CONMEBalls

Ex-pat of the week #10

2012-02-10T11:38:00.000Z

Which South Americans caught our eye this week? Well Martin Demichelis did, but for all the wrong reasons with his own goal as big-spending Malaga lost to Granada on Monday night. However, these five did the right things:

Martin Caceres. Bagged a brace for Juventus as they beat Milan in the San Siro in the Coppa Italia and was pretty well unplayable throughout.
Lucas Barrios. Might have left Borussia Dortmund during the January window, but stayed put and has since been brilliant for the Schwarzgelb. He was outstanding at the weekend as BvB went top of the league with a 2-0 win over Nurnberg, taking advantage of draws elsewhere and he chipped in again in the DFB Pokal in midweek against Holstein Kiel.
Juan (Silveira dos Santos). Roma shoulder-barged the Inter bandwagon off the rails - if that's not mixing too many metaphors - and Juan was at the heart of it in the middle of defence, keeping the Inter attack at arm's length. And he popped up with one of Roma's four at the other end.
Nenê. He just won't go away. Again, PSG failed to move him on during a transfer window and again he's forced his way into the side by being great. Scored twice at the weekend to further stake his claims as PSG remain three points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
Raul Bobadilla. Frozen out by Gladbach, the Argentine striker moved to Switzerland in January and marked his Young Boys debut in fine style with one of their three as they saw off Servette, consolidating third and closing in on Luzern in second.

And the winner is... Raul Bobadilla. The lad can be a handful and, by the same token, can infuriate. Clearly not in Lucien Favre's plans, he's made a fine start to life in Switzerland.

More next week and your nominations are welcome below or on twitter.

Ex-pat of the week #9

2012-02-03T11:19:00.001Z

Slim pickings this week for some reason, so we'll be brief. This week's nominees are:

Diego Alves. Saved a Lionel Messi penalty.

Diego Milito. Milito has been nominated a few times and on the fringes for quite a while. He's impossible to leave out this time. He bagged four goals for Inter in midweek against Palermo and good job he did too, because his back five conceded the same amount.
Claudio (Rodriga Siqueira Carlino). The veteran Brazilian defender bagged two - one from the penalty spot - as lowly Gil Vicente beat Porto in Barcelos, denting the Dragons' title ambitions.

And the winner, for proving that little feller isn't a machine after all: Diego Alves. He can look like a flap merchant at times, but he's proving a key member of the Valencia squad these days. And he saved a Lionel Messi penalty.

More next week, if any games survive the freezing weather across Europe.

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara - Week 2

2012-01-30T15:21:00.001Z

Group A

Bonsucesso 3-1 Maduriera
Macaé 0-0 Flamengo
Nova Iguaçu 0-0 Botafogo
Resende 3-2 Olaria

The big surprise in Group A at the weekend was the failure of the big two to gain victories. Flamengo, with a big game on Wednesday night in the Libertadores ahead of them, again sent out very much a second team and they were held to a goal less draw at Macaé. The same could be said about Botafogo who travelled to Nova Iguaçu and were also held to the same scoreline. Away from the big two, Bonsucesso picked up their first win back in the top flight of Carioca football when they defeated Madureira 3-1. Resende bounced back from their opening day defeat at Botafogo when they were victorious over Olaria. They raced into three goal lead before two late strikes from Allan left them hanging on for dear life for the last two minutes.

Group B

Friburguense 2-1 Bangu
Volta Redonda 0-3 Fluminense
Americano 1-1 Boavista
Duque de Caxias 1-3 Vasco da Gama

Business as usual in Group B as the big two both recorded comfortable victories. Fluminense needed three goals in the last eighteen minutes to see off Volta Redonda with Wellington Nem picking up his first goal since returning from his successful loan spell at Figueirense last year. A strong Vasco side were eventually too strong for Duque de Caxais at the Engenhão. Juninho Pernambucano put Vasco ahead before Gilcimar stunner the complacency out of Vasco with a leveller nine minutes after the break. Alecsandro restored the Vasco lead four minutes later before Diego Souza wrapped things up. Friburguense picked up their first win back in the top flight when two goals from Romulo set up victory agaisnt Bangu. The other game produced the first draw in Group B when Boavista would have been disappointed to let a lead slip against Americano and it finished all square.

Despite being in Libertadores action on Wednesday night Flamengo will back up on Friday night when they face Olaria. They line up like this

Group A

Bonsucesso x Nova Iguaçu
Macaé x Resenda
Madureira x Botafogo
Flamengo x Olaria

Group B

Bangu x Vasco da Gama
Friburguense x Duque de Caxias
Fluminense x Boavista
Volta Redonda x Americano

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 3

2012-01-30T15:03:00.000Z

São Paulo 2-1 São Caetano
Oeste 0-0 Mirassol
Portuguesa 2-1 Guaratinguetá
Botafogo SP 1-2 Comercial
XV de Piracicaba 2-3 Bragantino
Corinthians 1-0 Linense
Catanduvense 1-1 Palmeiras
Paulista 1-1 Santos
Guarani 2-0 Ituano
Mogi Mirim 1-3 Ponte Preta

Only two team remain now with 100% records after Week 3 of the 2012 Paulista A1 as Mogi Mirim and Paulista fell by the wayside at the weekend. So, it's the big guns of São Paulo and Corinthians who remain perfect for the season, the former were 2-1 winner over São Caetano on Saturday night with Lucas Silva getting the winner thirteen minute from time. An pretty much full strength Corinthians side were made to work for their victory over Linense with the winner coming from Emerson Sheik with elven minutes left. Mori Mirim went down 3-1 at home to Ponte Preta side which has recovered from it's opening week defeat with back to back victories. Alan Kardec was the savour for Santos as they came from a goal down to end Paulista's 100% start. Renen put Paulista ahead with eight minutes gone and they were sixteen minutes away from victory before a fourth of the season for Kardec levelled things. The Santos striker has now scored in all three games so far this season as both teams remain unbeaten.

Palmieras also remain unbeaten but has to settle for yet another draw, this time at promoted Catanduvense. The Big Green fell behind to an Osny goal seventeen minutes from time before Fernano de Santana rescued a point eight minutes from time. Guarani made it two wins from three when they defeated Ituano at home. Two goal from Ronaldo in the space of seven first half minutes the difference between the sides. The first goal less draw of the season took place at Oeste when they were held by Mirassol. Its a first point of the season for the home side but they remain next to the bottom of the table.

XV de Piracicaba are still on the hunt for their fist win of the season, but Bragantino were able to claim their in the highest scoring game of the weekend.A last minute goal from Romarhino giving Bragantino the points and denying the home side a second point of the season. Portuguesa were another side to put a register in the win column when they defeated bottom of the table Guaratinguetá at the Candidé. They had to come from behind as well after Thiago Cunha put the visitors ahead after twenty minutes but Henrique and a Marcelo Cordiero penalty turned things around. Finally Botafogo's mixed start to the season continued when they let a lead slip to give Comercial their first win back in the top flight. Alex Barros put Botafogo ahead but a goal in each half from Elionar Bombinha, the second ten minutes from time, gave the visitors the win.

No rest for the wicked and week 4 takes place in midweek. They line up like this

São Caetano x XV de Piracicaba
Guaratinguetá x Botafogo SP
Bragantino x Portuguesa
Comercial x Catanduvense
Mirassol x Paulista
Ituano x Corinthians
Palmeiras x Mogi Mirim
São Paulo x Guarani
Santos x Oeste
Ponte Preta x Linense

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

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 2

2012-01-27T21:13:00.002Z

Mirassol 1-1 Catanduvense
Botafogo SP 2-1 XV de Piracicaba
Oeste 2-3 São Paulo
Ponte Preta 5-1 Bragantino
Paulista 3-0 Comercial
Linense 3-3 São Caetano
Palmeiras 1-1 Portuguesa
Guaratinguetá 0-2 Corinthians
Mogi Mirim 3-0 Guarani
Santos 2-1 Ituano

Two games into the season and only four teams remain with 100% records after two games. São Paulo and Corinthians you would expect, but the other two are Paulista and Mogi Mirim. São Paulo has to come from a goal behind to help secure their victory at Oeste while Corinthians had a much easier time of things down at Guaratinguetá where two first half goals from Chicão and Alessandro saw the Muskateers home. An early goal from Hernane set Mogi Mirim on their way to a 3-0 victory over promoted Guarani. Another side new to the top flight, Comercial, were easily dispatched by Paulista with Chiquinho's last minute goal putting the icing on the cake of another 3-0 victory.

With Oeste, Comercial and Guaratinguetá still waiting to pick up a point this season, the other team yet to make an impression on the league table is Bragantino. They ended up on the back of a 5-1 defeat at Ponte Preta, who bounced back from their weekend defeat although three goals in the final three minutes made the scoreline a little lop sided. A still under strength Santos were another side to pick up their first win of the season but they needed a last minute Alan Kardec goal to defeat Ituano at the Vila. Botafogo SP were the other side to get their first win of the season when they defeated promoted XV de Piracicaba. Gustavo Bastos with the winner nine minutes from time.

At the Pacaembu, Palmeiras needed a Ricardo Bueno goal nine minutes from time to rescue a point after Portuguesa had gone ahead four minutes after the break through Maylson. Catanduvense picked up their first point at the season at Mirassol. Sergio Manoel put the home side ahead with nine minutes gone but Washington levelled fifteen minutes later. Finally the highest scoring game of the week was at Linense where the home side came from behind twice in an exciting 3-3 draw with São Caetano. The visitors were two up inside eighteen minutes before Éder Marcelo levelled for Linense five minutes after the break. Carlos Silva put São Caetano ahead again half way though the second half but Fabio Santos squared matters four minutes later but neither team could find a winner.

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

São Paulo x São Caetano
Oeste x Mirassol
Portuguesa x Guaratinguetá
Botafogo SP x Comercial
XV de Piracicaba x Bragantino
Corinthians x Linense
Catanduvense x Palmeiras
Paulista x Santos
Guarani x Ituano
Mogi Mirim x Ponte Preta

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

Copa Libertadores - First Stage First Leg

2012-01-27T20:14:00.000Z

Arsenal 3-0 Sport Huancayo
El Nacional 1-0 Libertad
Unión Española 1-0 UANL
Real Potosí 2-1 Flamengo
Internacional 1-0 Once Caldas
Peñarol 4-0 Caracas FC

The opening game of the 2012 Copa Santander Libertadores took place in Avellaneda on Tuesday night as Arsenal put one foot into Group Four with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sport Huancayo of Peru. Jorge Córdoba put the Arsenal one up half way through the first half and Emilio Zelaya doubled the lead nine minutes before the break. Half way through the second half the home side were reduced to ten men when Carlos Carbonero was sent off but they grabbed a vital third two minutes from time when substitue Claudio Mosca struck five minutes after coming on. In Quito, El Nacional will take a slender advantage back to Asunción next week after a single goal victory over Libertad. Juan Luis Anangonó got the only goal of the game a minute before half time. There was also a single goal in Santiago as Unión Española grabbed an advantage to take back to Mexico next week after victory over UANL. Gonzalo Barriga with the goal just short of the hour as the teams compete for a place in Group Three.

A much changed Flamengo side from the one the opened up the Carioca at the weekend travelled to the highlands of Real Potosí with a place in Group Two up for grabs. The visitors were at full strength, but were lacking in match time but they took the lead on the half hour through Luiz Antonio. The lead lasted two minutes before Claudio Centurion levelled for Real and they gave themselves an advantage for the return at the Engenhão next week when Edgardo Brittes got a winner just short of the hour. If past reputations were anything to go by, this is the tie of the round as two former winners in Internacinal of Brazil and Once Caldas of Colombia met in Port Alegre with a spot in Group One up for grabs. It will be the 2010 champions who will take an advantage back to Caldas next week after Andre D'Alessandro set up Leandro Damião who continued his fine form of 2011 with the only goal of the game after twelve minutes. Last year's runner up Peñarol of Uruguay should take their place in Group 3 after rolling Caracas of Venezuela in Montevideo. Two goals in three minutes from Nicolas Freitas and Marcelo Zalayeta put the home side in control. João Pedro made it three twenty minutes after the break and Fabian Estoyanoff got a fourth twenty minutes from time. The night went from bad to worse for Caracas when Fidel Pérez was sent off eight minutes from time.

The second legs take place next week

Libertad v El Nacional
Sport Huancayo v Arsenal
Flamengo v Real Posotí - LIVE on Premier Sports TV
Once Caldas v Internacional
Caracas v Peñarol
UANL v Unión Española

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

Ex-pat of the week #8

2012-01-27T16:03:00.001Z

Pretty much all the big leagues are back up and running now, so it's wall-to-wall FOOTBALL from here on out until spring. Who has caught the eye of our panel this week?

Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian has been at his very best lately. A spell filling in at right-back has, if anything, improved his all-round game, but restored to the flank he was devastating for Manchester United as they beat Arsenal and turned a five-horse race into a straight duel.

Diego Milito. The boy can't stop scoring, and as a result Inter can't stop winning. He bagged another in the league against Lazio last weekend as Inter went to eight straight wins, a run that was only ended by...

Edinson Cavani. Bagged both and was generally amazing as Napoli ended Inter's long run of wins with a 2-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final win.

Fernando Muslera. Galatasaray assumed control of the Turkish Super Liga and have done so on the back of a string of clean sheets. Another one this week for their Uruguayan goalkeeper.

Radamel Falcao. Another week, another bagful of goals for the Colombian. Three more this week as Atlético cruised past Real Sociedad. When Falcao plays well, Atléti play well and he's key to the club's fortunes.

And the nod goes to:

Fernando Muslera. We don't give enough credit to goalkeepers at times, but after a difficult time in Italy, Muslera settled quickly in Turkey and is a key part of Gala's title push.

