The biggest game at the weekend was at the Pacaembu when Corinthians failed to reclaim top spot in the table after defeat to bitter rivals Corinthians. After Liédson put Corinthians ahead with twelve minutes gone things were going well for the home side but Henrique levelled for Santos eight minutes before the break. A seventeenth goal of the season for Borges eight minutes before the break put Santos ahead but they suffered a blow thirteen minutes later when Henrique was sent off. Despite being a man short, Santos doubled their lead ten minutes from time when the unfortunate Chicão scored into his own net. It was also derby day at the Engenhão as Flamengo snapped a four game losing run after picking up a point at Botafogo. The Alvinegro were ahead with twenty five minutes gone when Uruguayan talisman Sebastian "El Loco" Abreu put them ahead but Flamengo got themselves back into the game four minutes after the break when Jael got the equaliser. It was also derby day in Sete Lagoas as the Derby Mineiro between Cruzeiro and América-MG finished level. It's back to back draws now for América-MG but leaves them rooted to the foot of the table while Cruzeiro are now five games without victory and in danger of being dragged into the relegation zone. Finally at the Beira-Rio, Internacional got the quickest goal of the weekend when Oscar put them ahead inside sixty seconds against Coritiba. The visitors though claimed a point when Emerson levelled matters two minutes into the second half.

A midweek round to keep the players busy, the biggest game of the round is at the Morumbi as second take on third and the rest line up like this
Fluminensne x Avaí
Coritiba x Cruzeiro
América Mineiro x Santos
Bahia x Atlético Paranaense
São Paulo x Corinthians
Atlético Mineiro x Fluminense
Figueirense x Internacional
Palmeiras x Ceará
Vasco da Gama x Atlético Goianiense
Grêmio x Botafogo

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
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Copa Sudamericana week 7

Second Stage First Leg

LDU Quito 4-1 Trujillanos
Universidad de Chile 1-0 Nacional
La Equidad 0-1 Libertad
Olimpia 2-1 Emelec
Santa Fe 1-1 Deportivo Cali

2009 winner LQU Quito tentatively put a foot into the Round of 16 after a comfortable victory over Trujillanos of Venezuela at the Casa Blanca. The visitors, in their first appearance at this stage, made the perfect start when Juan Fálcon put them ahead in the opening minute to give them an away goal as well. LDU Quito are old hands on the continental stage and were ahead by half time, Hernan Barcos levelled with 26 minutes and his second of the game a minute before the break put LDU in control. It looked like Trujillanos would go back only a goal behind but they conceded to Ezequiel González two minutes from time and when Barcos completed his hat-trick from the spot in injury time the second leg is a mountain to climb. Universidad de Chile will take a narrow advantage back to Montevideo after a single goal victory over Nacional. An Eduardo Vargas goal on the hour was enough for La U but they will be without Nelson Rebolledo for the second leg after he was dismissed a minute from time.

Libertad of Paraguay took the long trip north to Colombia to face La Equidad and managed to come away with a vital away victory. One goal twelve minutes from time from Robin Ramírez enough for Libertad who will now be favourites for the second leg in Asunción next week. Another Paraguayan side, Olimpia will also be on the front foot going into their second leg against Emelec of Ecuador. Vladimir Marín put Olimpia ahead with a quarter of an hour gone but Emelec got an away goal give minutes before the break when Nicolas Vigneri struck. Olimpia restored their lead eighteen minutes from time when Marín got his second of the game. The all Colombian clash in Bogotá finished honours even between Santa Fe and Deportivo Cali. The home side took the lead from the spot just short of the hour,  Deportivo Cali had German Mera sent off for the challenge to concede the spot kick and Artentinian Omar Pérez slotted home the spot kick. The visitors got what could prove to be a vital goal two minutes from time, Breiner Belalcázar levelling matters before the second leg next week

Second Stage Second Leg

Universitario 2-0 Anzoátegui
Universitario advances 6-0 on points
Deportes Iquique 0-0 Universidad Católica
Universidad Católica advances 4-1 on points

Universitario of Peru made it into the Round of 16 as got a couple of late goals to confirm their passage at the expense of Anzoátegui of venezuela. Leading from the first game, the home side suffered a blow just before the hour when Martin Morel was sent off but they took the lead fifteen minutes from time through Manuel Ruidíaz. The ten men wrapped up victory seven minutes later courtesy of Pablo Vitti to send them through to a clash with Godoy Cruz. The Premier Sports TV cameras were in the Estadio Tierra de Campeones in Iquique as Universidad Católica progressed to the Round of 16 at the expense of Deportes Iquique. The game, which finished score less and without much incident, was not the greatest advert for Chilean football with Will Downing, who commentated for Premier Sports, saying "That's two hours of my life I'll never get back."

