Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 32

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

The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Pacaembu on Saturday night as the Neymar show gave Santos all three points against Atlético-PR. Santos were ahead inside two minutes when Neymar converted from the spot and he had a second controversially ruled out just before the break. They were made to pay six minutes into the second half when Joffre Guerrón levelled for the visitors. Two minutes later a second penalty from Neymar restored the Santos lead and he completed his hat-trick two minutes later. A fourth with twenty minutes to go crowned off a night for the young super star. Botafogo remain in title contention after an edgy and nervy victory over Cruzeiro at the Engenhão. A goal nine minutes after the break from Uruguayan Sebastian Abreu enough to separate the sides. Cruzeiro though are still looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone below them. Fluminense are still in with a shout of retaining their title after coming from behind to win at Ceará. Felipe Azevedo put the home side ahead with seven minutes on the clock but Rafael Sóbis levelled for Fluminense after half an hour. A draw wasn`t really good enough for Flu but a second for Rafael Sóbis on the hour won it for the Tricolor.

With the Premier Sports TV cameras witnessing a goal less draw between Vasco da Gama and São Paulo, Corinthians took full advantage to go back top of the table after victory over Avaí at the Pacaembu. They did it the hard way though after falling behing to a twelfth minute goal from Robinho and suffering the dismissal of Leandro Castan five minutes into the second half. Emerson levelled matters just after the hour and home fans went wild when Liédson put them ahead with twelve minutes to go. The title challenge of Flamengo is almost over after they threw away a two goal in at Grêmio. Deivid put Flamengo ahead with 23 minutes gone and when Thiago Neves doubled the lead eleven minutes later you could think that was job done. André Lima pulled a goal back four minutes before the break and his second levelled matters five minutes into the second half. Dougles capped the Grêmio fightback eleven minutes from time before Argentinian Ezequiel Miralles came off the bench to seal it with a fourth six minutes from time. Figueirense will be in the top flight next year after coming from behind to defeat Bahia. After a score less first half Diones put Bahia ahead nine minutes after the break but they led for less than sixty seconds before Fernandes levelled matters. A second for Fernandes half way through the second half won it for Figueirense.

Palmeiras in grave danger of being sucked into the relegation fight and defeat in Sete Lagoas against Atlético-MG will not help matters. Neto Berola put Atlético-MG ahead eight minutes before the break and Fillipe Soutto doubled the lead on the hour. Then Palmeiras has Maurício Ramos and Chilean Jorge Valdivia sent off within a minute of each other before the nine men got a consolation goal from Luan seven minutes from time. Coritiba hit the 45 point mark and all but secured their place in next years top flight after a 3-1 victory which pushed América-MG closer to the relgation zone. América-MG took the lead through Kempes with sixteen minutes gone but Rafinha levelled for Coritiba three minutes later. Four minute later Davi put Coritiba ahead and they sealed victory five minutes from time when Jeci got the third. Internacional remain dark horses to snatch the last Libertadores spot after they claimed a great victory at the Serra Dourada against Atlético-GO. One goal was enough to win it for Inter and it came on the hour from Kleber. The win leaves Inter two points behind Fluminense who currently lie fourth.

Six games left and still an awful lot to be sorted in the Brasileirão and week 33 takes place next weekend. They line up like this

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

Copa Sudamericana week 13

Santa Fe 4-1 Botafogo
Santa Fe advances 4-1 on points
Vasco da Gama 8-3 Aurora
3-3 on points, Vasco da Gama advances on goal difference
Libertad 2-0 São Paulo
3-3 on points, Libertad advances on goal difference
Universidad de Chile 1-0 Flamengo
Universidad de Chile advances 6-0 on points

The Round of 16 finally came to a close this midweek as the final four ties were settled. The Tuesday game saw Botafogo of Brazil put all their eggs in the Brasileirão basket when they sent a reserve side to Colombia to take on Santa Fe. Level on aggregate from the first leg at the Engenhão four weeks ago it took Santa Fe just two minutes to go ahead on the night and on aggregate, Óscar Rodas striking for the home side and six minutes later Omar Pérez doubled the lead. It got worse for Botafogo on the stroke of half time when Leo scored into his own net and a second for Rodas just after the hour put the icing on the cake. Alexandre Oliveira got a consolation goal for the visitors three minutes from time but the misery was piled on further when Alex got himself stupidly sent off in injury time. Santa Fe will now face Vélez in the last eight.

Brazilian league leaders Vasco da Gama were a team still taking things seriously as they sent out a full strength side to try and claw a two goal deficit back against Aurora of Bolivia at the São Januário. Vasco struck first with just nine minutes on the clock when Bernardo reduced the aggregate deficit to one but seven minutes later the visitors levelled, Augusto Andaveris with the goal. Nine minutes before the break Aurora suffered a blow when Gonzalo Galindo was sent off for a second yellow card and by half time the tie was completely level thanks to two goals from Alecsandro. Vasco went ahead for the second time in the tie when Leandro scored four minutes after the break and it seemed Vasco were on their way to the last eight when Juninho Pernambucano converted from the spot twenty minutes from time. Two minutes later though, the tie was on again and Aurora were a goal away from qualifying after Doinedes Peña converted from the spot but a second from Bernardo eight minutes later gave Vasco breathing space again. Four minutes later Dougles made it seven on the night but Aurora didn't give up and Ronald Segovia got their third on the night three minutes from time. The scoring wasn't done their though as Allan got Vasco's eighth in injury time to see them through to a last eight tie with Universitario of Peru.