More at the same time next week. Do let us know if you spot a noteworthy performance in the meantime.

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara - Week 1

2012-01-23T18:14:00.001Z

Group A

Flamengo 4-0 Bonsucesso
Botafogo 3-1 Resende
Olaria 0-1 Nova Iguaçu
Madureira 1-0 Macaé

The big two in the Group both got off to victories. Flamengo made light work of promoted Bonsucesso at the Engenhão as they prepared for their midweek Copa Libertadores qualifier in Bolivia. Two goal in the space of three first half minutes from Jael put Flamengo in control before Camacho and Adryan wrapped things up in the second half. The day after the Engenhão witnessed Botafogo make hard work of overcoming Resende. Sebastian Abreu put the Alvinegro ahead but Emerson's leveller on half time stunned the small crowd. Maicosuel restored the Botafogo lead before a second from Abreu wrapped things up. Nova Iguaçu got off to a winning start when Leandrão's goal midway through the second half was enough to give them victory at Olaria. Madureira also made a winning start to the season when Dinei's goal a minute before the break was enough to give them victory over Macaé.

Group B

Fluminense 3-0 Friburguense
Boavista 3-1 Duque de Caxias
Vasco da Gama 2-0 Americano
Bangu 1-2 Volta Redonda

Unlike Flamengo, Fluminense don't get their Libertadores campaign underway for a couple of weeks but they put a strong side out to defeat Friburguense in Bangu. Araújo set the Tricolor on their way after fifteen minutes before Rafael Moura doubled the lead nine minutes before the break. Thiago Carleto got the third six minutes into the second half to give Fluminense a comfortable night. Vasco da Gama start their Libertadores campaign the night after Fluminense and they were comfortable winners over Americano at the Engenhão. Alecsandro put them ahead after half an hour and Fágner doubled the lead ten minutes later. Despite losing Jonathan to a red card sixteen minutes from time Vasco were able to comfortably hold on. Last season's Taça Guanabara runners up Boavista got their campaign off with victory over a Duque de Caxias side which took 30th minutes lead through Gilcimar. Two goals in a minute from Luiz Alberto around the hour but Boavista ahead before Somália grabbed a third fifteen minutes from time. Finally a last minute goal from Volta Redonda ensured that there were no drawn games at the weekend. Bangu took a third minute lead through Tiago Neiva but Joao Gabriel levelled on the hour before Jhonnattann snatched all three points.

With Flamengo in continental action this midweek Round two takes place next weekend and they line up like this

Group A

Bonsucesso x Maduriera
Macaé x Flamengo
Nova Iguaçu x Botafogo
Resende x Olaria

Group B

Friburguense x Bangu
Volta Redonda X Fluminense
Americano x Boavista
Duque de Caxais x Vasco da Gama

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 1

2012-01-23T17:41:00.001Z

Corinthians 2-1 Mirassol
Portuguesa 0-2 Paulista
Ituano 3 - 0 Guaratinguetá
XV de Piracicaba 1 - 1 Santos
Guarani 2 - 1 Oeste
Comercial 3 - 4 Linense
Bragantino 1 - 2 Palmeiras
São Paulo 4 - 0 Botafogo SP
São Caetano 1 - 0 Ponte Preta
Catanduvense 0 - 2 Mogi Mirim

The four promoted sides had mixed results as the 2012 Paulistão got underway at the weekend. Guarani, who despite being in the national top flight in 2010, got the best result with a come from behind 2-1 victory over a ten man Oeste side that made the finals last year. Fabio Souza got the Guarani winner seven minutes from time. Last year Série A2 Champions XV de Piracicaba are back in the top flight after a 16 year absence and they will be happy with a point against reigning champions Santos. Alan Kardec put Santos ahead in the first half but André Cunha grabbed an equaliser two minutes from time for XV de Piracicaba. The other two promoted sides were defeated, Comercial threw a two goal lead away to go down to the odd goal in seven at home to Linense while Catanduvense learned life will be hard in the top flight when they went down 2-0 at home to Mogi Mirim.

Santos apart, the big guns all started their season with victories. São Paulo were the biggest winners on the day with a 4-0 victory over Botafogo SP with Luís Fabiano chipping in with the last goal. Palmeiras needed a Maikon Leite winner six minutes from time for them to win at Bragantino while Corinthians needed two goals in the last fifteen minutes to overcome Mirassol at the Pacaembu. Two sides which have been promoted to the National top flight for 2012 both fell to defeat. Portguesa went down 2-0 at the Candidé to Paulista while Ponte Preta were defeated by a Moradei goal for São Caetano. Ituano stayed in the top flight on goal difference last season but got their season off to a confident start with a thumping victory over Guaratinguetá to leave them second in the table behind São Paulo after the first week.

As ever, no rest for the wicked in the Paulistão as Week 2 takes place this midweek

Mirrasol x Catanduvense
Botafogo SP x XV de Piracicaba
Oeste x São Paulo
Ponte Preta x Bragantino
Paulista x Comercial
Linense x São Caetano
Palmeiras x Portuguesa
Guaratinguetá x Corinthians
Mogi Mirim x Guarani
Santos x Ituano

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

2012 Copa Libertadores Guide

2012-01-21T11:18:00.000Z

Next week the the 53rd edition of the Copa Santader Libertadores will get underway in Buenos Aires when Arsenal take on Sport Huancayo in the first game of the qualifying round as 35 teams attempt to wrestle the crown away from last year's winner Santos of Brazil.

12 teams enter in the qualifying round with 26 teams going straight into the group phase. Brazil have six entries this year as holders Santos are guaranteed the chance to defend their title. Argentina have five entries and the rest of the associations, plus invitees Mexico have three qualifiers each.

These fixtures are dated to UK times and a game a week will be covered by Premier Sports TV. Friend of the site Will Downing will be up into the early hours calling the shots from the premier club competition in South America

Qualifying Round

Game 1: Arsenal (Argentina) v Sport Huancayo (Peru) Leg 1: 24 Jan, Leg 2: 31 Jan
Game 2: Real Potosí (Bolivia) v Flamengo (Brazil) Leg 1: 25 Jan, Leg 2: 1 Feb
Game 3: Peñarol (Uruguay) v Caracas FC (Venezuela) Leg 1: 26 Jan, Leg 2: 2 Feb
Game 4: El Nacional (Ecuador)v Libertad (Paraguay) Leg 1: 24 Jan, Leg 2: 31 Jan
Game 5: Internacional (Brazil) v Once Caldas (Colombia) Leg 1: 25 Jan, Leg 2: 1 Feb
Game 6: Unión Española (Chile) v UANL (Mexico) Leg 1: 25 Jan, Leg 2: 2 Feb

Group 1: Santos (Brazil), Juan Aurich (Peru), The Strongest (Bolivia), Winner Game 5

Feb 9: Winner Game 5 v Juan Aurich
Feb 15: The Strongest v Santos
Feb 24: The Strongest v Juan Aurich
Mar 8: Santos v Winner Game 5
Mar 14: Juan Aurich v Santos
Mar 15: Winner Game 5 v The Strongest
Mar 21: The Strongest v Winner Game 5
Mar 23: Santos v Juan Aurich
Apr 5: Winner Game 5 v Santos
Apr 6: Juan Aurich v The Strongest
Apr 19: Juan Aurich v Winner Game 5
Apr 19 Santos v The Strongest

Group 2: Olimpia (Paraguay), Emelec (Ecuador), Lánus (Argentina), Winner Game 2

Feb 10: Emelec v Olimpia
Feb 16: Lanús v Winner Game 2
Feb 23: Olimpia v Lánus
Mar 9: Winner Game 2 v Emelec
Mar 13: Lanús v Emelec
Mar 16: Winner Game 2 v Olimpia
Mar 20: Emelec v Lánus
Mar 29: Olimpia v Winner Game 2
Apr 3: Lanús v Olimpia
Apr 5: Emelec v Winner Game 2
Apr 12: Olimpia v Emelec
Apr 12: Winner Game 2 v Lánus

Group 3: Bolívar (Bolivia), Atlético Junior (Colombia), Universidad Católica (Chile), Winner Game 6

Feb 9: Universidad Católica v Bolívar
Feb 10: Winner Game 6 v Atlético Junior
Feb 22: Bolívar v Winner Game 6
Feb 24: Universidad Católica v Atlético Junior
Mar 7: Winner Game 6 v Universidad Católica
Mar 9: Atlético Junior v Bolívar
Mar 21: Bolívar v Atlético Junior
Mar 29: Universidad Católica v Winner Game 6
Apr 6: Atlético Junior v Universidad Católica
Apr 11: Winner Game 6 v Bolívar
Apr 18: Atlético Junior v Winner Game 6
Apr 18: Bolívar v Universidad Católica

Group 4: Boca Juniors (Argentina), Zamora (Venezuela), Fluminense (Brazil), Winner Game 1

Feb 8: Fluminense v Winner Game 1
Feb 15: Zamora v Boca Juniors
Feb 22: Winner Game 1 v Zamora
Mar 8: Boca Juniors v Fluminense
Mar 14: Fluminense v Zamora
Mar 14: Winner Game 1 v Boca Juniors
Mar 29: Boca Juniors v Winner Game 1
Mar 30: Zamora v Fluminense
Apr 10: Zamora v Winner Game 1
Apr 12: Fluminense v Boca Juniors
Apr 18: Boca Juniors v Zamora
Apr 18: Winner Game 1 v Fluminense

Group 5: Nacional (Uruguay), Alianza Lima (Peru), Vasco da Gama (Brazil), Winner Game 4

Feb 9: Vasco da Gama v Nacional
Feb 10: Winner Game 4 v Alianza Lima
Feb 16: Nacional v Winner Game 4
Mar 7: Vasco da Gama v Alianza Lima
Mar 15: Winner Game 4 v Vasco da Gama
Mar 21: Alianza Lima v Nacional
Mar 22: Vasco da Game v Winner Game 4
Mar 27: Nacional v Alianza Lima
Apr 4: Alianza Lima v Vasco da Gama
Apr 5: Winner Game 5 v Nacional
Apr 13: Alianza Lima v Winner Game 4
Apr 13: Nacional v Vasco da Gama

Group 6: Corinthians (Brazil), Deportiva Táchira (Venezuela), Nacional (Paraguay), Cruz Azul (Mexico)

Feb 8: Nacional v Cruz Azul
Feb 16: Deportivo Táchira v Corinthians
Feb 22: Cruz Azul v Deportivo Táchira
Mar 8: Corinthians v Nacional
Mar 13: Nacional v Deportivo Táchira
Mar 15: Cruz Azul v Corinthians
Mar 22: Corinthians v Cruz Azul
Mar 28: Deportivo Táchira v Nacional
Apr 3: Deportivo Táchira v Cruz Azul
Apr 12: Nacional v Corinthians
Apr 19: Corinthians v Deportivo Táchira
Apr 19: Cruz Azul v Nacional

Group 7: Vélez Sarsfield (Argentina), Deportivo Quito (Ecuador), Defensor Sporting (Uruguay), CD Guadalajara (Mexico)

Feb 7: Defensor Sporting v Vélez Sarsfield
Feb 8: CD Guadalajara v Deportivo Quito
Feb 14: Defensor Sporting v Deportivo Quito
Feb 23: Vélez Sarsfield v CD Guadalajara
Mar 7: Deportivo Quito v Vélez Sarsfield
Mar 14: CD Guadalajara v Defensor Sporting
Mar 22: Vélez Sarsfield v Deportivo Quito
Mar 28: Defensor Sporting v CD Guadalajara
Apr 10: Deportivo Quito v Defensor Sporting
Apr 11: CD Guadalajara v Vélez Sarsfield
Apr 17: Deportivo Quito v CD Guadalajara
Apr 17: Vélez Sarsfield v Defensor Sporting

Group 8: Universidad de Chile (Chile), Atlético Nacional (Colombia), Godoy Cruz (Argentina), Winner Game 3

Feb 15: Atlético Nacional v Universidad De Chile
Feb 17: Godoy Cruz v Winner Game 3
Feb 21: Winner Game 3 v Atlético Nacional
Feb 22: Universidad de Chile v Godoy Cruz
Mar 6: Winner Game 3 v Universidad de Chile
Mar 9: Godoy Cruz v Atlético Nacional
Mar 23: Atlético Nacional v Godoy Cruz
Mar 30: Universidad de Chile v Winner Game 3
Apr 4: Godoy Cruz v Universidad de Chile
Apr 11: Atlético Nacional v Winner Game 3
Apr 20: Winner Game 3 v Godoy Cruz
Apr 20: Universidad de Chile v Atlético Nacional

Round of 16 First Leg: Week commencing 30th April
Round of 16 Second Leg: Week commencing 7th May
Quarter Final First Leg: Week commencing 14th May
Quarter Final Second Leg: Week commencing 21st May
Semi Final First Leg: Week commencing 11th June
Semi Final Second Leg: Week commencing 18th June
Final First Leg: Week commencing 25th June
Final Second Leg: Week commencing 2nd July

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

Ex-pat of the week #7

2012-01-20T21:39:00.001Z

The French league resumed this week with the last two - Germany and Holland - set to begin again this week as Europe snaps out of holiday mode. There was derby action too in Italy and Spain and cup games galore. Here's who stood out for us this week:

Fernando Amorebieta. Athletic Club de Bilbao are making great strides under Marcelo Bielsa and his Venezuelan centre-back is at the heart of it. Another clean sheet in the league and a rare goal - his second this season out of a total of two for the club in seven years - was followed by another clean sheet in the Copa del Rey against Mallorca as Athletic put one foot in the semi-finals.
Radamel Falcao. Difficult times at Atlético Madrid, but things have started well under new manager Diego Simeone as they walloped Villarreal with Colombian striker Falcao the stand-out player on the field.
Nenê. When the Qatari money flooded into PSG, it was thought that Nenê's days there were numbered. But he's worked his way into his new manager's thinking and bagged a brace as the Parisians maintained top spot by beating a good Toulouse side 3-1.
Matias Suárez. Get used to the name as he's attracting a lot of interest. Anderlecht opened up four-point gap at the top of the Belgian league after beating Club Brugge at the weekend, Suárez the stand-out player and scorer of the third goal.
Maicon. Inter are on a roll in the league and also making strides in the Coppa Italia. Maicon rifled in a thunderbastard opener from 25 yards for the opener this week against Genoa and created the second, eventually finished by Andrea Poli, in a 2-1 win.