Next week sees the second stage come to a conclusion as the final six ties are completed

Second Stage Second Leg

Aurora v Nacional Asunción
Nacional v Universidad de Chile
Trujillanos v LDU Quito
Libertad v La Equidad
Emelec v Olimpia
Deportivo Cali v Santa Fe

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 23

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

The week got underway on Saturday at the Vila as the Premier Sports TV cameras witnessed a goal, two dismissals and a missed penalty. Santos made it six without defeat thanks to a sixteenth goal of the season for Borges with thirteen minutes gone but Walter Montillo's missed penalty ten minutes later was to prove costly. Cruzeiro has Léo sent off for a second yellow card half way through the second half and Fabrício went for an arm into the face of Neymar in injury time but the second half was poor as Santos were happy to cling onto what they had. In Sete Lagoas, bottom of the table América-MG were on course for their fourth win of the season until a late Avaí comeback denied them. América-MG took the lead through Gilson with eight minutes gone and André Dias doubled the lead twenty minutes later. Avaí are also in relegation trouble but William pulled a goal back thirteen minutes from time and Cleverson levelled matters four minutes later.

On Sunday, Leandro Damião was the star at the Pacaembu as Internacional made it four without defeat against Palmeiras. Damião put Inter ahead with twenty four minutes gone but didn't get his second until seven minutes from time. He wrapped up a hat-trick in injury time to leave Palmeiras without a win in five. The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Engenhão as current Champions Fluminense took on league leaders Corinthians. In a similar game to the Saturday night offering one goal again separated the side as Fred's free kick half way through the first half took a wicked deflection off Ralf to wrong foot Júlio César in the Corinthians goal. As with Santos the night before, Fluminense were happy to stick to their lead and were nearly undone in injury time as Corinthians pressed forward for an equaliser. Up north at the Castelão, Ceará were two minutes away from win number eight of the season against Atléico-GO. The home side took the lead seven minutes before the break when Edídio put them ahead but Atlético-GO made it back to back draws when Felipe levelled. If results had gone their way Botafogo could have ended the week top of the table but they were humbled at Coritiba. Emerson put the home side ahead two minutes before the break and Marcos Aurélio doubled the lead from the spot ten minutes into the second half. Bill made it three nine minutes later, Rafinha got the fourth nine minutes from time and substitute Everton Costa put the icing on the cake two minutes from time.

Vasco da Gama were another side who could have gone top given the right results this weekend but they had to settle for a draw at Figueirense. Wellington Nem fourth goal in the last six games put Figueirense ahead with just four minutes on the clock but Vasco were level twelve minutes later courtesy of Fágner. The result though lifted Vasco to second and leaves them still with a chance of completing the league and cup double. Another frustrating night for Vanderlei Luxemburgo and Flamengo as they fell to a fourth straight defeat in Macaé against an Atlético-PR side they recently eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana. Heracles put Atlético-PR ahead six minutes before the break and Ecuadorian striker Joffre Guerrón doubled the lead a minute after the break. Guerrón then got himself sent off twenty minutes from time and when Welinton pulled a goal back eight minutes from time Flamengo had the chance to steal a point but Atlético-PR held on for what could be a vital win for them. São Paulo were yet another side to miss out on going top of the table when they fell to defeat to Grêmio at the Olímpico Monumental in Porto Alegre. One goal again enough to seperate the sides and it came twenty minutes into the second half when Douglas scored his fifth goal of the season. Atlético-MG hauled themselves out of the relegation zone and dropped Bahia into it after victory in the final game of the week in Sete Lagoas. Magno Alves put Atlético-MG ahead from the spot just before half time after Bahia had Paulo Miranda sent off for the challenge which conceded the spot kick. Magno Alves doubled his tally on the night, and took him into double figures for the season, when increased the Atlético-MG lead ten minutes into the second half.