In Asunción, new São Paulo coach Emerson Leão was in charge for the first time and with their league form wavering this competition probably represented their best change of securing any Libertadores football at the Morumbi next year. It meant a pretty full strength team appeared in Asunción but Libertad were not in the mood for taking any prisoners. A stupid foul from Luís Fabiano gave Libertad the chance to take the lead from the spot with just ten minutes gone and Sergio Aquino smashed the ball past Rogério Ceni to level the tie on aggregate. Libertad were dominant and São Paulo couldn't get back into the game at all the the home side wasted opportunities to go ahead on the night and in the tie. They finally went ahead in the tie half way through the second half when José Nuñez sent the home crowd into raptures. An away goal would have put São Paulo through but Libertad held on and they face LDU Quito in the last eight.

The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the National Stadium in Santiago as Flamengo were faced with overturning a four goal deficit from the last week's first leg against Universidad de Chile at the Engenhão. Shares in Azul Azul, who own and manage the Chilean club, surged after last weeks success and they will have gone even higher after a 1-0 victory last night put them into the last eight. Flamengo, still in a fight for top spot in the Brasileirão, knew their goose was cooked and they sent a reserve side for the game and Vanderlei Luxemburgo only named four players on the bench as they prioritised Saturday's trip to Porto Alegre to face Grêmio. Universidad were on top from the start and the inexperienced Flamengo side struggled to find their feet and it was no surprise when Marcelo Diaz put the home side ahead half way through the first half. It was a superb goal, Eduardo Vargas with the lay off and Diaz beat Paulo Victor from twenty five yards out. Universidad continued to press but the Flamengo defence held firm under the pressure but it's the Chilean side who progress to take on Arsenal in the last eight.

The Quarter Finals get underway next week, at the time of writing CONMEBOL have yet to confirm the schedule for next week but all games, if possible, will be covered live by Premier Sports TV

They line up like this
Vélez Sarsfield v Santa Fe
LDU Quito v Libertad
Universidad de Chile v Arsenal
Universitario v Vasco da Gama

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

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 31

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

It's now six games without a win for Palmeiras as they crashed to defeat against Figueirense at the Candidé. Figueirense's leading scorer Wellington Nem set them on their way in the tenth minute and Julio Cesar doubled the lead fourteen minutes from time. A goal in injury time from Ricardo Bueno was scant consolation for Palmeiras as Felipão must now worry about his future at the club. The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Engenhão on Saturday as Fluminense, missing Fred and Rafael Moura, saw their title challenge dented by struggling Atlético-MG. Despite having the lions share of possession the home side went behind after ten minutes when Daniel Carvalho converted from the spot. André made it two from a set piece just before half time and Fluminense were wondering how they were two down. Atlético-MG were happy to hang on to their lead in the second half and as frustration got the better of the home side Leandro Euzébio was sent off eight minutes from time. Botafogo blew their chance to go top of the table for at least 24 hours when they let a lead slip against Avaí. Sebastian Abreu put Botafogo ahead with just nine minutes gone but Robinho levelled on the quarter hour and two minutes later Cleverson put Avaí ahead. Renato got Botafogo back on level terms after the hour but they had Lucas sent off eight minutes from time. Three minutes later Avaí got what could be three vital points in their relegation fight when Robert grabbed a winner to send the home fans home happy.

The final Saturday game in Sete Lagoas saw bottom of the table América-MG come from behind to claim a point against Grêmio. The home side went ahead with ten minutes gone through Thiago Carleto but André Lima got Grêmio level eleven minutes before the break. A second from André Lima put Grêmio ahead seven minutes after the break and they were three minutes from a rare away win until Anderson got the leveller for América-MG. Sunday started with a goal less draw at the Morumbi as São Paulo's title challenge looks to be all but over after Coritiba got the point they came for. It's seven games now since São Paulo put a notch in the W column as Coritiba edge towards safety. Atlético-PR did their relegation fight the power of good as they dragged Ceará into the relegation dog fight after a single goal victory at the Arena de Baixada. Talisman Paulo Baier got the only goal of the game just after the half hour mark to give Atlético-PR hope in their fight against the drop. The result also meant Ceará finished the weekend in the relegation zone. The Premier Sports TV cameras made the trip north to Salvador as Bahia took on title chasing Vasco da Gama. Felipe put Vasco ahead half way through the first half when his looping shot found the back of the net. Bahia had their chances to get level as Vasco began to live on their nerves a little but they secured victory in injury time when Diego Souza got their second to take the top of the table.

Corinthians dropped off the top of the table after they needed a late late goal to snatch a point at the Beira-Rio against Internacional. Corinthians were reduced to ten men four minutes before the break after Alessandro was sent off and Internacional took advantage of the extra man half way through the second half when Nei gave them the lead. Three minutes from time it was ten a side after Argentinian star Andres D'Alessandro was sent off for a second yellow card and then Alex popped with the a dramtic injury time leveller for Corinthians. These teams produced a nine goal thriller back at the Vila in June and there was no repeat at the Engenhão as it finished honours even between Flamengo and Santos. The visitors took the lead three minutes after the break when Neymar converted from the spot after Alan Kardec had been upended in the area. Flamengo levelled thirteen minutes from time when Deivid header from a Júnior Cesar cross went in off the posts. Flamengo are still in the title hunt but are now five points off the pace. Cruzeiro hauled themselves away from the relegation zone when they picked up their first win since week 19 after victory over Atlético-GO in Sete Lagoas. Thiago Feltri put Atlético-GO ahead with just ten minutes gone but Argentinian Ernesto Farias levelled for Cruzeiro four minutes before the break. When Felipe restored the Atlético-GO lead half way through the second half it seemed Cruzeiro's long run with victory was going to continue but two goals in the space of four minutes from Anselmo Ramon put they head for the first time and they held on to claim the victory.