And the winner...
Radamel Falcao. When he's on song, Atléti look like world-beaters. When he isn't... But he was this week and got his new gaffer off to a flier.

Seriously. Can you name this section better than this? Let us know yeah

Campeonato Carioca 2012

2012-01-19T14:36:00.000Z

With the Paulista kicking off this weekend the action also gets underway in the other of the state leagues we cover in Brazil. The Campeonato Carioca. The 111th edition kicks off this Saturday afternoon with Flamengo looking to defend both the Taça Guanabara and the Taça Rio.

The sixteen clubs are split into two groups with the Big 4 in Rio, Vasco da Gama, Flamengo, Botafogo and Fluminense seeded so two are in each group. Friburguense return to the top flight after a 12 month absence and they take their place in Group B while Bonsucesso also come into the top flight and they will play in Group A.

The format of the competition is unchanged. The teams are drawn into two groups with the big four seeded two to a group. The first stage is the Taça Guanabara where all the teams play a single round robin against the teams in their group, giving seven games. The top two in each group meet in a single game semi final with a group winner playing the opposite group runner up, which if level goes straight to penalties, before a single game final which again goes to penalties after 90 minutes.

The second stage is the Taça Rio, for this the clubs play every team in the opposite group giving a total of 8 games. As with the Guanabara the top two in each group meet in a single game semi final with a group winner playing the opposite group runner up, which if level goes straight to penalties, before a single game final which again goes to penalties after 90 minutes.

If a team wins both stages, as happened last year with Flamengo, they are automatically crowned state champions and the need for the play off is not required. Otherwise the winners of the Taça Guanabara and Taça Rio meet over two games at the Engenhão with the winners over the two games being crowned State champions.

The Big Four normally fill the play off spots but Boavista surprised everyone last year by making the Taça Guanabara final while Olaria pipped Botafogo to a place in the Taça Rio Semi Finals. This year though things could be a bit different with three of the big four, Botafogo being the exception, have the Copa Libertadores to contend with. Flamengo still have to get through the qualifying stage which starts the week following the opening fixtures. Fluminense and Vasco da Gama have qualified directly in the group stage so their distraction is a possibly great than that of Flamengo.

So the action gets underway this weekend and we'll have a round up of things on Monday

The opening fixtures are

Olaria x Nova Iguaçu
Madureira x Macaé
Fluminense x Friburguense
Flamengo x Bonsucesso
Boavista x Duque de Caxias
Vasco da Gama x Americano
Bangu x    Volta Redonda
Botafogo x Resende

Campeonato Paulista 2012

2012-01-16T22:01:00.000Z

After seven weeks off for the big clubs, and just five in the case of Santos after their trip to Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup. It's back to business at weekend as oldest league tournament in Brazilian Football gets underway for it's 111th edition.

The new play off format which was introduced last season will continue into 2012. The first round will be single elimination on a 1 v 8; 2 v 7; 3 v 6; 4 v 5 format. The winners then progress to the semi finals and again that will be a single elimination game. The final as ever will be played over two games in mid-May. For the opening two rounds the highest placed team will be at home and if it's all square after 90 minutes penalties will decide things.

Santos are the defending back to back champions, but after dominating in 2010 they won the competition from fourth place last year despite having the Libertadores as huge distraction. This will again be the case this year as they look to defend their continental title as well. They will open up their campaign at last year's Série B champions XV de Piracicaba.

The four big clubs in São Paulo finished in the top four places in the league with São Paulo actually winning the league stage before crashing out to Santos in the semi finals. Corinthians were runners up last year, the finished third in the league despite having no Libertadores distractions. Although the National Title ended up with the Muskateers they will be looking for a 27th title. Palmeiras, under Felipão, finished second after the league state before losing on penalties to Corinthians in the semi finals. Their form was alarming in the national championship towards the end of last year and the pressure will be immediately on the former Brazil, Portugal and Chelsea coach.

Of the other teams, Ponte Preta and Portuguesa will be looking for strong seasons as they prepare for a return to the National top flight in May while last year's Troféu do Interior winners Oeste and Mirassol will be looking to repeat last years play-off qualifying success.

The four promoted clubs who take their place in the top flight are XV de Piracicaba, Guarani, Comercial and Catanduvense the champions of Série A2 this year. They will be looking to keep their place in the top flight as four team will be relegated to Série A2. One more change has seen Americana return to Guaratinguetá and change their name back again.

So we get underway this weekend and they line up like this and we'll have a full round up on Monday. Confirmation that coverage on Premier Sports TV is yet to arrive but we expect a couple of games to feature.

Corinthians x Mirassol - Selected for TV Coverage
Portuguesa x Paulista
Ituano x Guaratinguetá
XV de Piracicaba x Santos
Guarani x Oeste
Comercial x Linense
Bragantino x Palmeiras
São Paulo x Botafogo SP - Selected for TV Coverage
São Caetano x Ponte Preta
Catanduvense x Mogi Mirim

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

Ex-pat Of The Week #6

2012-01-13T21:40:00.000Z

Welcome back. As the leagues around Europe crank back into action, it's time to have a first look at those making their way in the game away from South American shores and make note of those who are doing it rather well. Yes, it's the first Ex-pat Of The Week* for 2012. Here are your nominees:

Ricardo Álvarez. Diego Milito - the forgotten man at Internazionale - may have bagged a brace, but the architect of their 5-0 win over Parma was fellow Argentine Alvarez. This was Inter's fifth win in a row which saw them climb to fifth place in Serie A, a great tonic to begin 2012 this way after the season started so badly.
Erik Lamela. Meanwhile, in the Coppa Italia, Roma's Argentine midfielder Lamela continued his emergence at the top level with a starring role against Fiorentina, capped by two goals.
Diego Lugano. A winning start for Carlo Ancelotti at PSG and he was indebted to two South Americans. Javier Pastore put the oil-rich Parisians ahead against fifth division St-Colomban, but they were begged back by a second half penalty. Lugano popped up with a winner two minutes into stoppage time to spare blushes all round in what could prove to be a significant result.
Óscar Cardozo. The Benfica striker has hit the ground running after the winter break, steering his side to a win in the League Cup and chipping in as they beat União de Leiria 4-0 to return to the top of the Liga Zon Sagres.
Gonzalo Castro. The league isn't yet back up and running in Spain, but the Copa del Rey round of 16 took place during the week. Mallorca trailed 2-0 to Real Sociedad after the first leg in San Sebastian and back on the island, they improved the lead with an early Diego Ifrán strike. Cue a nost impressive comeback as Los Bermellones stormed back with six unanswered goals, Uruguayan midfielder Castro getting the first to get the ball rolling and the fourth, which but Mallorca ahead in the tie for the first time.

And the winner is...
Erik Lamela. We like this boy and he's getting better and better. This was his best performance for the Giallorossi to date and we hope there are plenty more to come.

* - we really could use a better name for this feature than that. Any suggestions? That and nominations for next week's award, chuck us a line on Twitter or leave us a comment below.

Ex-Pat of the Week #5

2011-12-23T17:28:00.000Z

Domestic cups and the final round of games before the winter break (for all bar one notable exception) took the headlines this week, and a certain jamboree in Japan also falls within the remit for this edition of ex-pat of the week. The nominations:

Bruno Cazarine. Erstwhile CONMEBalls favourite Cazarine is in Australia at the moment, plying his trade with Sydney FC. They had their big derby with Newcastle Jets at the weekend and won to go third, Cazarine bagging the equaliser after the Jets had gone one up.

Crístian Rodríguez. The Uruguayan fell out with Vitor Pereira a couple of weeks ago, seemingly ending his Porto career, but he's back in the fold now and came off the bench at the weekend to nab a late goal to send Porto towards their third win on the spin.

Jonas. Last seasons top scorer in the Brasilieirao, he's now providing the perfect foil for the prolific Roberto Soldado at Valencia. The two combined for Soldado to get Valencia's first against big-spending Málaga to consolidate 'best-of-the-rest' (i.e. third place) in Spain.

Ricky Alvarez. By his own admission, it's taken him time to settle at Internazionale, but he's finally looking the part as Inter overcome their early-season woes. He capped his recent run of form with the fourth as Inter beat Lecce 4-1 to go 5th in Serie A.

Edinson Cavani. Napoli are still up there despite a little wobble these last few weeks. They bounced back from a dispiriting loss to Roma by walloping Genoa 6-1 with Cavani bagging two early on as the wounded Neapolitans responded brilliantly.

Lionel Messi. At his sublime best as Barcelona won yet another trophy, this time the Club World Cup in Yokohama. The chip for the first goal, the pass for the third... all brilliant, all the time.

Esteban Alvarado. OK, so he's not technically South American, but AZ's Costa Rican goalkeeper deserves recognition on these pages for lumping seven bells out of a pitch invader, as highlighted by our cousins at Euroballs. Unfortunately, the incident led to Esteban's dismissal, the abandonment of the game and a massive mess for the KNVB to sort out. While we're here on Costa Rica, wasn't Bryan Ruiz's goal last weekend fabulous? Let me answer that for you: yes it was.

And the winner is...

Lionel Messi. We couldn't not award him the gong this week - he was just too good to ignore. So were his team as they blasted Santos apart with something to spare.

We take a break now as most of football shuts down for the winter. We'll be back in January, but in the meantime, keep them peeled and let us know if you see anything worthy of nomination by hitting us up on our Twitter feed.

That Was The Year That Was

2011-12-21T20:27:00.001Z

As 2011 draws to a close the CONMEBalls team would like to thank in no particular order

Premier Sports TV – For their support and continued coverage of South American Football in the UK

Will Downing – For the late nights covering the games

Jon Cotterill – For his help during the year and having what would be my dream job

Bira Brasil – For the continuous mentions after we’ve tweeted in during the live games

All our colleagues and friends who also have great websites that pretty much cover what we do and a little bit more as well (see the links section) and if we've missed you off please don't be offended. We love you all.

And most importantly you, the people who take the time to read what we write. We thank you for your continued support.

After this weeks Ex-Pat of the Week we will be taking a short break until the State League action gets underway in Brazil in mid-January and the Copa Libertadores qualifying round towards the end of the month. We look forward to bringing you all the action again in 2012. Our sister site, Euroballs will continue to operate while we hit the beach for some well deserved rest and relaxation.

If you have an interest in a particular area of South American football and would like to share your passion for the Peruvian/Chilean/whichever league, we’d be very happy to accommodate you.

Finally, from all the team at CONMEBalls, we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2012.

Barcelona dominate in Yokohama

2011-12-18T12:38:00.002Z

Barcelona dominated the Club World Cup final from first to last and handed Santos a lesson into the bargain as they added yet another trophy to the frankly ridiculous collection they're building up in what will no doubt become known as the Guardiola era.

The Catalans dominated from the off and it proved something of a surprise that it took a full quarter of an hour before they took the lead. They did with a quite outstanding goal; Xavi with a sublime touch and Lionel Messi with a delightful, cheeky, impish, just plain sexy chip over the stranded Cabral. Xavi turned finisher a few moments later as the Blaugrana carved open their South American rivals, Dani Alves prominent on the right. There was so much space on the flanks, the ball came in from the right and Xavi was on the edge of the box to sweep it home.

A goalmouth scramble - Barca can even make those look amazing - saw the third goal come on the stroke of half time. A wonderful back-heel from Messi played in Alves down the right and the ball found it's way, via half a dozen other feet, to Cesc Fabregas, unmarked on the back stick, and he passed it across goal and inside the far post. Santos trudged off the field, heads on chests, already a beaten side.

The second half started as the first ended with Fabregas starting the move and the eventual shot grazing the outside of the post via Cabral's fingertips. Andres Iniesta was almost a peripheral figure in the first half, but he too went close after a stereotypical passage of intricate passing, but aside from that, Barcelona were content to keep the ball away from Santos and preserve the lead they'd built. The third goal had killed the game.

A fourth eventually arrived with eight minutes to go, Alves playing Messi in whose initial control was poor, but it served a purpose in drawing Cabral out of his goal allowing the little Argentine to take the ball round him and pass it into the net.

This was as comprehensive a win as it's possible to see. Barca, with a staggering 72% of possession, starved Santos. They were clinical in the first half, pragmatic in the second. Xavi's control and pass for the opener was pure porn and Santos were a beaten side from there on in. It's difficult to be too critical of the Brazilians: they were just beaten by a far superior side.

Earlier in the day, Asian champions Al Sadd won the third-place play-off against Kashiwa Reysol on penalties after a dismal 0-0 draw.

Ex-Pat of the Week #4

2011-12-16T13:42:00.000Z

This week, our focus on the South Americans around the globe was on the final round of Europa League group games and the World Club jamboree over in Japan. Here are this week's nominations.

Leandro Domingues. The Brazilian played a major role in steering Kashiwa Reysol to the semi-finals of the Club World Cup with the opener in their quarter-final against Monterrey and a penalty in the shoot-out which followed the 1-1 draw with the Mexican side.