Again this week proves what an unpredictable league this can be with only Vasco da Gama of the top four picking up any points over the weekend. The biggest surprise result of the weekend was probably Botafogo's defeat at Coritiba but Corinthians and São Paulo will be kicking themselves over not taking their chances. And there is also movement at the bottom of the table with Atlético-MG hauling themselves out of the relegation zone for the first time in a long time.

No midweek games with the first leg of the Copa Roca between Brazil and Argentina due to take place in Córdoba on Wednesday night. We're back next week with week 24. The line up like this with three derbies thrown into the mix as well.

Atlético Goianiense x Atlético Mineiro
Vasco da Gama x Grêmio
São Paulo x Ceará - LIVE on Premier Sports TV Saturday 10pm
Bahia x Fluminense
Atlético Paranaense x Figueirense
Avaí x Palmeiras - Delayed coverage on Premier Sports TV next Monday 1130pm
Botafogo x Flamengo
Corinthians x Santos
Cruzeiro x América Mineiro
Internacional x Coritiba

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 22

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

São Paulo briefly went top of the table despite an under par performance which saw them overcome Atlético-MG at the Morumbi in Rogério Ceni's 1000th career game for the club. São Paulo got off to a flier inside the opening sixty seconds when the ball ricocheted to Lucas Silva for him to place the ball into the bet. Atlético-MG levelled through Réver headed them level from a corner with ten minutes gone. The locals weren't happy at half time but it took one moment of magic from Dagoberto to secure the winner seven minutes after the break when his long range effort flew past Renan Ribeiro. Atlético-MG finished the game with ten men after a poor Leonardo Silva challenge saw him given a straight red card. Botafogo were top of the table for most of Wednesday evening when they took Ceará to the cleaners at the Engenhão. German Herrera set them on their way with five minutes gone and Ceará were reduced to ten me two minutes before the break after Fabrício managed to pick up two yellow cards in the space of three minutes. A second for Herrera thirteen minutes after the break doubled the lead and Sebastian Abreu put the result beyond doubt eighteen minutes from time. Substitute Cidinho put the icing on the cake seven minutes from time when he got the Alvinegro's fourth on the night. A blistering opening fourteen minutes was enough to put Internacional on track for victory over América-MG. Rodrigo Moledo got the opener with three minutes gone and after scoring the Brazil winner in London on Monday night, fresh off the plane Leandro Damião doubled the lead five minutes later. Andres D'Alessandro got the third from the penalty spot with fourteen minutes gone but André Dias pulled a goal back for América-MG ten minutes later. Oscar restored the three goal Inter advantage ten minutes before half time but a minute later Kempes pulled another back for Ceará. The second half, rather than six goals saw five yellow cards instead.

Despite having two games in hand, Santos are technically still in relegation trouble at the momemt but took a great step to pulling away after victory over Avaí at a damp Recassada. Avaí took the lead when Willam converted from the spot, after one of the most ridiculous penalty decisions in a good while following a blatant dive from Lincoln, twelve minutes before the break. Série A leading scorer Borges levelled for Santos twenty minutes from time when he rounded the keeper to slot home his fifteenth goal of the season and substitute Felipe Anderson climbed off the bench to get the Santos winner thirteen minutes from time. Palmeiras took their draw tally to doubled figures for the season after they twice let the lead slip at the Arena de Baixada against Atlético-PR. Henrique put Palmeiras ahead with fifteen minutes gone but Atlético-PR levelled ten minutes before the break through Joffre Guerrón. A minute later Atlético-PR had Cléber Santana sent off and nine minutes after the break Fernandão restored the Palmeiras lead. The second Atlético-PR leveller came nineteen minutes from time when Marcinho converted from the spot. Atlético-GO had to come from behind to claim a point at home to Figueirense. Wellington Nem but the visitors ahead with eleven minutes gone but the lead lasted just four minutes when Agenor levelled for Atlético-GO. Fluminense aren't out of the title race yet and victory in Uberlândia against Cruzeiro will have the top four looking over their shoulder. Fred put the Tricolor ahead from the spot eleven minutes before the break and Marquino doubled the lead just after the hour. Walter Montillo's twelth goal of the season nineteen minutes from time gave Cruzeiro hope but Fluminense held on.