In other news, Portuguesa will return to the top flight for the first time since 2008 after guaranteed promotion after a 3-2 away victory at Americana.

No midweek games as the Copa Sudamericana takes preference so with seven games to go they line up like this

Santos x Atlético Paranaense - LIVE on Premier Sports TV Saturday 9pm
Botafogo x Cruzeiro
Ceará x Fluminense
Corinthians x Avaí
Vasco da Gama x São Paulo - Coverage on Premier Sports TV
Grêmio x Flamengo
Figueurense x Bahia
Atlético Mineiro x Palmeiras
Coritiba x América Mineiro
Atlético Goianiense 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 12

Round of 16, first leg


São Paulo 1-0 Libertad
Flamengo 0-4 Universidad de Chile

Luís Fabiano is back in a São Paulo shirt, seven years after embarking on his European adventure with Porto and Sevilla. This was game number four for the striker in his second spell with his home-town club and goal number one, the lone strike enough to hand São Paulo the advantage over Libertad of Paraguay. With time running out at the Morumbi, Fabiano pulled the ball down expertly on his chest and cracked it left-footed into the roof of the net.
Fellow Brazilians Flamengo are staring down the barrel having been comprehensively outplayed at home by Universidad de Chile. It started badly enough as a long-range shot from José Manuel Rojas was turned onto the post by Fla keeper Felipe, but it came back, struck Felipe on the back of the legs and went in for a most unfortunate own goal. Fifteen minutes later and Fla were down to ten as Airton was sent off for a challenge on Osvaldo González and by half-time they were three down as Eduardo Vargas bagged two late in the half. The first owed much to the work of Eugenio Mena down the left, but the second was all Vargas who created havoc in the defence with some direct running and a good show of strength. The numbers were levelled up five minutes into the second half as Francisco Castro was sent off for a foul on Willians, but Fla couldn't find a way back into the match and it was put to bed with twenty to go as Univ. de Chile hit a fourth when some dizzying passing around the Flamengo box ended with Gustavo Lorenzetti getting bored and just smashing it past a statuesque Felipe.

Round of 16, second leg

Arsenal 3-2 Olimpia
Arsenal advance 4-1 on points
Universitario 1-1 Godoy Cruz
Universitario advance 3-2 on penalties
Vélez Sarsfield 1-1 Universidad Católica
Vélez advance 4-1 on points

After a goalless draw in Asunción, Arsenal were always favourites to progress in the return leg at Avellande and, for most of the first half, it looked like being a cruise. Cristian Trombetta thumped in a rocket of a header from 12 yards on the quarter hour to put Arsenal ahead and a delightful lob from Emilio Zelaya doubled the lead five minutes later. Back came Olimpia though and it was 2-2 by the interval as Pablo Zeballo struck twice. The first was a brilliant free-kick from 20 yards while the second was pure predator, swooping on a parried save by Arsenal keeper Cristian Campestrini. Five minutes from time and Gustavo Blanco headed what proved to be the winner, albeit from the most offside position you could wish to see. The travelling support were justifiably aggrieved, but it's Arsenal who progress.
One apiece in Mendoza three weeks ago and one apiece in Callao this week meant Universitario and Godoy Cruz needed a penalty shoot-out to decide their tie. Before that, Israel Damonte put Godoy ahead on the stroke of half-time with a bullet header. Heading down the stretch, that looked like being decisive until Andy Polo's looping header took Godoy keeper Sebastian Torrico out of the equation and levelled the scores. In the shoot-out, Leandro Caruso went first and put Godoy ahead, but Alberto Gálvan equalised with Universitario's first. Jorge Curbelo made it 2-1 before Martin Morel missed to hand Godoy the advantage. Ariel Rojas couldn't make the advantage stick as he missed, but so did Pablo Vitti with Universitario's third. The miss-a-thon continued as Nicolas Sanchez wasted Godoy's fourth which allowed Raúl Ruidíaz to level it up at 2-2. Damonte missed Godoy's fifth which allowed Jesus Rabanal to step up and send Universitario through 3-2.
The damage was done for Vélez in the first leg with a 2-0 in Santiago and the return leg saw them retain the control over Chile's Universidad Católica established there. Gonzalo Sepúlveda's 25-yarder pulled one back for La Católica, but Vélez didn't panic and sealed the deal with a late header from Fernando Ortiz to send them into the quarter-finals.


Next week sees more second leg ties from the Round of 16 and here's how they line up:

Santa Fe x Botafogo
Vasco da Gama x Aurora
Libertad x São Paulo
Universidad de Chile x Flamengo - at time of writing, scheduled for coverage by Premier Sports TV. Check website for further details.