Lionel Messi. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He's a bit good and was a game-chamger in El Clásico and his usual excellent self in Barcelona's Club World Cup semi-final against an admittedly limited Al Sadd. The through ball for Seydou Keita's goal was pure sex.

Nelson Valdez. Rubin Kazan needed a point away to PAOK to ensure Europa League qualification and it looked grim after Sergei Ryzhikov was sent off and Vieirinha converted the penalty. But the Paraguayan striker struck early in the second half to ensure the Russian side progressed with a little to spare.

Fernando Canesin. Which club has the only 100% record in the Europa League? Go on, guess. No, wrong. It's Anderlecht. They completed their group with a 5-3 demolition job on second placed Lokomotiv Moskva with Brazilian midfielder Canesin a key element and scorer of the goal that put them in front in the game for the first time, just before half time.

Leonardo (de Vitor Santiago). Red Bull Salzburg had to win to make sure PSG's result against what was always going to be an Athletic reserve side irrelevant. While the cashed-up Frenchies were cruising to a 4-2 win, Leonardo was instrumental in Salzburg's come-from-behind win over Slovan Bratislava to dump the Parisians out. 2-0 down after six minutes, it didn't look good, but with Leonardo's equaliser they overhauled the Slovakians and take their place in the knockout stages. It's the second time now that Leonardo has made the shortlist for our Ex-Pat of the week.

And the winner is...

Leandro Domingues. Wins over Auckland City and Monterrey and no lack of effort in defeat to Santos, Reysol may yet end up third (should do given how bad Al Sadd looked the other day) in the world. That's no mean feat and Domingues is a major part of what they've achieved.

As ever, keep 'em peeled and let us know who you think we should consider for this next week. Leave us a comment or hit us up on that there twitter.

Copa Sudamericana Final 2nd Leg

2011-12-15T18:05:00.001Z

Universidad de Chile 3-0 LQU Quito
Universidad de Chile wins 6-0 on points

Universidad de Chile created history last night when they won their first continental competition with a 3-0 victory over Ecuador's LDU Quito in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana final at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago

La U were in the lead inside three minutes after a right-wing cross was cleared by a defender into the path of Eduardo Vargas, who beat the goalkeeper with a left-footed shot from ten years out to get his tenth goal of the competition. It was all one way traffic as the visitors couldn't get any foothold in the game with La U controlling most of the posession. Somehow, LDU held on and their first serious shot on goal came just before half time when a Ezequiel González free kick finally forced Jhonny Herrera into action but they still needed two goals to take the tie into extra time.

When LDU were reduced to 10 men when Jorge Guagua was dismissed for an elbow half way through the second half what little chance they had of getting back into the game disappeared with him up the tunnel. Finally ten minutes from time La U settled their supporters nerves when neat passing again opened up the LDU defence giving substitue Gustavo Lorenzetti a tap in to send the home fans into ecstacy. La U were reduced to 10 men six minutes from time when Matias Rodríguez got a second yellow card for a late tackle, but Eduardo Vargas put the icing on the cake three minutes from time when he evaded two defenders and lofted the ball over Alexander Domínguez to give him the record of most goals in a Copa Sudamericana campaign with eleven.

Quotes -

Diego Rivarola of La U - "Vargas is an extraordinary player and he deserves what he is living. He's got a great future and I hope he does well but after this he'll surely leave."

La U trainer Jorge Luis Sampaoli - "The sensation is unforgettable and in time it's going to have an even bigger impact. To be part of history does not have a price,'

Gustavo Canales - "We never said it, but we knew we were playing good football, distinct from the others because we never went back on our priority of attacking or looking for goals. We were cautious during the whole tournament, but now we can say that we were the best and that's why we're lifting the cup."

It caps a remarkable year for Universidad de Chile, unbeaten in all competitions they will now concentrate on wrapping up the Clausura title.

We say that this is a triumph for the Bielsian football philosophy. While the master continues to apply his approach to the beautiful, and it is beautiful under Bielsa, game – first with Chile, now with Athletic Club de Bilbao – his disciples, of whom Sampaoli is one, are also beginning to see that philosophy succeed. It’s exciting, it’s unpredictable and it’s bloody effective with the right pegs in the right holes.

U de Chile: Herrera; M González, M Rodríguez, O González, Rojas; Diaz, Mena, Aránguiz; Vargas, Canales (Rivarola 86'), Castro (Lorenzetti 54')
LDU Quito: Domínguez; Ambrosi, Guagua, Reasco (Gámez 54'), Araujo; Calderón, Acosta, González, Hidalgo, Barcos, Bolaños (Calderon 67')
Referee: Wilson Luiz Seneme (Brazil)

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

Colombia get trigger-happy

2011-12-14T19:26:00.000Z

He'd only been in the job for four months, taking over from the controversial Hernán Darío Gómez, but Colombia have already offed Leonel Alvarez after just three World Cup qualifiers.

Results weren't that bad as they went to La Paz and won, but this was followed up by two home games in Baranquilla where they were held 1-1 by new CONMEBalls favourites Venezuela and beaten by Argentina despite having much of the game. The key thing about those home games was that they were played without Colombia's undoubted star, Radamel Falcao, who was injured. If teams are going to be judged by what they do in games under enforced stunt conditions, then pretty much every football manager will be taking a long, hard look over their shoulder today after this.

Fundamentally, however, Alvarez's card was marked from the outset. After Gómez was dismissed - and he had to be, let's face facts here - Alvarez was anything but first choice. They wanted Gerardo Martino but were turned down. They had a look around and there was Alvarez, smiling gently and cupping his magnificent curly mullet. Martino will undoubtedly be first pick now.

What this episode does not mean is that Alvarez is incapable. Maybe he - like Carlos Quieroz, to pick a random example - will always be an understudy, destined never to make the top grade, but while there were grumblings about not going for the jugular against Argentina, in a few short games, there's been enough to suggest Alvarez has enough about him to go on and make something of himself.

FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals

2011-12-14T19:05:00.001Z

Santos booked their place in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup with a comfortable victory over Kashiwa Reysol at Toyota Stadium this morning. The Libertadores champions were ahead 19 minutes into the contest thanks to a wonderful strike from the much-coveted Neymar who had earlier struck the post. Fed by Ganso down the inside right channel, he checked back inside onto his left and curled a beauty past Takanori Sugeno who was left with his feet seemingly in clay. Approaching the half hour, Santos struck for a second time to all but seal the game. Again, Ganso was the provider, playing it in from the left to the feet of Borges who turned and rifled a powerful shot high into the roof of the net. 2-0 it remained to half time, but nine minutes after the resumption, Reysol found a way back into the game as some slack marking at a corner allowed Hiroki Sakai to pull one back.
If anything, that spurred Santos on and they restored the two-goal advantage shortly afterwards with Danilo's heavily deflected free-kick following a foul on star man Ganso. Reysol could and should have got one back late on when Masakatsu Sawa put the ball over the bar from close range when scoring looked easier. Santos move on to Sunday's final where the winners of tomorrow's semi-final between Qatar's Al Sadd and the tiki-taka masters of Barcelona (so Barcelona then, yeah?).

Reysol, the host nation champions, got to this point by beating Oceania champions Auckland City 2-0 in a play-off and then beating CONCACAF champions Monterrey of Mexico on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Monterrey beat ES Tunis (African champions) for 5th place in a play-off after the Tunisians lost their quarter-final to Al Sadd by two goals to one. Reysol have one more game, the third-place match, against the losers of the Al Sadd/Barcelona clash (so Al Sadd then, yeah?), also on Sunday.

Follow Barcelona's progress on our sister site, Euroballs.

Ex-pat of the week #3

2011-12-09T21:00:00.001Z

The Champions League dominated the week's stories from Europe, albeit the main stories were more about who didn't get through as opposed to those who did. That's where our nominees spring from this week. And so to business.

Gonzalo Higuaín. A strong game in the league against Sporting Gijon for the Argentinian was followed up by an equally strong showing in the Champions League against Ajax, capped with the second of El Real's three goals. On the quiet, the lad's having a decent year.
Kaká. With Real Madrid having already qualified, a number of their regular starters were rested with this weekend's el clasico in mind, so it was a chance for one of the forgotten men to remind us of what he can do. Kaká pulled the strings as El Real saw off a limp challenge from Ajax to maintain the only 100% record in the competition, eliminating the Amsterdammers into the bargain.
Ezequiel Lavezzi. Napoli needed a win in order to make Manchester City's result irrelevant to their qualification prospects. With FC Bayern putting a reserve side out in Manchester, the cashed-up English side were quickly ahead, throwing pressure back onto the Italians. But they kept their composure in Spain and Lavezzi was superb as they engineered a win which secured their progress from a tough group.

Luiz Adriano. An eventful excursion in the Champions League for Shakhtar's Brazilian striker as the Donetsk outfit - already out of the competition - registered their first win of the group stage while also inflicting a first defeat on group winners APOEL. Having seen an early penalty saved, he kept his head when played in for the opener.
Robinho. AC Milan were already through as well, but still sent out a strong side in Plzen. Robinho was the star as Milan cruised into a two-goal lead early in the second half - scoring one and setting up countryman Alexandre Pato for the other - and it's no coincidence that Viktoria only got back on terms after he was subbed off.

The name inside the golden envelope is...

Ezequiel Lavezzi. Context is everything in judging this and with City strolling past a weakened Bayern, Napoli really needed that win. While other nominees had either already qualified or been eliminated, Lavezzi's performance went a long way to securing progression for his club and that's what pushes him over the top this week.

As ever, your contributions are welcome as we aim to keep this enterprise going each week. Leave us a comment on here or hit us up on twitter and let us know who you think should be in the running for this next week.

Copa Sudamericana Final 1st leg

2011-12-09T20:47:00.001Z

LDU Quito 0-1 Universidad de Chile

Universidad de Chile overcame the altitude of Quito as they took a decisive step towards their first continental title with a first leg victory over LDU in the first leg of the 2011 Copa Bridgestone Sudamericana final and now have one hand on what would be Chile's first continental trophy for 20 years.

After the smoke from the fireworks had subsided both teams set off at a frenetic pace but it was La U who began take control of proceedings with Marcelo Diaz having the first meaningful effort but it was off target. Neicer Reasco was making hay down the right for La U and he should have put them ahead on the half on hour but Jhonny Herrera in the LDU goal came to the rescue. LDU wasted a golden opportunity five minutes before the break, Ezequiel González setting up Hernan Barcos and the LDU star striker somehow put the ball over the bar. La U made the home side pay just before the break, in demand Eduardo Vargas latching onto a beautifully weighted Marcelo Diaz through ball, slicing between two LDU defenders before rounding Alexander Domínguez to claim his ninth goal of the competition.

Gustavo Canales went agonisingly close to extending the lead for La U five mintues after the break but his header went the wrong side of the post. Half way through the half LDU spurned a great opportunity to level the tie after Herrera flapped at a corner and Barcos again wasted the opportunity by firing over the bar. The second half didn't quite have the drama of the first but LDU went close again when Fernando Hidalgo's header was cleared by Jose Rojas before defender Matias Rodríguez wasted a chance for La U to put the tie beyond doubt. When Hernan Barcos headed wide with moments left it was not to be LDU's night and they now face an uphill task in the National Stadium in Santiago next Wednesday night.

LDU Quito: Domínguez; Ambrosi, Guagua, Reasco (Gámez 82'), Araujo; Calderón, Acosta, González, Hidalgo; Barcos, Bieler (Bolaños 46')
Universidad de Chile: Herrera; M González, Rodríguez, O González, Rojas; Diaz, Acevedo, Mena, Aránguiz (Marino '89); Vargas (Margalhaes '90), Canales (Castro '72)
Referee: Diego Abal (Argentina)

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

Copa Sudamericana Final Preview

2011-12-08T18:31:00.001Z

After an arduous battle through five rounds, we come to the final of the Copa Sudamericana. Played over two legs, the first is in Quito - at an altitude of 2850m - as LDU take on Universidad de Chile.

2009 winners LDU arrive at this stage in mediocre form. They've not won in five domestic games, the only bright spots puncturing that gloom the home and away wins over Vélez Sarsfield in the semi-final. Hernan Barcos got both in a 2-0 win at home to Vélez and then struck again in Buenos Aires as they completed a reasonably comfortable win. The 27-year old Argentinian is far and away their top scorer this term and will once again be the focal point of their attack. Slightly disappointing in the league this season, they are involved in a third-place play-off with El Nacional while Deportivo Quito and Emelec play off for the title. While league form has been patchy, they've lost twice in their run to the final, away to Independiente in the Round of 16 and at Libertad in the Quarter Final.

La U have no such domestic concerns, unbeaten as they stormed to the top of the Clausura table by a whopping eight-point margin and have a 1-0 lead over Unión Española to take back home in the first round of the finals. Their 39 goals in the Chilean league are a clear nine better than the next best and they conceded just 15 - they are an all-round side. They score from everywhere, but it's 22-year old Eduardo Vargas who leads the line. They haven't lost at all in the Copa Sudamericana either. Indeed, only Fénix in the first round and Vasco da Gama in the semi-final held them to draws. They had too much for Vasco - with Brazilian championship glory on their mind perhaps - over two legs, especially once they'd come from behind to secure a 1-1 in the São Januário. They bossed the return, running out easy 2-0 victors, the aforementioned Vargas sealing the deal after Fágner was sent off for the Brazilians as La U stopped Vasco's run of ridiculous comebacks in this competition.

Everything points to a win for La U, which would be their first Copa Sudamericana in their third appearance in the competition. The potential spanner in the works is the extreme altitude that the first leg will be played at. LDU need to take a lead to Santiago if they're to stand a chance. Even then, the Chileans will probably fancy their chances when taking them back to their place and LDU know this. The Ecuadorians have to go for it in the opener which should make for a fun game for viewers on Premier Sports TV. The game kicks off at 00:15 GMT in the small hours of tomorrow before the return leg six days later at the same time with both games being shown live.