Vasco da Gama remain in third after repeating their Copa Kia do Brasil success over Coritiba. Captain Juninho Pernambucano set Vasco on their way with half an hour gone with a trade mark free kick from 35 yards out. Vasco doubled their lead ten minutes after the break when Rômulo headed home after a corner. Grêmio aren't noted for their ability to win away from Porto Alegre so victory in Bahia was on their second on the road this season. Brandão headed Grêmio ahead with half an hour gone and six minutes later Damien Escudero doubled the lead after a Brandão header had hit the post. Bahia got back in the game on the hour when Souza converted from the penalty spot but Grêmio held on to take all three points. The biggest game of the week was the final game at the Pacaembu between Corinthians and Flamengo. Corinthians went into the game after having lost top spot to São Paulo the night before and things got worse when Deivid was left unmarked at the back post to put Flamengo ahead with half an hour gone. The Corinthians equaliser just after the hour was straight from the Tony Pulis play book, a long throw was partially cleared by Flamengo and the ball dropped to Liédson who struck from twelve yards out with the help of a little deflection. It looked like Flamengo would be taking a point back to Rio with them but a minute from time Liédson was left unmarked in the box and he volleyed home a winner to put them back to the top of the table going into week 23.

The action continues this weekend with Week 23

Santos x Cruzeiro -  Live on Premier Sports TV Saturday 10pm
América Mineiro x Avaí
Palmeiras x Internacional
Fluminense x Corinthians - Live on Premier Sports TV Sunday 8pm
Ceará x Atlético Goianiense
Coritiba x Botafogo
Figueirense x Vasco da Gama
Flamengo x Atlético Paranaense
Grêmio x São Paulo
Atlético Mineiro x Bahia

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

Copa Sudamericana - Week 6

Second Stage First Leg

Universidad Católica 2-1 Deportes Iquique

In Santiago the all Chilean clash between Universidad Católica and Deportes Iquique went the way of the home side. Universidad Católica sprang out of the blocks and by the time Milovan Mirosevic headed them ahead seven minutes before the break they had already hit the woodwork three times. Universidad Católica doubled their lead six minutes after the break when Enzo Andía's back header found the back of the net but Deportes Iquique gave themselves a chance for next week's return when Michael Rios fired home from the edge of the box.

Second Stage Second leg

Estudiantes 1-0 Arsenal
3-3 on points, Arsenal advances on goal difference
Godoy Cruz 0-0 Lanús
2-2 on points, Godoy Cruz advances on the away goal rule
Vélez Sarsfield 4-0 Argentinos Juniors
Vélez Sarsfield advances 4-1 on points

2007 Champions Arsenal made it into the Round of Sixteen despite defeat to the 2008 winners Estudiantes. Two goals down from the first leg, it took Estudiantes over an hour to reduce the deficit, Matias Sánchez firing home after the ball fell to him unmarked in the area. Four minutes later Mariano Gonzáles of Estudiantes was sent off for a second yellow card and although Estudiantes pressed they couldn't fine the goal to take it to penalties. They did though, have a strong case for a penalty eight minutes from time when Mauro Boselli was felled in the box but it was waved away by the referee. No goals in Mendoza as Godoy Cruz made it into the last sixteen on the back of their two away goals against Lanús last week. The nearest to a goal came in the twenty eight minute when Lanús struck the crossbar but both goalkeepers were on fine form as well. The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Estadio José Amalfitani as Vélez Sarsfield crusied into the last sixteen with a comfortable victory over Argentinos Juniors. Vélez took the lead with twenty three minutes gone when a great run from Juan Manuel Martínez set up Guillermo Franco to head home. They doubled the lead ten minutes after the break after poor passing at the back by Argentinos Juniors let in Augusto Fernandez and his shot looped into the goal. Fifteen minutes from time Martínez made it three from the penalty spot and six minutes from time Hector Canteros curled in a fourth to put the icing on the cake.