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

Brasileirão Petrobras Week 21 - Catch Up

Santos 2-0 Botafogo

Last night at the Vila, Botafogo missed out on the chance to go top of the Brasileirão after a 2-0 defeat against Santos in the Week 21 catch up game last night. Neymar, with his new haircut, put Santos ahead with a quarter of an hour gone after a twisting run saw him beat international colleague Jefferson in the bottom corner. Thirteen minutes later and the hosts were two goals to the good, Borges with this 22nd goal of the season after his volley flew past the help less Jefferson from twenty yards out.

The victory for Santos lifts them to eleventh in the standings but Botafogo will be regretting their missed opportunity to go top. They remain in third two points behind Corinthians and Vasco da Gama but crucially now their game in hand has gone.

Don't forget week 31 takes place this weekend and they line up like this. Please note there has been a change to the advertised game on Sunday as well.

Palmeiras x Figueirense
Fluminense x Atlético Mineiro - Live on Premier Sports TV - Saturday 9pm
Avai x Botafogo
América Mineiro x Grêmio
São Paulo x Coritiba
Internacional x Corinthians
Atlético Paranaense x Ceará
Bahia x Vasco da Gama - Coverage on Premier Sports TV
Flamengo x Santos
Cruzeiro 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

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 30

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

On Saturday Figueirense more of less guaranteed a second season in the top flight when they came from behind to push América-MG closer to Série B. Rodriguinho put América-MG ahead eight minutes before the break but Julio Cesar levelled half way through the second half. One point was better than none for América-MG but ten minutes from time Julio Cesar picked up his second of the game to give Figueirense all three points. The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Castelão to see a goal and three red cards as Flamengo kept up their title challenge. The only goal of the game came five minutes before the break courtesy of Deivid's eleventh of the season. The fun began five minutes after the break when Ronaldinho Gáucho was sent off for kicking out and he was followed less than sixty seconds later by Heleno of Ceará in a separate incident. The third red card came in injury time and the home side were reduced to nine when Osvaldo was dismissed. The clocks went forward overnight and on Sunday the Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Candidé as Fluminense remain in the hunt to retain their title after victory over Palmeiras. Fred continued his good form when he put Fluminense ahead with ten minutes gone but Palmeiras got on level terms seventeen minutes from time when Jorge Valdivia converted from the spot. Fluminense were desperate for a win and they got a winner five minutes from time when Fred was left unmarked at the back post to make it a double on the night and five goals in his last two games.

Grêmio brushed aside their recent home troubles when they went to the Vila and returned with all three points from their trip to Santos. A twentieth minute penalty from Damien Escudero was enough to give the Tricolor all three points and more or less guarantees them safety. That can't be said for Santos who are still in danger of the dreaded drop to Série B. Botafogo are also right in the title chase, and if they win their game in hand on Wednesday could go into Week 31 top of the pile, after they disposed of and Atlético-PR side still stuck in the relegation zone. Antônio Carlos put the Alvinegro ahead with seventeen minutes gone and a coolly taken penalty from Sebastian Abreu ten minutes from time wrapped up the points. Avaí will be kicking themselves after giving away a lead at the Beira-Rio against Internacional to stay deep in the relegation zone. Robinho put Avaí ahead with eight minutes gone and they held that lead until eight minutes after the break when Andres D'Alessandro levelled for Inter. When Avaí's leading scorer William converted from the spot with eighteen minutes to go to collect his 13th goal of the season the Florianopólis club were in good holes. But Inter struck back and blew the visitors away with three quick goals, a second of the night from D'Alessandro levelled matters with thirteen minutes left and Kleber put Inter ahead two minutes later. The cruellest blow came seven minutes from time when Nei struck to give Inter a two goal advantage and all three points.

Cruzeiro are still in danger of relegation after Corinthians remained top of the league with a single goal victory in Sete Lagoas. Paulinho got the vital strike for Corinthians half way through the second half but it was tough going for them as Cruzeiro threw the kitchen sink in search of an equaliser to drag them away from the relegation zone. Vasco da Gama kept up the heat on Corinthians, only games won separates them at the moment, after they left Atlético-MG in the last relegation spot with victory at the São Januário. Vasco were ahead inside two minutes through Elton and Fágner doubled the lead with just eighteen minutes gone and Vasco went into cruise control. Atlético-MG finished the game with ten men after Serginho Mineiro was sent off on the hour after a second bookable offence. No goals at the Couto Pereira as Coritiba and Bahia produced a dour game. It's a second straight score less draw for Bahia but they are still having to look over their shoulder at the relegation zone. Finally São Paulo's title charge seems to be over after they were thumped at the Serra Dourada against Atlético-GO. The home side took the lead with twenty six minutes gone through Gilson and they doubled their lead on the hour through Felipe. Anselmo wrapped things up with a third twenty minutes from time to give them the win that more or less guarantees their place in the top flight next year.

This week the final catch up games takes place on Wednesday night.