The Road to the Final

First Stage

Yaracuyanos 1-1 LDU Quito
LDU Quito 1-0 Yaracuyanos
LDU Quito advances 4-1 on points

Universidad de Chile 1-0 Fénix
Fénix 0-0 Universidad de Chile
Universidad de Chile advances 4-1 on points

Second Stage

LDU Quito 4-1 Trujillanos
Trujillanos 0-1 LDU Quito
LDU Quito advances 6-0 on points

Universidad de Chile 1-0 Nacional Montevideo
Nacional Montevideo 0-2 Universidad de Chile
Universidad de Chile advances 6-0 on points

Round of Sixteen

LDU Quito 2-0 Independiente
Independiente 1-0 LDU Quito
3-3 on points, LDU Quito advances on goal difference

Flamengo 0-4 Universidad de Chile
Universidad de Chile 1-0 Flamengo
Universidad de Chile advaces 6-0 on points

Quarter Final

LDU Quito 1-0 Libertad
Libertad 1-0 LDU Quito
2-2 on points, LDU Quito advances 5-4

Arsenal 1-2 Universidad de Chile
Universidad de Chile 3-0 Arsenal
Universidad de Chile advances 6-0 on points

Semi Final

LDU Quito 2-0 Vélez Sarsfield
Vélez Sarsfield 0-1 LDU Quito
LDU Quito advances 6-0 on points

Vasco da Gama 1-1 Universidad de Chile
Universidad de Chile 2-0 Vasco da Gama
Universidad de Chile advances 4-1 on points

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2011 Craque do Brasileirão Awards

2011-12-06T11:54:00.001Z

The annual awards ceremony took place at Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro on Monday to celebrate the achievements of the 2011 Brasileirão season. The ceremony is run in conjunction by the CBF and media outlet Globo.

Here is who won what

Player of the Year: Neymar (Santos).

Leading scorer: Borges (Santos) with 23 goals

Craque da Galera: Dedé (Vasco da Gama)
This award is voted for by a fan vote and Dedé got 46% of that vote

Best Newcomer: Wellington Nem (Figueirense)

Coach of the Year: Ricardo Gomes/Cristóvão Borges (Vasco)

Referee of the Year: Leandro Vuaden

Team of the year 4-4-2 (apparently)

Goalkeeper: Jefferson (Botafogo)
Right Back: Fagner (Vasco da Gama)
Centre Back: Dedé (Vasco da Gama)
Centre Back: Réver (Atlético-MG)
Left Back: Bruno Cortês (Botafogo)
Midfield: Ralf (Corinthians)
Midfield: Paulinho (Corinthians)
Midfield: Diego Souza (Vasco da Gama)
Midfield: Ronaldinho Gáucho (Flamengo)
Forward: Neymar (Santos)
Forward: Fred (Fluminense)

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 38

2011-12-05T18:52:00.001Z

São Paulo 4-1 Santos
Internacional 1-0 Grêmio
Cruzeiro 6-1 Atlético Mineiro
Atlético Goianiense 5-1 América Mineiro
Atlético Paranaense 1-0 Coritiba
Bahia 2-1 Ceará
Avaí 1-1 Figueirense
Botafogo 1-1 Fluminense
Vasco da Gama 1-1 Flamengo
Corinthians 0-0 Palmeiras

Corinthians are the 2011 Brasileirão Petrobras champions after a a spiteful score less draw with arch enemies Palmeiras at the Pacaembu in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras. After the untimely death of Sócrates early in the morning before the game a respectful moment of silence was observed by all in the stadium. When the action started it was Palmeiras who were the more likely to break the deadlock. Deola in the Palmeiras goal was reduced to a mere spectator at times. With the news that Diego Souza had put Vasco da Gama ahead at Engenhão after half an hour filtering through the ground at half time, Corinthians were still in the box seat for the title but going behind would be a complete disaster. The fun and games at the Pacaembu began two minutes after the break when Jorge Valdivia was sent off for a forearm but the news from Rio that Flamengo has equalised through Renato Abreu settled nerves amongst Corinthians supporters. Then the news got better for Corinthians as Vasco had Jumar sent off twenty minutes from time but two minutes later it was ten a side when Wallace was shown a red card. The tension was unbearable at the Pacaembu especially when Palmieras rattled the woodwork but the news came through it was all over at Vasco and the fans began celebrating a fifth title. Then came the good old fashioned South American punch up in injury time, Palmeiras substitue João Vitor was sent off for a nasty challenge on Jorge Henrique. The Palmieras bench thought there had been a severe over reaction and piled into the midfielder. Leandro Castan of Corinthians got a red card for his part in it all but how Luan of Palmeiras stayed on after kicking Jorge Henrique right under the nose of the assistant we will never know. The final whistle went in the Pacaembu and the celebrations started in true style with the fireworks going off left, right and centre. It was a fitting finish for Corinthians and a tribute to the Doctor.

While Flamengo secured their place in the Copa Libertadores next year with that point at Vasco, it was Internacional who sneaked in the at back door to claim the fifth and final spot via league qualification. For most of the night São Paulo were in the box seat as they ripped a reserve Santos side to bits in Mogi Mirim. Luís Fabiano, Cicero and Lucas Silva had São Paulo three up at half time but Elano pulled a goal back on the hour. A second for Fabiano ten minutes from time wrapped things up for São Paulo. Internacional made it into the Libertadores after victory in the 389th Gre-Nal at the Beira-Rio. The only goal came on the hour when Argentinian Andres D'Alessandro converted from the spot to give them the win and send them to Colombia for their Libertadores qualifying tie. Figuerense were denied the chance of qualifying when they were held by already relegation local rivals Avaí at the Recassada. Diogo Orlando put Avaí ahead a minutes before the break but Figueirense levelled two minutes after the restart through Heber. Figueirense then had Julio Cesar sent off shortly afterwards but with Inter winning they were always behind on that count.

The relegation picture was settled pretty early in the afternoon as Cruzeiro brushed aside uninterested local rivals Atlético-MG in Sete Lagoas. Cruzeiro who needed to win to guarantee their place in the top flight were four up at half time after goals from Roger, Leandro Guerreiro, Anselmo Ramon and Fabrício. Wellington Paulista made it five on the just before the hour before Réver pulled a goal back for Atlético-MG. The game finished ten a side after Wellington Paulista and Werley were sent off after clashing thirteen minutes from time and Everton capped a remarkable day for Cruzeiro with the sixth in injury time. Atlético-PR were relegated for the first time in their history despite denying local rivals Coritiba a spot in the Libertadores with victory at the Arena de Baixada. Ecuadorian striker Joffre Guerrón got the only goal of the game seventeen minutes from time but the home side finished with ten men after Fabrício Carioca was sent off in injury time. Ceará were also relegation after losing at Bahia, who themselved sneaked into the last Copa Sudamericana place for next season. Camacho put Bahia ahead with thirteen minutes gone and Lulinha doubled the lead two minutes before the break. Felipe Azevedo pulled a goal back for Ceará almost instantly but the news from Sete Lagoas at half time saw the game fizzle out into a damp squib.

Fluminense secured third place and spot in the group stage of the Libertadores after they ended up settling for a point in Volta Redonda against Botafogo. The Tricolor were ahead with just five minutes gone when Fred got his 22nd of the season, leaving him one behind Borges of Santos but Felipe Menezes levelled for Botafogo seven minutes later. Fluminense finished with ten men after Erwin Valencia was sent off fourteen minutes from time but after their shocking start to the season Fluminense must be happu with their third palced finish. Finally Atlético-GO secured a place in the Copa Sudamericana when they took already relegated América-MG to the cleaners at the Serra Dourada. Felipe put Atlético-GO ahead with ten minutes gone before Mario doubled the lead from the spot five minutes later. Gilson put Atlético-GO three ahead at the break but Thiago Carleto pulled one back for América-MG on the hour. This spurred Atlético-GO onto greater things as Anailson got a fourth twenty minutes from time before Paulo Henrique wrapped up Atlético-GO's biggest win of the season five minutes from time.

So, this is who got what in Brazil this year

Champions: Corinthians
Copa Libertadores Group Stage: Santos (as holder), Fluminense, Vasco da Gama (via Copa do Brasil)
Copa Libertadores Qualifiers: Flamengo, Internacional
Copa Sudamericana: São Paulo, Figueirense, Coritiba, Botafogo, Palmeiras, Grêmio, Atlético Goianiense, Bahia
Relegated: Atlético Paranaense, Ceará, América Mineiro, Avaí

So that's it for the 2011 Brasileirão Petrobras and it's congratulations once again to Corinthians. That isn't the end of the year here at CONMEBalls, we have both legs of the Copa Sudamericana final plus we will be keeping tabs on Santos at the FIFA World Club Cup. The national competition will return mid-May 2012 but don't forget our coverage of the Campeonato Paulista and Campeonato Carioca begins in the middle of January and the 2012 Copa Libertadores gets underway in the last week of January.

I would like to thank everyone who takes the trouble to read this every week and especially everyone who follows us on twitter. It's been a pleasure bringing you all the action from one of the most exciting leagues in the world.

Premier Sports TV is the home of the Brasileirão Petrobras in the UK
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Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira

2011-12-04T13:53:00.001Z

Sad news today as the world learned of the passing of Brazilian great Sócrates. Medical doctor, 60-a-day man, drinker, thinker, icon, he was all these things and more. Outspokenly left-wing in his politics at a time when Brazil was under military rule, he was so much more than a footballer. But what a footballer. At 6'4", his gangly frame shouldn't have been able to glide across the turf, but he was a picture of languid grace.
This writer was just a bit too young for the 1978 World Cup - 1982 was the first proper glimpse of the world game and that Brazil side from that tournament still evokes great memories. Falcão, Zico et al were terrific of course, but it was the lanky, bearded captain who pulled all the strings and swanned about the midfield like he owned the sport. He was cool. He was the one everyone wanted to be in the 38-a-side game in the schoolyard the next day.
His was a life very well lived indeed and the world is a sadder place for his passing.

Here he is in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico against France, swaggering his way around the Jalisco in Guadalajara:

Ex-Pat of the Week #2

2011-12-02T19:35:00.001Z

The second week of our trawl through the leagues outside of South America to find the cream of the crop takes in the Europa League, where progression to the last 32 was up for grabs, the League Cup in England and some surprise results around Europe.

So to the nominations:

Lucas Leiva. Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder took some time to convince he was Xabi Alonso's natural successor, but since the Spaniard departed for Real Madrid, Lucas has slowly grown into the role. This was capped with an outstanding display in front of the back four against Manchester City in a game Liverpool were a touch unfortunate to win. He followed that up with another starring role in the League Cup against Chelsea, but he failed to complete that game as he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury which has ruled him out for the season.

Sergio Agüero. Largely shackled in the league against Liverpool (see Lucas's nomination above), but came off the bench in the League Cup away to Arsenal in the 32nd minute as manager Roberto Mancini removed a defender - Alexander Kolarov - for the Argentine striker. The manager's bold ploy was rewarded when Agüero popped up with a late winner to see Manchester City through to the semi-finals.

Hulk. Missed out last week despite a great performance in Donetsk in the Champions League, but followed that up with a double last Sunday in a 3-2 win over bitter rivals Benfica, a result which saw Porto leapfrog the Lisbon club into pole position in the Liga ZON Sagres.

Elkin Soto. The tough-tackling Colombian was outstanding in the Mainz midfield as they pulled themselves clear of the Bundesliga danger zone and inflicting a second straight loss on the mighty FC Bayern .

Alexandre Pato. Returning from a long injury lay-off, the Brazilian scored one and set one up for Milan in a 4-0 romp against the Flying Donkeys of Chievo as the Rossoneri move within two points of long-time Serie A leaders Juventus.

Leonardo (de Vitor Santiago). The much-travelled forward is at Red Bull Salzburg these days and was their best player as his side beat cashed-up PSG 2-0 in the Europa League on Thursday, a result which gives Salzburg a real chance of progressing and threatening the French side's continued involvement in the competition.

And the winner is...

Lucas Leiva. Maybe we're getting a bit soft in our old age and perhaps, just perhaps, had Lucas not got injured in that cup game we wouldn't have given him the nod. We'd like to think not and that his performances across the two games warranted recognition. This week capped a rise which has seen him become a key player for Liverpool and a regular for the Seleção and the measure of the man is how both will miss him now he's crocked.

And all done without once mentioning Lionel Messi. Until just then. Doh!

Who have we missed? Who will get the nod next week? Comment below or hit us up on the Twitter feed, especially if you see a bit more Asian football than we do.

Copa Sudamericana - Semi Final Second Leg

2011-12-01T21:16:00.001Z

Vélez Sarsfield 0-1 LDU Quito
LDU Quito advances 6-0 on points
Universidad de Chile 2-0 Vasco da Gama
Universidad de Chile advances 4-1 on points

2009 Champions LDU Quito are back in the final after holding off the challenge of Vélez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night. Vélez needed an early goal to get them back in the tie and Guillermo Franco blew a great chance to put them ahead when left unmarked at the back post. It was all out attack from the home side and the consequence of that was leaving gaps at the back as Paul Ambrosi and Hernan Barcos went close for the visitors. Vélez came close just before the break but Alex Domínquez in the LDU goal kept his side in the tie with a save from Hector Canteros. The break through came four minutes after the break, Neicer Reasco with the cross before from good control and a powerful shot from Hernan Barcos flew past Marcelo Barovero to silence the home crowd and put LDU in total control of the tie. It knocked the stuffing out of the home side, now needing four goals in forty minutes to reach the final couldn't find a response and we lucky not to go further behind when Enqique Gamez blew an ideal opportunity to put LDU two ahead.