And the games come thick and fast next week

Second Stage First Leg

LDU Quito v Trujillanos
Nacional v Universidad de Chile
La Equidad v Libertad
Olimpia v Emelec
Santa Fe v Deportivo Cali

Second Stage Second Leg

Aurora v Nacional Asunción
Universitario v Anzoátegui - Live on Premier Sports TV - next Wednesday 2315
Deportes Iquique v Universidad Católica

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

10 ways Stracqualursi can emulate Tevez

New Everton signing Denis Stracqualursi has been in the British media banging on about how he can emulate countryman Carlos Tevez's time in the UK. By this, he meant something about scoring a bunch of goals and generally being regarded as a tidy player, but he should be careful how he says such things as Tevez hasn't exactly made himself popular with large sections of Britain's football public.
Here are 10 ways that Denis Stracqualursi could but probably shouldn't emulate Carlos Tevez.

10. Think that his agent has his best interests at heart rather than an already well-stuffed wallet.

9. Refuse to learn English.

8. Relegate Sheffield United.

7. Take months to score his first league goal.

6. Dive into the crowd on scoring that goal like he's just won the World Cup or something.

5. Piss off to Tenerife at every given opportunity, and some that aren't.

4. Bring club, league and game into disrepute with unresolved third-party ownership issues.

3. Impress potential future employers by scoring against them on the last day of the season.

2. Agitate for a move at every sodding transfer window before pledging allegiance to the club when no move arises as the window closes.

1. Feck off across the city to Liverpool at the first opportunity.

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 21

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

A week of shock results in the Brasileirão as being near the top of the league is a recipe for playing rubbish. In Volta Redonda, Atlético-GO's five game winning streak was ended by an incredible Fluminense comeback. Bida put Atlético-GO ahead with ten minutes gone and when Marcio converted from the spot just after the hour they were set up for six in a row. Substitute Rafael Sóbis pulled a goal back seven minutes from time and levelled the game four minutes later. You'd have though the Tricolor would have been happy with a point put they kicked Atléico-GO when they were down and former Goiás striker Rafael Moura got a winner in injury time. After getting out of the relegation zone after the midweek round, Avaí were soon hauled back in it after going down to fellow strugglers Atlético-MG in Sete Lagoas. An own goal from the unfortunate Arlan put Atlético-GO ahead with twenty minutes gone and they wrapped up their back to back wins ten minutes from time courtesy of Daniel Carvalho. The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Orlando Scarpelli as São Paulo closed the gap at the top of the table after victory over Figueirense. Cícero put São Paulo ahead three minutes before the break but Figueirense were level three minutes after the break when João Paulo struck. The visitors won it on the hour, veteran Rivaldo with the winner that lifted São Paulo into second in the table.

The form of Palmeiras continues to be a worry for Felipão as they collected their ninth draw of the season against Cruzeiro at the Pacaembu. Both goals came in the second half, Luan put Palmeiras ahead with twenty minutes to go but Walter Montillo's eleventh of the season five mintues from time gave Cruzeiro a point. The biggest shock result of the round came at the Engenhão as a Ronaldino Gáucho less Flamengo were thumped by Bahia. Titi put Bahia ahead with twenty two mintues on the clock but Renato Abreu levelled matters six minutes later. The game was level for just four minutes before Dodô restored the Bahia lead and they made sure of the points when Souza doubled their lead on the stroke of half time. Grêmio pushed Atlético-PR further into the relegation more as they cruised to a 4-0 home victory. Argentinian star Damián Escudero put Grêmio ahead with twenty minutes gone and André Lima doubled the lead twelve minutes later. A second of the night on the hour for André Lima made it three and he wrapped up a great night personally by completing his hat-trick from the spot six minutes later.