Santos x Botafogo

Some clubs are in Copa Sudamericana action this midweek but they will be back for Week 31 next weekend and they line up like this

Palmeiras x Figueirense
Fluminense x Atlético Mineiro - Live on Premier Sports TV - Saturday 9pm
Avai x Botafogo
América Mineiro x Grêmio
São Paulo x Coritiba
Internacional x Corinthians - Coverage on Premier Sports TV
Atlético Paranaense x Ceará
Bahia x Vasco da Gama
Flamengo x Santos
Cruzeiro x Atlético Goianiense

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
Starting this week on Premier Sports TV - The NHL featuring SIX live games
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 08716639000

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 29

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

No goals at the Morumbi as São Paulo's title challenge faltered again against Internacional. It was a missed opportunity for São Paulo to get further into the title shake up while alse stalling a late run at a Libertadores spot for Inter. Grêmio fell to a fourth home defeat of the season as Figueirense all but guaranteed their spot in the top flight for next year after a 3-1 victory in the Olímpico. Aloisio put the visitors ahead twelve minutes before the break and the home fans were stunned further three minutes later when Elias doubled the lead. Grêmio got back into the game halfway through the second half when Edcarlos scored but Wellington Nem restored the two goal Figueirense cushion sixteen minutes from time. Avaí's fight against relegation continues but they needed a late late goal in order to salvage a point against Atlético-GO. It all started well for the home side when William put them ahead with seventeen minutes gone but they were behind by half time. Anselmo with the equaliser ten minutes before the break before the go ahead goal from Vítor Júnior six minutes later. Atlético-GO had Agenor sent off fifteen minutes from time and Avaí salvaged a point when William kept his cool to convert from the spot in the final minute. Bottom of the table América-MG picked up only their fourth, and biggest, win of the season when they took Ceará to the cleaners in Sete Lagoas. Fábio Júnior put América-MG ahead with twenty four minutes gone but it took until the midway point of the second half to double their lead when substitute Rodriguinho struck. Gilson made it three for América-MG eleven minutes from time but another substitute Felipe Azevedo pulled a goal back three minutes later. América-MG were not to be denied and got the fourth goal their performance deserved from Leo in injury time.

Going top of the league seems to be a curse for Corinthians as they fell to defeat against Botafogo at the Pacaembu. Uruguayan talisman Sebastian Abreu put Botafogo ahead with eleven minutes gone and Maicosuel doubled the lead just after the half hour. Despite having Bruno Cortês sent off after an hour Botafogo held on and now lie just two points behind Corinthians in the standings. Meanwhile back at the Engenhão, Flamengo remain within touching distance of the title despite letting a lead slip against Palmeiras. After a score less first half Flamengo took the lead ten minutes after the break when Thiago Neves got his seventh of the season. Palmeiras, whose preparation for the game had been over shadowed after João Vítor had been attacked by fans the day before, levelled eight minutes later through Maikon Leite. The fall out from the Vítor incident will rumble on as Kléber will be unlikely to play for the club again after falling out with the directors over the handling of the incident. The final game on Wednesday night finished goal less in Salvador as Cruzeiro did little to help their current relegation plight against Bahia. The point keeps Bahia eight points clear of the drop zone while Cruzeiro will be looking nervously over their shoulders.

Fluminense's late charge to retain their title gathered momentum again on Thursday night when they defeated Coritiba at the Engenhão. After much speculation about his future in the Seleção Fred answered his critics with a match winning hat trick. He put the Tricolor ahead with twenty four minutes gone but they were pegged back on the stroke of half time by Marcos Aurélio. The former Olympique Lyonnais striker restored the Fluminense advantage eighteen minutes from time before completing the scoring three minutes later. Atlético-MG moved to within touching distance of safety after they defeated nine man Santos in Sete Lagoas. Réver put Atlético-MG ahead with just six minutes on the clock but they were pegged back four minutes after the break when the Série A leading scorer Borges converted from the spot. Santos has Crystian sent off in the incident that let to Magno Alves penalty which won the game and then Neymar was sent off six minutes from time for a second bookable offence. After the Corinthians slip up the previous night, Vasco da Gama blew their chance to back top of the table. They also had to come from a two goal deficit at the Arena de Baixada against Atlético-PR. Paulo Baier put the home side ahead with fifteen minutes gone and the Ecuadorian Joffre Guerron doubled the lead eight minutes later. Elton halved the Atlético-PR lead midway through the second half and his second rescued a point for Vasco eight minutes from time. Corinthians now remain top of the table by virtue of games won.

This weekend is Round 30 and they line up like this:

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

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK Coming soon to Premier Sports TV, 10 live games a week from the NHL You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000

Copa Sudamericana week 11

Independiente 1-0 LDU Quito
3-3 on points, LDU Quito advances on goal difference

The Premier Sports TV cameras were present to witness holders Independiente make an exit at their first stage of the competition after failing to overcome a two goal first leg deficit against 2009 champions LDU Quito of Ecuador. The home side made nine changes from the team beaten in Quito a fortnight ago as they went for all out attack in order to try and progress into the last eight. The only goal of the game came on the stroke of half time when a deflected shot from Leonel Núñez found the back of the net. In the second half Independiente pushed for the second goal that would take the tie to a penalty shoot out but the LDU Quito defence was strong and frustration got the better of the home side when Fernando Godoy was shown a straight red card three minutes from time for a poor challenge on Claudio Bieler.
LDU Quito will now face the winner of the tie between São Paulo of Brazil and Libertad of Paraguay in the quarter finals.

Next week

Round of Sixteen First Leg

São Paulo v Libertad - LIVE on Premier Sports TV
Flamengo v Universidad de Chile

Round of Sixteen Second Leg
Arsenal v Olimpia
Universitario v Godoy Cruz
Vélez Sarsfield v Universidad Católica

Premier Sports TV is the home of South American football in the UK
Coming soon to Premier Sports TV, 10 live games a week from the National Hockey League
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000

On the (short) road to Brazil

With Brazil hosting the 2014 World Cup, the single-pool South American qualifying competition is reduced to nine countries. The top four still qualify and potentially a fifth after a play-off against the fifth-ranked team from the Asian qualifying competition. It all got underway last weekend and here's how it went down.