Vasco da Gama were unhappy before a ball was kicked in Santiago as Universidad de Chile moved their game from the National Stadium to their traditional home at the Estadio Santa Laura claiming the venue wasn't up to holding the fixture. The game started in a similar vein to last week's clash in the São Januário as both teams went at each other hammer and tongs looking for that vital first goal. Juninho Pernambucano was a constant threat from dead ball situations but Vasco didn't take their chances. La U went ahead just after the half hour, a shot from Fransico Castro was parried by Fernando Prass in the Vasco goal and Gustavo Canales was first onto the rebound to fire home from a sharp angle and send the home fans wild. Vasco almost levelled just after the break but La U goalkeeper Jhonny Herrera was in top form and Eduardo Vargas should have ended it up chipped over the keeper and wide of the post. Vasco's task became harder twenty minutes from time when Fágner was dismissed for an elbow on Canales and two minutes later Vargas made up for his earlier miss when he finished off a great team move to get his eighth goal in the competition. It was fifth time lucky for La U in continental semi finals as they made the final of a CONMEBOL competition for the first time in their history.

The first leg of the final takes place at the Casa Blanca in Quito next week before the return leg in Santiago the week after. Kick off times have yet to be confirmed.

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 37

2011-11-28T21:37:00.001Z

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

The penultimate week of the season and still so much to be decided in the Brasileirão. Would Corinthians collect the title this week and who else would be joining Avaí in Série B next season.

At the Orlando Scarpelli in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras, Corinthians knew that victory over Figueirense and Vasco da Gama failing to win at the Engenhão against Fluminense would hand them the title. When Liédson put Corinthians ahead half way though the second half the massed ranks of fans believed the title was there for the taking. Then Alecsandro put Vasco ahead at the Engenhão with thirteen minutes left and it was as you were in the title race. The Corinthians fans were celebrating again when Fred levelled for Fluminense with his 21st goal of the season six minutes from time. They were about five mintues behind in Rio and when the full time whistle went in Florianópolis they Corinthians players stayed on the pitch and received the news of Leandro's dismissal reducing Vasco to ten men. As the party was about the get into full swing, there was injury time drama at the Engenhão when Diego Cavalieri spilled a shot and Bernardo pounced to give Vasco the win. It's all on next week now where both teams play deadly rivals, Corithians entertain Palmeiras while Vasco entertain Flamengo. The defeat for Figueirense may cost them a spot in next years Libertadores.

América-MG's relegation was finally confirmed despite a victory over Atlético-PR in Uberlândia. Leading scorer Kempes put América-MG ahead with twenty minutes gone but Atlético-PR got a life line when Paulo Baier converted from the spot on the hour. Gilson got the América-MG winner ten minutes from time to leave Atlético-PR on the brink of relegation. In another big relegation clash, Cruzeiro picked up a point at fellow strugglers Ceará to ensure that América-MG can't overtake them in the table. Ceará are also in a desperate struggle against the drop and they took the lead through Osvaldo with twenty minutes gone. Anselmo Ramon levelled three minutes later and when Paraguayan star Jose Ortigoza put Cruzeiro ahead eight minutes after the break they had secured their place in the top flight for next season. An equaliser from Daniel Marques eight minutes from time rescued a point for Ceará and gave them a fighting chance of surviving the drop next week. Bahia ensured their place in the top flight next season when they picked up a point at the Vila against Santos. In fact it was the first goal of the night that put Bahia ahead after eight minutes, Souza with the finish. Neymar's thirteenth of the season levelled matter after half an hour but Santos have that trip to Japan for the FIFA World Club Cup firmly on their minds.

The battle for the last Libertadores took a turn as well as Flamengo got themselves into poll position with victory over Internacional in Volta Redonda. Ronaldinho Gáucho put some bad press in the preceeding week behind him with the only goal of the game just before half time to leave the Rubro-Negro needing a point next week for the last spot. Coritiba have sneaked up on the edges of grabbing a Libertadores spot after victory over already relegated Avaí. The visitors had Fabiano sent off seventeen minutes from time and Jeci grabbed the all important goal six minutes from time. Avaí finished with nine men when Fernandinho was sent off a minute from time. Even with Flamengo in pole position at the moment the last Libertadores spot will be betweem them, Inter, Figueirense and Coritiba next week.

São Paulo's Libertadores hopes were ended when they fell to defeat to Palmeiras at the Pacaembu. Marcos Assunção with the only goal of the game ten minutes after half time to give Felipão back to back wins. São Paulo finished with ten men when Rivaldo was sent off in injury time. Botafogo's disastrous end to the season continued as Loco Abreu missed a penalty as their crushing defeat at Atlético-MG ended their feint Libertadores hopes as well. Daniel Carvalho put Atlético-MG ahead from the spot with a quarter of an hour gone and André doubled the lead ten minutes later. A second for André thirteen minutes from time sealed the points before Leonardo Silva wrapped up Atlético-MG's biggest win of the season in injury time. Finally the only game of the week that had little to no significance attached to it finished in an entertaining draw at the Olímpico. Atlético-GO took the lead with twenty five minutes gone through Anselmo but two goals in a minute from Willian Magrão and Marquinhos put Grêmio ahead. Anderson rescued a point for Atlético-GO seven minutes from time with both teams now settled in mid-table obscurity.

So, one week to go in the 2011 Brasileirão and so much to play for. The title is up for grabs as is the final positions in Libertadores qualifying. It's two from three for the final relegation spots and it will all unfold from 7pm on Sunday. It's also rivalry round with all major Clássico matches taking place as well. They line up like this

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

The Série B season came to a close at the weekend with Náutico claiming the last promotion spot for the 2012 Brasileirão. They join fellow Recife based club Sport in the top flight alongside the Paulista sides Ponte Preta and the 2011 Série B Champions Portuguesa.

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

Ex-pat of the week #1

2011-11-25T20:45:00.001Z

Introducing the first of a new series where we run the rule over South American players plying their trade outside of the continent and pick out our performance of the week. This particular correspondent realises that this could end up being a lot of work, so we'll see how long we can keep it going for, but the intention is there, loyal reader. Trust us on that one. Anyway, to business.

This week saw a full round of UEFA Champions League fixtures as well as the regular European leagues while in the USA, the competition reached it's conclusion. Here are the nominees, in no particular order:

Lionel Messi. One gets the feeling that we'll be mentioning this chap quite a bit over the weeks; we've heard he's a bit tidy at this football lark. This week, his audacious penalty effort against AC Milan was chalked off - and he was booked - but he slammed home the retake before teeing up Xavi for the winner with THE most audacious through-ball.
Edinson Cavani. Two goals in the UCL game against big-spending Manchester City sealed the win which put one Neapolitan foot into the knockout stages. He was so good that City were immediately linked with signing the Uruguayan come January.
Marcelo Oliveira. One of a number of unheralded South Americans at APOEL, Oliveira has been at the heart of a very effective defensive unit that's guided the Cypriot club to top spot in their UCL group, capped by this week's backs-to-the-wall effort away to cash-rich Zenit St Petersburg.
Pablo Aimar. 32 years old now, Aimar rolled back the years with possibly his best performance in something like six or seven years as Benfica secured progress to the knockout stages of the UCL with a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
Matiás Fernandez. The Chilean midfielder was in sublime form and bagged a couple of goals at Sporting CP saw off União de Leiria to move within a point of Porto and Benfica at the top of the Liga ZON Sagres which is now open wider than the mouth of the Amazon.
Juninho (Vitor Junior). Beckham, Keane and Donovan may have grabbed the headlines on the night, but the Brazilian's tireless efforts in midfield, screening the back four, went a long way to ensuring LA Galaxy were not only easily the best defensive side in MLS this year, but also took home the bacon in the final against the dangerous, counter-attacking Houston Dynamo.

And the winner is....
Pablo Aimar
He was quite magnificent in Manchester on Tuesday. OK, so it's partly because we don't want to end up giving this to Messi every week, but Aimar deserves this one.

Agree? Don't? Comment below or join the debate on our twitter feed.

Copa Sudamericana - Semi Final First Leg

2011-11-25T19:27:00.001Z

Vasco da Gama 1-1 Universidad de Chile
LDU Quito 2-0 Vélez Sarsfield

Vasco da Gama's home form in the Sudamericana had been pretty damned impressive. Three victories and fifteen goals scored in the process so when La U returned to the city of their stunning 4-0 success against Flamengo five weeks ago it wasn't the easiest game in the world to call. Vasco took a deserved lead with 33 minutes gone. Allan attacked down the middle of the pitch and his pass took a wicked deflection off Gustavo Lorenzetti. Bernardo got to the ball first, and his turn and shot beat Jhonny Herrera and into the left hand corner of the net. It was the first time that U de Chile had trailed in an away leg so far this season but they came out with a purpose in the second half and got themselves back into the tie, and a valuable away goal, ten minutes from time. A free kick from Marcelo Diaz dropped around the penalty spot, Fernando Prass got caught in no mans land and Osvaldo González headed home to get the vital goal.

At the Casa Blanca the night after, 2009 champions LDU Quito gained a huge advantage as they will take a two goal cushion back to Buenos Aires next week against Vélez Sarsfield. After a score less first half, LDU took the lead after Vélez lost possession deep in their own half and Hernan Barcos surged upfield and his shot from 25 yards out flew into the corner of the goal. The Argentinian strike doubled his teams lead six minutes from time as a great passing move split the Vélez defence before his shot from a tight angle flew in at Marcelo Barovero's near post. It was a cruel blow for Ricardo Gareca's side who will have it all to do in the return leg next week.

The second legs take place next week and both will be live on Premier Sports TV

Vélez Sarsfield v LDU Quito - Wednesday 0015GMT
Universidad de Chile v Vasco da Gama - Wednesday 2350GMT

Premier Sports TV is the home of live South American football in the UK
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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 36

2011-11-21T16:55:00.001Z

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

On Saturday the América-MG revival was bought to a halt as they were left on the brink of relegation after defeat to São Paulo at the Morumbi. Luís Fabiano put São Paulo ahead half way through the first half and he got a second to double the lead on the stoke of half time. Juan made it three six minutes after the break but São Paulo suffered a blow when Xandão was sent off on the hour. Alessandro pulled a goal back for América-MG with twelve minutes left and it looks like their season long stay in the top flight will end this weekend. The Premier Sports TV cameras were on hand to see Vasco da Gama go to the top of the table when they condemned Avaí to relegation at the São Januário. The visitors were reduced to ten men with just twenty minutes gone when Junior Urso was sent off for a second yellow card offence. The ten men held on for a further half an hour before Felipe but Vasco ahead six minutes after the break. When Elton doubled the lead fourteen minutes later you could feel the relief from the Vasco fans. Ceará still remain in the relegation zone despite a fantastic win at Grêmio. Leading scorer Felipe Azevedo put Ceará ahead with half an hour gone but the lead lasted only seven minutes before Douglas got the tricolor back on level terms. A second for Felipe Azevedo, converting from the penalty spot, restored the Ceará lead four minutes after the break and he completed his hat-trick ten minutes later to wrap up the points.

After their title challenge floundered in midweek, managerless Botafogo's hopes of securing a place in the Libertadores next season suffered a blow when Internacional left the Engenhão with all three points. Leandro Damião put Inter ahead on the stroke of half time and Oscar doubled the lead fifteen minutes from time. Felipe Menezes pulled a goal back three minutes later but it as Inter who jumped into the final qualifying spot. In front of the Premier Sports TV cameras Corinthians went back to the top of the table after coming from behind to defeat Atlético-MG at the Pacaembu. When Leonardo Silva put Atlético-MG ahead ten minutes after the break it was just what the Vasco fans wanted to hear but Liédson thought he'd rescued a point for Corinthians thirteen minutes from time. Cometh injury time, cometh the man as Adriano, in only his fourth appearance of the season, grabbed a winner to leave Corinthians in the driving seat in the title race. Two teams threatened with relegation met in Sete Lagoas and there was nothing to separate Cruzeiro and Atlético-PR. The visitors took the lead with twenty-six minutes gone when Marcinho put them ahead but Charles levelled for Cruzeiro two minutes before the break. Neither team could find a second half winner and the result still leaves both teams in danger of the drop. No goals at the Serra Dourada as a point was enough to secure Atlético-GO's top flight status and make life very difficult for Flamengo's bid to be in the Copa Libertadores next year. It's a second straight scoreless draw for Flamengo who really need to be finding the back of the net if they are to be at the top table next year.

It took a long time coming but Palmeiras finally secured their place in the top flight next season after a first win in eleven when they defeated Bahia. Ricardo Bueno put Palmeiras ahead with twenty minutes gone to ease their fears but they only wrapped up the victory in injury time when Marcos Assuncão got the second as Bahia pressed for an equaliser. Coritiba can look forward to Copa Sudamericana action next year after they defeated Santos at the Couto Pereira. A goal from Leonardo on the hour was enough for to win it for Coritiba as Muricy Ramalho rested some of his star players with a place in Série A secured and the FIFA World Club Cup in mind. At the Orlando Scarpelli, Fluminense secured a spot in the Copa Libertadores when they ended Figuerense's fourteen match unbeaten run in spectacular fashion. After his four goal show in midweek, Fred was again the Fluminense talisman as he added a hat-trick to make it seven goals for the week and twelve in his last six games. The former Olympique Lyonnias man opened the scoring three mintues after the break and doubled the lead nine minutes later. Marquinho got in on the act with the third eighteen mintues from time before Fred wrapped up his hat-trick five minutes from time to take him to twenty for the season. It was a first defeat for Figueirense since a 2-1 defeat at home to São Paulo on September 3 and leaves them in a three way fight for the last Libertadores spot.