The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Couto Pereira in Curitiba on Sunday as the leaders Corinthians fell to defeat at Coritiba. The game wasn't a classic as referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio was dished out four yellow cards in the space of seven first half minutes. Corinthians looked happy to claim a point but were undone seventeen minutes from time when defender Jonas put Coritiba ahead. The introduction of Alex had put some spark into Corinthians and they were twice denied a point by the woodwork. Another surprise result in Sete Lagoas as bottom of the table América-MG claimed only their third win of the season when they thumped Vasco da Gama 4-1. André Dias put América-MG ahead with nineteen minutes gone but two minutes later Vasco captain Juninho Pernambucano levelled matters. América-MG went back ahead three minutes before the break when Kempes converted from the penalty spot. On the hour it was three, Marcos Rocha doubled the América-MG advantage before a second for André Dias put the icing on the cake four minutes from time. Finally at the Castelão it was honours even between Ceará and Internacional. The home side took the lead nine minutes before the break when Washington converted from the penalty spot. Inter were level a minute after the break when Jô got his first goal since arriving at the club from Manchester City.

The game between Santos and Botafogo was postponed due to international call ups by the CBF and will now take place at the Vila on October 19.

International break? Don't think so and we've yet another midweek round and they line up like this with the last game of the week at the Pacaembu on Thursday night the pick of the bunch.

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

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 20

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

Despite finishing the game with nine men and with other results going their way Corinthians extended their lead at the top of the table after victory over Grêmio at the Pacaembu. Corinthians went ahead after seventeen minutes when Chicão converted from the spot but five minutes before the break Douglas free kick levelled for the visitors. The home side restored their lead twenty minutes after the break through Paulihno and doubled their lead two minutes later when Ramon struck. A minute later Liédson was the first player to go and Grêmio cut the lead to one when André Lima hit back five minutes later. Twelve mintues from time Edenilson became the second player to go after a caution for time wasting but Corinthians clung on for a valuable win. Vasco da Gama paid tribute to ill coach Ricardo Gomes before a 3-1 victory over Ceará at the São Januário moved them into title contention. Elton put Vasco ahead six minutes after the break and Éder Luís doubled the lead ten minutes later. Washington got Ceará back in the game four minutes later but Vasco immediately hit back through Elton to secure victory. Cruzeiro's two game winning streak was ended when Figueirense claimed the points with a 4-2 victory in Ipatinga. Julio Cesar put the visitors ahead just before the half hour and Elias doubeld the lead ten minutes before the break. Charles pulled a goal back from Cruzeiro three minutes later but Wellington Nem restored the two goal advantage five minutes after the break. A second for Julio Cesar eight minutes later made the game safe and a second for Charles two minutes after was little more than consolation for Cruzeiro.

Atlético-GO are the form team in the competition at the moment when they made it five victories in a row after defeating Coritibta at the Serra Dourada. A penalty from Marcio eleven minutes before the break set Atlético-GO on their way and an own goal from Pereira doubled their advantage on the hour. Coritiba gave themselves a chance with four minutes to go when Anderson Aquino halved the deficit but Anselmo settled Atlético-GO nerves with the third in injury time. In the big relegation zone clash at the Arena de Baixada, Atlético-MG produced a resolute display to snatch all three points against Atlético-PR. One goal was enough for Atlético-MG and it came from a Mancini penalty twenty minutes from time. The result moves Atlético-MG above Atlético-PR in the league standings. São Paulo lost ground in the title race when they fell to a surprising home defeat to current champions Fluminense. Manuel Lanzini put Fluminense ahead with seventeen mintues gone and Rafael Sobis doubled the lead with twenty six minutes left. A penalty from Rogério Ceni gave São Paulo hope with sixteen minutes left but the dismissal of Jean eight minutes from time left them with too much to do to claim a point. Botafogo are now right in title contention after they defeated a Palmeiras side which has recently become inconsistent. German Herrera put Botafogo ahead at the Engenhão with just three minutes gone and twenty minutes later Gustavo doubled the lead. Maicosuel made it three just after the hour and Marcos Assunçao's injury time goal for Palmeiras was little more than consolation.