Round 1

Uruguay 4-2 Bolivia
Ecuador 2-0 Venezuela
Argentina 4-1 Chile
Peru 2-0 Paraguay

New South American champions Uruguay got off to a flying start with a comfortable win over the one side unlikely to make a push for the top five, Bolivia. Luis Suárez fired La Celeste ahead as early as the fourth minute, scrambling the ball home from a corner. Though Rudy Cardozo levelled up 14 minutes later, swooping on a lovely chipped through-ball, Uruguay were back in full control by half-time as Diego Lugano and Edinson Cavani established something of a buffer. Lugano's looping header was too good for Bolivian keeper Carlos Arias and Cavani converted a deep cross with a stooping header for 3-1. Arias came and missed a cross 18 minutes from time allowing Lugano to prod home from a couple of feet. A late penalty from Marcelo Martins was nothing but consolation. Argentina also hit four in destroying Chile with Gonzalo Higuaín bagging a hat-trick. The Real Madrid striker fired his side in front in the 8th minute as Chile were caught out by a swift counter-attack. The finish was measured and precise. He turned provider for the second, slipping a lovely ball through for his captain Lionel Messi to make it 2-0 before being the poacher again shortly after the break for the third with a nice finish on the turn. Matias Fernandez took advantage of some flap merchanting from Argentina keeper Mariano Andújar to pull one back, but Higuaín had the last word with his third, laid on a plate for him by Messi.
Elsewhere, 2-0 home wins were order of the day. Venezuelan coach César Farías left out a few of his bigger players for the trip to Quito - perhaps a calculated risk with the game at home to Argentina just a few days later. Jaime Avoyí put Ecuador ahead after quarter of an hour, being the first to react after a shot came back off the post to him and Cristian Benítez doubled the lead just before the half hour mark with another header. The Venezuelan defence - without Fernando Amorebieta and Roberto Rosales - were all at sea for both. And the Vinotinto ended with ten men after José Manuel Rey's second booking late on. Two second-half goals from SV Hamburg forward Paolo Guerrero earned Peru all three points from their home clash with Paraguay. He capitalised on good work from Jefferson Farfán for the first, but still had work to do to weave through three defenders and finish low from a tight angle. The second owed to the persistence of Claudio Pizarro who worked his way to the byeline and dug out a cross which found Guerrero unmarked six yards out. The question now is how Hamburg get their player, who has a Dennis Bergkamp/BA Baracus-esque fear of flying, back to Germany for next weekend's Bundesliga clash.


Round 2


Bolivia 1-2 Colombia
Paraguay 1-1 Uruguay
Chile 4-2 Peru
Venezuela 1-0 Argentina

On an historic night in Puerto La Cruz, La Vintinto recorded their first ever win against Argentina. And good value for it they were, though Alex Sabella's men did look jaded after a 4000 mile trip from Buenos Aires up to the far north of the continent. Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amoerbieta was the hero, heading in the only goal of the game from Juan Arango's corner - Arango making his 100th appearance for his country - on the hour. Game of the night was in Santiago in a quite scintillating game between two of the continents great entertainers. Waldo Ponce turned in an early corner and Eduardo Vargas stabbed home for 2-0 in the 18th minute. Gary Medel blazed in a third before Peru - who had already struck the frame of the goal twice and would do so again before the end - struck back through Claudio Pizarro. On the hour, it became 3-2 as Jefferson Farfán pounced, but the matter was settled by an Humberto Suazo penalty late on.
Uruguay were held in Asunción after going ahead through Diego Forlán who tapped in what was probably his easiest ever international goal. Paraguay piled forward in response and Fernando Muslera was kept very busy in the Uruguay goal, but an almighty goalmouth scramble deep in stoppage time saw Richard Ortiz gain the decisive touch and earn his side a draw. Colombia, in their first game having sat out the first round of fixtures, needed a late, late Radamel Falcao goal to snatch a win in La Paz. The Bolivian capital is never an easy place to go even when, as now, their national team isn't in great shape, so it could prove a vital win in the final analysis. Colombia were the better side throughout, but only had Dorlan Pabon early in the second half to show for it when, with five minutes remaining, Walter Flores slammed in a screamer from 20 yards. Falcao started on the bench, and his fresher legs stretched the Bolivian rearguard to find space and time in the box two minutes into stoppage time. He doesn't miss those.

Standings

1st, Uruguay, 4pts, +2GD; 2nd, Argentina, 3, +2; 3rd, Ecuador, 3, +2; 4th, Colombia, 3, +1; 5th, Peru, 3, ±0; 6th, Chile, 3, -1; 7th, Venezuela, 3, -1; 8th, Paraguay, 1, -2; 9th, Bolivia, 0, -3


Next time

We reconvene in November with one round on Thursday the 10th and another on Monday the 14th and they line up like this:

Round 3
Argentina v Bolivia
Paraguay v Ecuador
Uruguay v Chile
Colombia v Venezuela