Next week all fixtures kick off at the same time with just 180 minutes left in the season. Flamengo take their home game to Macaé and América-MG move to Uberlândia due to Stadium clashes. The title is still up for grabs, as is the last Libertadores spot while two teams are still available for the drop to Série B. They line up like this

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

Meanwhile, the last weekend of fixtures take place in Série B at the weekend. Portuguesa will return to the top flight as Champions whilst Náutico and Ponte Preta will join them in the top flight. Five teams, Sport Recife, Bragantino, Vitória, Boa and Americana are all still in with a shout of the fourth and final promotion spot.

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 35

2011-11-18T17:56:00.001Z

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

Four games left as the race for the title, Libertadores spots and avoiding relegation hots up in the Brasileirão. The week opened at the Engenhão as Fluminense kept their slim title hopes alive with victory over Grêmio in a crazy game. Rafael Marques put Grêmio ahead with seventeen minutes gone but Fred levelled for Flu eight minutes later but the visitors went into the break ahead when Marquinhos struck on the stroke of half time. A second for Fred eight minutes after the break levelled matters again and the home side took the lead just after the hour when Rafael Sóbis got his tenth of the season. After a crazy two minutes spell it looked like Flu's title dream was over when first Brandão and then Adílson had Grêmio ahead with just fourteen minutes to go. However Fred converted from the spot to level the match with twelve minutes to go and then the former Lyon man won it with his fourth of the game nine minutes from time. Brandão was then sent off two minutes later and the home fans had to endure an agonising six added minutes before the three points were in the bag. Internacional remain in Libertadores contention after a ninth minute Gilberto goal was enough to see them home against Bahia at the Beira-Rio. The visitors are still not safe from the drop after this result but another victory should guarantee them top flight football next season. Atlético-PR's battle against the drop continued as they defeated a São Paulo side that will now be lucky to bring Libertadores football to the Morumbi next year. A tenth minutes strike from Ecuadorian strike Joffre Guerrón, only his fifth goal of the season, was enough to give Atlético-PR a valuable victory.

If you're going to bottom of the table for most of the year and you're going to go on a three game winning run, who better than Corinthians, Fluminense and now Botafogo as your victims as América-MG ended the Alvinegro's title hopes in Sete Lagoas last night. When Kempes put América-MG ahead from the spot, his 12th of the season, ten minutes before the break Botafogo were on thin ice and when Fábio Júnior made it two five minutes later the cracks began to appear. Sebastian Abreu got Botafogo back in the game just after the hour and when Gilson got sent off just after the visitors had a man advantage. But they couldn't make it count and now have a fight on their hands for a Libertadores spot, which they will do without Caio Júnior who was shown the door on the teams return to Rio de Janeiro. The title race took a turn when Palmeiras did hated rivals Corinthians a favour by holding Vasco da Gama at the Pacaembu. Vasco made the perfect start to the game when Dedé scored for the third game in succession with just four minutes on the clock. Now you would have expected the Palmerias fans to be happy with that, but Felipão is under huge pressure at the moment and the Big Green are in danger of the drop and they levelled eighteen minutes after the break when Luan got his ninth of the season. Avaí's three year stay in the top flight is as good as over when they were held to a goal less draw by fellow strugglers Cruzeiro at the Ressacada. The point leaves Avaí eight points short of safety now with just nine to play for. Cruzeiro remain a point ahead of safety but finished the game with ten men after Naldo was sent off five minutes from time. Vasco's draw was Corinthians gain as the Muskateers secured a vital draw at the Castelão against Ceará. The Peruvian substitute Luís Ramírez with the vital goal nine minutes from time to leave Corinthians two points clear at the top of the table. Ceará, who remain deep in relegation trouble, had Fabrício sent off after a second yellow card five minutes from time.

Where as Wednesday has produced goals galore it was a different story on Thursday night with only one game seeing a positive result. Santos left it late at the Vila to claim a point against an Atlético-GO side which is still not quite safe from the drop yet. Atlético-GO took the lead nine minutes before the break when Leonardo gave them the lead but the suffered a blow on the hour when Agenor was sent off. Cue the charge from the home side as they searched for the goal to get them back on level terms and it eventually came in the fifth minute of added time as Paulo Henrique Ganso claimed his second goal of the season to rescue a point. No goals at the Engenhão as Figuerense's six game winning run was ended by a Flamengo side who's own title challenge was all but ended. Ronaldinho Gáucho took the brunt of the Flamengo fans abuse but Figueirense blew a great chance to win the game when substitute Aloisio missed from the spot on the hour. The result also ends Figueirense's title hopes but they will still have a big say on where the crown ends up. Finally Atlético-MG moved five points clear of the relegation zone when they made it five wins out of the last seven games when they defeated Coritiba in Sete Lagoas. Neto Berola put Atlético-MG ahead with twenty minutes gone but they had to wait until ten minutes from time before Leonardo Silva grabbed the crucial second. Coritiba pulled a goal back through Bill's 12th of the season two minutes from time but Atlético-MG held on the claim the win and got one win away from safety.

Only three weeks left to go and the two title challengers are both at home this weekend.

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

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 16

2011-11-18T17:49:00.001Z

Libertad 1-0 LDU Quito
3-3 on points, LDU Quito advances 5-4 on penalties
Universidad de Chile 3-0 Arsenal
Universidad de Chile advances 6-0 on points

2009 winners LDU Quito made it through to a semi final clash against Vélez Sarsfield after needing penalties to get past Libertad of Paraguay in Asunción. LDU Quito came to the Estadio Dr. Nicolás Leoz quite happy to park the bus and hang on to their first leg advantage. With LDU moments away from going through courtesy that Luis Bolaños fluke last week Libertad levelled the tie in the last minute of regulation when a headed goal from Pablo Velazquez rescued them. No extra time is played at this stage of the competition so it was straight to penalty kicks. With LDU Quito first up to the plate the first four kicks were successful before Bernardo Medina saved Diego Calderón's poor effort. Uruguayan Omar Pouso put Libertad ahead before Jorge Guagua levelled again. The LDU keeper, Alexander Domínguez, saved from Ignacio Canuto to level it at 3-3 after 4 kicks. It was basically sudden death from here on in, Hernan Barcos edged LDU ahead before goalkeeper Medina sent it into official sudden death. Neicer Reasco confidently put LDU in the box seat before a poor penalty from substitute Manuel Maciel was saved easily by Domínguez to sent LDU through to the last four.

In the National Stadium in Santiago, Univerdidad de Chile made it through to the last four when they brushed aside the challenge of Arsenal of Argentina. Eduardo Vargas put La U ahead with just ten minutes on the clock and Fernando Castro doubled the lead in injury time at the end of the first half. Gustavo Canales for the third eleven minutes after the break to wrap up a comfortable passage for the Chilean Champions. Frustration got the better of the Arsenal side and Luciano Leguizamón was sent off with 65 minutes gone just four minutes after coming on for Nicolas Aguirre.

The Semi Final begin next week, with both games to be covered by Premier Sports TV. Dates and times have yet to be confirmed.

Universidad de Chile v Vasco da Gama
LDU Quito v Vélez Sarsfield

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

Uruguay steal a march

2011-11-14T20:46:00.001Z

Picking up where we left off last month, the road to Brazil continued with another double round of fixtures and it was all about as South American as you've come to expect.

Round 3

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

The main stories of the third round of fixtures in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying competition both centred around the game in Montevidéo where Chile were the visitors and it was they who made the early headlines as the game happened to coincide with the baptism of Jorge Valdivia's daughter. A joyous occasion, no doubt, and one that Valdivia enjoyed in the company of his team-mates Gonzalo Jara, Arturo Vidal, Carlos Carmona and Jean Beausejour to the point that they rocked up to the team hotel after curfew and a touch the worse for wear. Manager Claudio Borghi summarily sent the lot of them home. Jara was an injury doubt for both games and Beausejour was suspended for the Uruguay match, but all five are big players for the country and would be missed. Meanwhile, Luis Suárez was about to put his issues emanating from Liverpool's Premier League clash with Manchester United some weeks ago behind him and come up with his finest display for his nation as he bagged all four goals as Uruguay routed the sorry Chileans. His first came three minutes before the interval, a low, scudding shot from 20 yards that found the bottom corner and he made it two in first-half stoppage time. Gaston Ramirez put pressure on Chile keeper Claudio Bravo who dropped a cross at the feet of Edinson Cavani whose attempted lob was headed off the line. Suárez was following in though and nodded it back past the defence for a 2-0 half-time lead. Midway through the second half and Suárez completed his hat-trick with a superb header following some great work up the right hand side from Diego Pérez and Martín Cáceres who supplied the killer ball. And the fourth followed six minutes later, though Suárez did rather nick it off Cavani's toes as he smacked it right-footed from the edge of the box.
With Peru the side to sit the third round of games out, Uruguay's big rivals for top spot failed to match la Celeste's result which left them clear at the top. Most surprising was Argentina's draw at the Monumental with lowly Bolivia - very much the least fancied side in the competition. Argentina battered them. Chance after chance came and went - Javier Pastore, Gonzalo Higuaín and Lionel Messi all went close - and they had the ball in the net twice, but were twice pulled back for offside. That failure to take chances bit them hard when Marcelo Martins seized on some lackadaisical defensive work from Martín Demichelis and fired Bolivia ahead. Ezequiel Lavezzi came on following the goal and brought Argentina level almost immediately with a beautifully curled effort from the edge of the box.
Without star man Radamel Falcao, Colombia could only manage a draw against fast-improving Venezuela, but Fredy Guarín put them ahead with an early thunderbolt from all of 30 yards. They couldn't find a second though and were made to pay late on as a long ball wasn't dealt with and substitute Frank Feltscher nipped in to level it up in the Barranquilla downpour.
Paraguay notched their first win of the campaign at home to Ecuador and were ahead a couple of minutes into the second half as Cristian Riveros got round the back to meet a deep free-kick and turn it in. Ten minutes later and another set piece undid Ecuador, Dario Veron with a splendid diving header to double the lead. Ecuador did get one back late on, Joao Rojas walking past a statuesque defence to get on the end of an Edison Méndez cross and head in.

Round 4

Colombia 1-2 Argentina (some jerky footage - careful if you suffer from vertigo)
Ecuador 2-0 Peru
Chile 2-0 Paraguay
Venezuela 1-0 Bolivia

Uruguay, unbeaten in the competition, sat out round four safe in the knowledge that someone would have to go golo-loco to dislodge them from top spot and went off to Italy for a friendly. Which they won. They are, however, joined at the top of the standings on seven points by two other nations.
Argentina needed a late, late winner from Sergio Agüero to see off a determined Colombia side, still without star man Falcao. They had to come from behind as well after Colombia went ahead in the last minute of the first half through Dorlan Pabon's free-kick from the edge of the box, though the final touch was Javier Mascherano's, just enough to turn it past Sergio Roméro. Cometh the hour; cometh the man. Lionel Messi hasn't been getting the praise by his countrymen that we Europeans are used to dishing out to him, but he started the move that got Argentina back into it. He took it past two men and shipped the ball wide for José Sosa. His cross was too near David Ospina, the Colombian keeper, but he couldn't hold it. Messi, following through, tidied up and squared matters. And that's how it looked to be staying until Messi, again, took on the defence and fed Gonzalo Higuaín. His shot wasn't held - again Ospina at fault - and Agüero swooped to snatch the win.
The other side that join the favourites on seven points are everyone's new favourite underdogs Venezuela. Bolivia had the better of the early exchanges, but found Renny Vega in inspired form in the Vinotinto goal. On their first real foray into Bolivian territory, Venezuela earned a corner which was met with a towering header by Oswaldo Vizcarrondio - not for the first time this campaign - for the opening goal. The second half was wide open, but Bolivia didn't work Vega enough and Venezuela held out for a well-earned win and a share of top spot that their steady improvement over the last four years has warranted. Bolivia look to have no chance.
Two late goals helped Ecuador get past Peru and into fourth place. Cristian Benitez laid the first on a plate for Edison Méndez after a surging run down the middle of the park and Benitez finished the second after brilliant work from Jaime Avoyí down the left hand side. Chile put their disappointments from the Uruguay game behind them with a morale-boosting win over Paraguay. A Matías Fernández corner was met with a bullet header by Pablo Contreras midway through the first half to give Chile the lead. They wrapped up the three points late on as Mauricio Isla teed up Matias Campos whose 20-yard effort took a huge deflection to loop over Diego Barreto and in for 2-0.

The competition goes into cold storage now until June next year when everyone will reconvene for another double-header.
On June 1st 2012, they line up like this:
Argentina v Ecuador
Bolivia v Chile
Peru v Colombia
Uruguay v Venezuela

And a week later, it's:
Bolivia v Paraguay
Venezuela v Chile
Uruguay v Peru
Ecuador v Colombia

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 34

2011-11-14T17:22:00.001Z

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

The Avaí hangman has his hand firmly on the trap door lever after they were pushed to the brink of relegation after a 2-0 defeat to São Paulo in the Morumbi. Luís Fabiano was the hero for the home side with his first two league goals since his return from Sevilla. The first came twelve minutes after the break and the second followed eight minutes later as São Paulo continue their fight for a Libertadores spot. The Premier Sports TV Cameras were on hand to see América-MG cap a remarkable week after they followed up victory over Corinthians by stunning Fluminense in the Engenhão. Kempes put the visitors ahead seven minutes before the break and the 40,000 strong crowd were left stunned when Alessandro double the lead twelve minutes from time. Substitute Rafael Moura pulled a goal back three minutes later to set up a frantic finish but Fluminense's hopes of retaining their title were surely left shattered by this defeat. What price Figueirense for the title after they made it six wins on the spin with a come from behind victory that stopped the mini revival of Atlético-MG. After winning their last three, Atlético-MG took the lead eight minutes before the break when Werley put them ahead. Figueirense levelled seven minutes after the break through their leading scorer Wellington Nem before Julio Cesar grabbed a winner three minutes from time to leave them in a Libertadores spot.