At the Beira-Rio, Santos pulled off a stunning late comeback to deny Internacional all three points. The meeting of the last two Libertadores winners started well for the 2010 winners when Bolívar put them ahead with eight minutes gone. Ten minutes later a ninth goal of the season for Leandro Damião doubled the lead and when Oscar scored past his own goalkeeper with nineteen minutes left you would have though that was that. The Brasileirão's leading scorer Borges sparked the fightback with fifteen minutes to go and Alan Kardec got a second for Santos five minutes later. The comeback was completed by the current Libertadores champions five minutes from time when Borges got his fourteenth goal of the campaign to stun the home fans. Flamengo were another side to lose pace in the title race when they fell to defeat to Avaí at the Recassada. Robinho put Avaí ahead with just three minutes gone but Flamengo went into the break on level terms thanks to Ronaldinho Gáucho's eleventh goal of the season in the 37th minute - and what a goal, direct from a corner and he clearly meant it. Lincoln restored the Avaí lead with twenty mintues left and substitute Rafael Coelho doubled the lead two minutes later. A second from Ronaldhino Gáucho two minutes from time gave Avaí a nervy ending but they held on haul themselves out of the relegation zone for the first time this year and hampered the title hopes of Flamengo. On Thursday night the final game of the week took place in Salvador as Bahia fell into the relegation zone after a 0-0 draw with cellar dwellers América-MG. The game was a poor advert for the Brasileirão with little on show from both teams and it could well be a long second half of the season as both teams try to fight the drop to Série B in 2012.

And a full round to keep you going this weekend with week 21. Only 9 games taking place though as the CBF have postponed the Santos x Botafogo game due to the number of players from Santos involved in the Brazil friendly against Ghana on Monday night in London. That was to be the Sunday game on Premier Sports TV but now the action will come from Coritiba instead.

Otherwise they line up like this

Fluminense x Atlético Goianiense
Atlético Mineiro x Avaí
Figueirense x São Paulo - LIVE on Premier Sports TV - Saturday 10pm Palmeiras x Cruzeiro
Flamengo x Bahia
Grêmio x Atlético Paranaense
Coritiba x Corinthians - LIVE on Premier Sports TV - Sunday 8pm
América Mineiro x Vasco da Gama
Ceará 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

Copa Sudamericana week 5

Second Stage First Leg

Nacional Asunción 1-1 Aurora
Arsenal 2-0 Estudiantes
Lanús 2-2 Godoy Cruz
Argentinos Juniors 0-0 Vélez Sarsfield
Anzoátegui 1-2 Universitario

The weeks action got underway in Asunción as Nacional entertained Aurora of Bolivia. The visitors took a shock lead with just six minutes on the clock Aquilano Villalba headed the visitors ahead. The second half started badly for the visitors when Villalba got himself sent off and half way through the second half Aurora keeper Pablo Lanz fumbled a cross and Javier González was on hand to level the tie. In Avellaneda, Arsenal put themselves into a commanding position against fellow Argentinians Estudiantes. Arsenal took the lead five minutes after the break when Leandro Benítez diverted a free kick into his own net. Cristian Trombetta doubled the Arsenal lead fifteen minutes from time when he headed home a free kick.

The Premier Sports TV viewers got the game of the week as Lanús needed a late late goal against Godoy Cruz to snatch a draw. Lanús took the lead with nineteen minutes gone when Diego González headed home from a corner but Godoy Cruz levelled seven minutes later when German Voboril's stunning 35 yard strike flew into the back of the net. Eleven minutes before the break and Godoy Cruz were ahead and it was an even more stunning 35 yarder from Álvaro Navarro the put them ahead. Lanús levelled two minutes into injury time when Juan Neira slid in at the back post to level things up in the tie. No goals at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona as an out of form Argentinos Juniors held current Clausura champions Vélez Sarsfield. Much like in Brazil it isn't a competition the Argentinian clubs take seriously and an under strength Vélez side could not break down their stubborn opponents to leave it all to play for in the return leg next week. In Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui's first appearance at this stage of the competition ended in disappointment when they went down 2-1 to Universitario of Peru. Alvaro Ampuero put Universitario ahead with half an hour gone and Johan Fano doubled the lead five minutes after the break. The Venezuelan side got themselves back in the game fifteen minutes from time when Armando Maita got them back into the game but it's an uphill task for Anzoátegui in Lima in a fortnights time.

Next week in the Copa Sudamericana

Second Stage First Leg:
Universidad Católica v Deportes Iquique

Second Stage Second Leg:
Estudiantes v Arsenal
Godoy Cruz v Lanús
Vélez Sarsfield v Argentinos Juniors

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