Round 4
Colombia v Argentina
Venezuela v Bolivia
Chile v Paraguay
Ecuador v Peru

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 28

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

The round actually got underway last Wednesday in Sete Lagoas as Cruzeiro did nothing to help ease their relegation worries despite fighting back to claim a point against São Paulo.  On loan striker Keirrison put Cruzeiro ahead with eleven minutes gone and it took the title chasing visitors until the hour when Cícero levelled. Five minutes later São Paulo were ahead through Dagoberto but Charles levelled for the home side with nineteen minutes left.  When Juan put São Paulo ahead again with fourteen minutes left it looked like it was was the killer goal but Anselmo Ramon levelled again four minute later. The visitors completed the game with ten men when Denílson was sent off in injury time. Saturday started with ten man Bahia coming from behind to claim a point against Botafogo in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras at the Engenhão. Souza put Bahia ahead just before the half hour mark and they were reduced to ten men when Helder was sent off seven minutes before the break. Alex levelled for the Alvinegro ten minutes after the break and Caio put them ahead just two minutes later. But they ten men claimed a point when Souza got his second from then spot with an hour gone. Grêmio's wretched away form continued when they were defeated at Coritiba. Marcos Aurélio put Coritiba ahead with fifteen minutes gone and Jeci wrapped things up for the home side fifteen minutes from time. The final Saturday game saw no goals in the derby between América-MG and Atlético-MG in Sete Lagoas, a result which leaves both teams slumped at the wrong end of the table.

Sunday started with Santos snapping their three game losing run with victory over Palmeiras in a hotly contested derby in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras. One goal at the Vila was enough to separate the big Paulista rivals and it was the leagues leading scorer, Borges with his twentieth goal of the season fifteen minutes from time that was the difference. Flamengo kept themselves in the title hunt and an amazing late rally gave them a derby day victory over Fluminense at the Engenhão. All the goals came in the final half hour and it was Fluminense who opened proceedings through Rafael Sóbis. Thiago Neves levelled for Flamengo eight minutes later but when Manuel Lanzini put the Tricolor ahead again the minutes from time it looked like Fluminense were going to claim bragging rights. A Ronaldinho Gáucho less Flamengo got level four minutes from time when a free kick from Dario Botinelli hit the woodwork and bounced in off former Liverpool goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri for a bizarre own goal and the Argentinian won it in injury time when he converted Léo Moura's cross. Fluminense then had Souza sent off and coach Abel Braga for arguing abour poor decisions. Internacional set the cat amongst the title chasing pigeons when they crushed a below par Vasco da Gama at the Beira-Rio. Argentinain talisman Andres D'Alessandro put Inter ahead four mintues after the break and Índio doubled the lead fourteen minutes from time. Tinga put the icing on the cake for Inter with the third a minute from time.

Corinthians, with Adriano on debut,  were the main beneficiaries of events in Porto Alegre as they went back to the summit of the table after blowing away Atlético-GO with a strong first half performance. Leandro Castan put Corinthians ahead with just eight minutes gone and Willian doubled the lead nine minutes before the break. Alex wrapped things up for Corinthians when he got the third three minutes before the break. Another team with a blisteing first half performance were Avaí as they defeated fellow strugglers Atlético-PR at the Recassada. Lincoln put Avaí ahead with just ten minutes gone and Gian doubled the lead twelve minutes before the break. Rafael Coelho completed the scoring on the stroke of half time when he converted from the spot. Any hope Atlético-PR had of a comeback disappeared up the tunnel with Manoel after this dismissal two minutes into the second half. Up north at the Castelão Figueirense came away with a point despite finishing with nine men against Ceará. Juninho Barbosa put Figueirense ahead six minutes before the break before Wasingington levelled for the home side on the stroke of half time. Maicon was the first Figueirense player to be sent off just after the hour and he was followed by Bruno Vieira twenty minutes from time.

Full midweek round ahead and just ten games left in the season as it promises to be as close as ever in the Brasileirão. They line up like this

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

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 11 catch-up

Grêmio 1-0 Santos

After a poor start to his Grêmio career after arriving from Olympique de Marseille on loan, Brandão finally got the Tricolor fans on side with the only goal of the game at the Olímpico Monumental in Porto Alegre last night. After being heckled on leaving training on Tuesday, Brandão did himself no favours with just five minutes gone when he wasted a great opportunity to put the home side ahead.

Four minutes later, all was forgotten when Fábio Rochemback released Júlio César and the cross was met by Brandão who headed past Rafael in the Santos goal to put the Tricolor ahead. Santos were without Neymar and missing their spark as a unit and could have fallen further behind if it was not for the wasteful Damian Escudero and Douglas.

Only as the game finally approached half time did Santos begin to threaten the Grêmio goal. Leading scorer Borges and Ibsen both going close for the visitors. After the break Grêmio continued to squander chances to double their lead and were almost made to pay when Alan Kardec was denied by Victor in the Grêmio goal.
It means Muricy Ramalho's men have now lost three on the spin and it leaves them in the depths of mid table with only December's Tokyo trip to prepare for. On the other hand it was a third straight win for Grêmio and it leaves them in a position to make a late charge for a Libertadores spot in 2012. Twelve points now separate tenth places Atlético Goianiense from leaders Vasco da Gama.

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

Copa Sudamericana week 10

Round of Sixteen First Leg

Universidad Católica 0-2 Vélez Sarsfield
Aurora 3-1 Vasco da Gama

Only two games in the Sudamericana this week and they were both held last night. First up and in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras Vélez Sarsfield took a big step to the last eight when they defeated Universidad Católica in Santiago. Former West Ham United striker Guillermo Franco put Vélez ahead with fifteen minutes gone and Iván Bella doubled the lead three minutes before the break to put the visitors in control. Universidad Católica came out fighting in the second half looking for a goal to get them back into the tie but they could not breach the Vélez defence. The return leg is in two weeks time.

Vasco da Gama showed their priority is the Brasilerão as they sent a reserve side to Cochabamba to take on Bolivian side Aurora. It was though, the Brazilian league leaders who took the lead when Bernardo struck five minutes before the break. The home side levelled five minutes after the break through Aquilino Villalba and substitute Augusto Andaveris put Aurora ahead seven minutes later. Villalba then got himself sent off for a second yellow card half way through the half but the ten men extended their lead when Jair Reinoso made it three sixteen minutes from time. The second leg is in the São Januário in three weeks time.

Last night it was announced that Premier Sports TV will show every game from the quarter final stage onwards live.

Next week sees just a single game

Round of Sixteen Second Leg

Independiente v LDU Quito - Live on Premier Sports TV

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

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 27

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

Palmeiras made it four without defeat at the Candidé when they were held by América-MG but it was a league leading thirteenth draw of the season for them. Palmeiras took the lead on the half hour when Marcos Assuncão free kick found the back of the net. The visitors stunned Palmieras on the stroke of half time when Kempes was left unmarked at the back post and he slotted home. With the Premier Sports TV cameras at the Engenhão, Fluminense are still an outside chance for the title after leaving it late to defeat Santos. Neymar put Santos ahead just after the half hour but Marquino levelled at the second attempt six minutes before the break. Eighteen minutes from time Fluminense took the lead when Rafael Sóbis fired home but ten minutes later they were reduced to ten when Digão's tackle was ruled reckless. It looked like Wilson Rentería's last minute strike had saved a point for Santos but an injury time header from substitue Márcio Rosário won it for the Tricolor. Relegation looms ever larger for Avaí after they threw away a lead to crash to defeat at Bahia. Júnior Pipoca put Bahia ahead nine minute before the break but his own goal two minutes after it levelled matters. Pedro Ken's deflected effort put Avaí ahead six minutes later but Júnior Pipoca levelled matters twelve minutes from time. Two minutes later, Bahia were ahead again when Lulinha was the first to react. The game also finished ten a side as Fabinho of Bahia and the visitor's William were sent off after clashing six minutes from time.

Luis Fabiano's long awaited São Paulo debut ensured the Morumbi was a sell out for the visit of Flamengo but the visitors failed to read the script and left with the three points. São Paulo has Lucas Silva sent off ten minutes after the break and Flamengo took advantage of the extra man when Thiago Neves put them ahead ten minutes later. The game was ten a side six minutes later as Willians was sent off and Dagoberto levelled for São Paulo eleven minutes from time. Flamengo won it six minutes from time when Renato Abreu's shot took a wicked deflection of Carlos Paraíba to leave Rogério Ceni stranded. With the Premier Sports TV cameras at the São Januário, Vasco da Gama were denied the opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the table when they were twice pegged back by second placed Corinthians. Defender Déde put Vasco ahead with sixteen minutes gone but Alex levelled for Corinthians five minutes later. Vasco were ahead again on the stroke of half time when Fágner broked clear to score. Vasco dominated the second half but were caught on the hop twenty minutes from time when Danilo headed home. Another three red cards in Sete Lagoas as Atlético-MG and Ceará remain in the relegation mixer after a 1-1 draw. Carlos César put Atlético-MG ahead with just twelve minutes gone and they should have doubled their lead but Magno Alves saw his penalty saved by Fernando Henrique. Leandro Chaves got Ceará level against the run of play eight minutes before the break but they then had Michel sent off just before the whistle went. João Marcos was the second Ceará player to be sent off nine minutes after the break and the visitors also had Roger sent off after he'd been substituted.

In Florianópolis there is not much action to report as they game between Figueirense and Coritiba finished goalless. Figueiriense had the better of the chances in the game but both teams stay in mid table with the point earned. Atlético-PR's fight against the drop gathered pace as they defeated Internacional at the Arena de Baixada. After the problems of their last home game Federico Neito gave the home fans something to cheer about when he put them ahead on the hour. When Nieto picked up his second seven minutes from time Atlético-PR could then start celebrating their first win in five. Grêmio's impressive home form continues to keep them out of trouble as they pushed Cruzeiro to the brink of the relegation zone. Defender Rafael Marques put Grêmio ahead with just four minutes gone and the home side doubled their lead four minutes into the second when Argentinian Damien Escudero struck. Title chasing Botafogo suffered a blow in their title hopes when they were blown away by a blistering start by Atlético-GO in the Serra Dourada. Two goals in the opening ten minutes from Felipe was enough to give the home side victory and leave them unbeaten in six games. the defeat leaves Botafogo five points behind Vasco but they do have a game in hand.

Next week's action is as follows

On Wednesday night there is a Week 11 catch up game.
Santos x Grêmio

Week 28 also begins on Wednesday night in Sete Lagoas before a couple of big derbies over the weekend. They line up like this
Cruzeiro x São Paulo
Botafogo x Bahia - LIVE on Premier Sports TV - 10pm Saturday
Coritiba x Grêmio
Américo Mineiro x Atlético Mineiro
Santos x Palmeiras - Coverage on Premier Sports TV
Flamengo x Fluminense
Internacional x Vasco da Gama
Corinthians x Atlético Goianiense
Avaí x Atlético Paranaense
Ceara x Figueirense

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