Corinthians will go into week 35 top of the pile after a fast and furious start gave them victory over Atlético-PR at the Pacaembu. With just two minutes on the clock Paulinho, who was being watched by representatives from Milan, put the home side ahead and Emerson doubled the lead just three minutes later. Paulo Baier pulled a goal back for Atlético-PR three minutes after the break but the home side held on for a vital victory. Santos are on their best league run of the season as they continued their preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup with victory over Ceará at the Castelão. Bruno Aguair put Santos ahead with ten minutes gone but Ceará went into the break ahead thanks to a Felipe Azevedo penalty with twenty four minutes gone and thirteen minutes later Osvaldo put the relegation threatened home side ahead. A second for Bruno Aguair levelled matters six minutes after the break before Diogo got the Santos winner with an absolute stunner eighteen minutes from time. Flamengo's title challenge also seems to be over after they fell to defeat at Coritiba in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras. Two goals in the space of six first half minutes from Leonardo and a deflected effort from Maranhão were enough to make it three wins in a row for Coritiba and leave Vanderlei Luxemburgo wondering what just has gone wrong this season. Palmeiras were moments away from a first win in eight but had to settle for a point after throwing a two goal lead away at Grêmio. Cicinho put Palmeiras ahead with twenty five minutes gone and when Marcos Assunção doubled the lead on the hour they were on course to become the fourth team to take the points from the Olímpico this season. However, Brandão pulled a goal back eight minutes later before Fernando rescued a point for the Tricolor with an injury time leveller.

Arguably the biggest game of the weekend was at the São Januário where it was second v fourth in the Clássico Alvinegro between Vasco da Gama and Botafogo. After their remarkable fightback in the Sudamericana in midweek it was Vasco who vitally hit the front with a quarter of an hour gone when Fellipe Bastos struck. After his double in midweek, Dedé got the second on the hour and although Vasco were reduced to ten when Rômulo was sent off seven minutes later there was to be no revival from Botafogo who must now surely prioritise a finishing spot in a Libertadores position. Cruzeiro hauled themselves out of the relegation zone when they dented Internacional's Libertadores hopes in Sete Lagoas. Argentinian strike Ernesto Farias with the vital goal with twenty minutes on the clock. The win puts Ceará back into the relegation zone with four games to go. Finally Bahia moved seven points clear of the relegation zone at the Serra Dourada when they inflicted a fourth straight defeat for Atlético-GO. Souza got the crucial goal for the Salvador club with just ten minutes gone but twenty minutes later he was sent off alongside the home side's Gilson after the two had been swinging the handbags.

The final midweek round takes place in midweek, the two main title protagonists are both hit the road with Corinthians at Ceará, Vasco at the Pacaembu to take on Corinthians' main rival Palmeiras and a huge relegation clash in Florianópolis between Avaí and Cruzeiro. They line up like this

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

Copa Sudamericana - Week 15

2011-11-11T13:31:00.001Z

Vasco da Gama 5-2 Universitario
3-3 on points, Vasco da Gama advances on goal difference
Vélez Sarsfield 3-2 Santa Fe
Vélez Sarsfield advances 4-1 on points

Now we mentioned last week that taking a two goal lead to the São Januário sometimes isn't enough. Well having a three goal lead on aggregate in the São Januário isn't enough either after a remarkable Vasco da Gama fightback saw them qualify to the semi finals at the expense of Universitario of Peru. Vasco took the lead half way through the first half when Diego Souza converted from the spot but ten minutes later the visitors were level on the night when Raul Ruidíaz finished off a sweeping counter attack. The second half started with both side being reduced to ten men when Souza was dismissed alongside Antonio González of Universitario after a few verbal hangbags. The visitors then stunned the home fans when they went three up on aggregate two minutes later when Jesus Rabanal long range shot took a deflection off Dedé. A header from Elton a minutes later levelled matters on the night and Dedé edged Vasco ahead three minutes short of the hour after a horrific goalkeeping error. Rabanal became the second scorer on the night to be sent off when he saw red on the hour and a Dedé header levelled the tie on goals seventeen minutes from time. Universitario were still on their way through thanks to the away goals rule but eight minutes from time Alecsandro converted a Juninho Pernambucano corner to leave the home side still dreaming of a possible treble success.

Vélez Sarsfield advanced to the semi-finals after a controversial second leg victory over Santa Fe in Buenos Aires. Following the 1-1 draw last week a penalty shoot out was soon deemed unnecessary when a brace from former West Ham player Guillermo Franco put Vélez two up inside the opening twenty minutes. The first a header after a shot had bounced off the woodwork and the second a cool finish after a sweet back heel in the build up. In their first appearance at this state Wilson Gutierrez's Santa Fe side were determined to keep plugging away. Jonathan Copete's toe poker got Santa Fe back the game a minute after the break before an Omar Pérez penalty put the visitors ahead on away goals half way through the second half and a shock was on the cards. In injury time Vélez got out of jail when referee Enrique Osses pointed to the spot for the second time in the game and Juan Martínez held his nerve under huge pressure and netted the penalty to send Vélez through to the last four.

Next week the semi final line up is completed with both games covered by Premier Sports TV

Libertad v LDU Quito - Thursday 2215 GMT
Universidad de Chile v Arsenal - Friday 0045 GMT

The Semi final draw is currently as follows....

Vélez Sarsfield v LDU Quito/Libertad
Universidad de Chile/Arsenal v Vasco da Gama

If Arsenal qualify next week then the semi finals will be

Vélez Sarsfield v Arsenal
Vasco da Gama v LDU Quito/Libertad

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 33

2011-11-07T11:08:00.004Z

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

Week 33 and another set of crazy results as the title race hots up in Brazil. None more so at the Engenhão on Sautrday night as in form Figueirense made it twelve without defeat after a sixth minute goal from Julio Cesar was enough to give them victory. Contrast the form of Figueirense to São Paulo who have now gone nine games without a win after throwing away at two goal lead in Salvador against Bahia. Wellington put São Paulo ahead with nine minutes gone but Bahia levelled a minute after the break through Souza. Two minutes later Lucas Silva restored the São Paulo lead and when Cícero made it three on the hour you expected it to be game over. However, Lulinha halved the deficit eight minutes later before Fahel levelled matters seventeen minutes from time. The own goal from Luiz Eduardo seven minutes from time summed things up for São Paulo`s current luck and gave Bahia a vital victory in their relegation fight. Atlético-MG were another team to ease their relegation worried with a comfortable victory over Grêmio in Sete Lagoas depite the 53rd minute sending off of Neto Berola. André had put Atlético-MG ahead four minutes before the break and the ten men doubled their lead fourteen minutes courtesy of Marquinhos.

Sunday saw the Premier Sports TV cameras at the Vila as the title hope of Vasco da Gama suffered a blow as Santos registered a 2-0 victory. Neymar set Santos on their way with just three minutes gone and a twenty third goal of the season for Borges sixteen minutes from time wrapped things up. Flamengo are still in the title hunt after their destruction of Cruzeiro at the Engenhão. It all started well for the relegation threatened visitors when Anselmo Ramon put them ahead half way through the first half but Deivid levelled nine minutes before the break to go ahead of Ronaldinho Gáucho as the clubs leading scorer. A second from Deivid three minutes after the break put Flamengo ahead and a hat-trick in the space of sixteen minutes from Thiago Neves completed the rout. Despite opening the scoring the day finished on a low note for Anselmo Ramon when he was sent off six minutes from time. The big relegation battle in Florianópolis went the way of the visitors as Ceará snapped a four game losing streak to pick up a vital victory at Avaí. Thiago Humberto put Ceará ahead with fifteen minutes gone and Felipe Azevedo doubled the lead twelve minutes after the break. William pulled on back for Avaí on the hour and it seems their three year stay in the top flight is almost over.

With Vasco losing the stage was set for Corinthians to open up a lead at the top of the table but they had not reckoned with an América-MG side fighting for their Série A lives. A Fábio Júnior penalty put América-MG ahead nine minutes before the break but Corinthians also levelled from the spot on the stroke of half time through Chicão. A point was enough toedge Corinthians ahead at the top of the table but Amaral snatched a dramatic América-MG winner three minutes from time. It has been eight week since Palmeiras tasted victory and their tumble down the table continued when they were defeated by Coritiba at Arena Barueri. Davi put Coritiba ahead half way through the first half and Leonardo doubled the lead eleven minutes after the break. Palmeiras finished with then men after João Vitor was sent off twelve minutes from time. Fluminense remain in title contention after victory at the Beira-Rio against Internacional. Rafael Moura put the Tricolor ahead with seventeen minutes gone but Oscar levelled for Inter eight minutes before the break. Rafael Sóbis got the Fluminense winner on the stroke of half time as Inter finished with ten men after the dismissal of Juan nine minutes from time. Atlético-PR continue their fight against the drop after a come from behind victory over Atlético-GO at the Arena de Baixada. Anselmo put Atlético-GO ahead with twenty six minutes gone and it was not until two minutes after the break that the home side levelled through Federico Nieto. The Argentinian star then got the Atlético-PR winner nine minutes later but they remain a point away from safety.

Five games to go as they line up for week 34 in the Brasileirão Petrobras and they line up like this, the big game is the Clásico Alvinegro at the São Januário.

São Paulo x Avaí
Fluminense x América Mineiro
Figueiranse x Atlético Mineiro
Corinthians x Atlético Paranaense
Ceará x Santos
Coritiba x Flamengo
Grêmio x Palmeiras
Vasco da Gama x Botafogo
Cruzeiro x Internacional
Atlético Goianiense 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 14

2011-11-04T11:53:00.001Z

Santa Fe 1-1 Vélez Sarsfield
Universitario 2-0 Vasco da Gama
Arsenal 1-2 Universidad de Chile
LDU Quito 1-0 Libertad

The Quarter Finals got underway this week with all the action beamed back to the UK on Premier Sports TV. In Bogotá on Tuesday night Santa Fe and Vélez Sarsfield got the action underway and it will be the Argentinian side who will be the happier going into the second leg. A free kick Gerardo Beyoda from 30 yards out left Vélez keeper rooted to the spot after a deflection to send the large home crowd wild. Vélex stuck in there and levelled fourteen minutes from time when a drive from the edge of the area from David Ramírez found the corner of the net. Santa Fe goalscorer Beyoda will though miss the second leg when he was sent off six minutes from time. Vasco da Gama really do have more pressing engagements domestically so it was not the strongest side that made the trip to Callao to take on Universitario. The home side took the lead eight minutes before the break when Manuel Ruidíaz converted from the spot. Universitario doubled their lead on the hour when Johan Fano sprung the offside trap and poked the ball past Fernando Prass in the Vasco goal. As Aurora know, a two goal lead going to the São Januário sometimes isnt enough to see you through.

In Avellaneda, Arsenal entertained the conquerors of Flamengo, Universidad de Chile. A small crowd greeted the early kick off at the Estadio Julio Humberto Grondona and the first half didnt live up to much until La U took the lead in first hald injury time. Eduardo Vargas springing the offside trap and just beating Cristian Camestrini in the Arsenal goal to the ball before rolling it into an empty net. The home side were level two minutes after the break Mauro Obolo tapping in from three yards out after Lisandro López found space down the left hand side. La U though will take a lead back to Santiago next week after Gustavo Canales converted from the spot eight minutes from time to leave the Chilean side in the box seat for next week. Finally in Quito, 2009 winners LDU will take a single goal lead to Asunción next week after a late strike from substitue Luis Bolaños gave them victory over Libertad. The visitors were determined to go to the second leg level but missed their fair share of chances in the game. The game though was decided by a moment of luck or skill, call it what you want. It looked nothing more than a harmless hopeful cross from Luis Bolaños but it looped over Bernardo Medina in the Libertad goal and into the net for a vital lead.

Two of the second legs take place next week with the others the week after and all games will be covered by Premier Sports TV

Vasco da Gama v Universitario
Libertad v LDU Quito

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 32

2011-10-31T10:40:00.000Z

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

2011-10-27T11:48:00.000+01:00

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

2011-10-24T14:06:00.000+01:00

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

2011-10-21T14:34:00.001+01:00

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

2011-10-20T10:26:00.000+01:00

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

2011-10-17T12:02:00.002+01:00

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

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 29

2011-10-14T10:39:00.001+01:00

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 BahiaAtlético
Goianiense x São Paulo

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Copa Sudamericana week 11

2011-10-13T10:40:00.000+01:00

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

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On the (short) road to Brazil

2011-10-12T13:33:00.000+01:00

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

2011-10-10T17:36:00.003+01:00

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

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Brasileirão Petrobras Week 11 catch-up

2011-10-06T13:43:00.001+01:00

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.

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Copa Sudamericana week 10

2011-10-06T13:38:00.003+01:00

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

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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 27

2011-10-03T16:10:00.001+01:00

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

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Copa Sudamericana week 9

2011-09-30T11:36:00.001+01:00

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

2011-09-26T15:05:00.003+01:00

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

2011-09-23T12:06:00.000+01:00

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

2011-09-23T11:16:00.001+01:00

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

2011-09-19T14:05:00.000+01:00

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

2011-09-16T10:26:00.004+01:00

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

2011-09-12T18:12:00.002+01:00

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

2011-09-09T14:21:00.001+01:00

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

2011-09-09T13:32:00.002+01:00

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

2011-09-07T17:54:00.003+01:00

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

2011-09-05T16:54:00.001+01:00

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

2011-09-02T11:20:00.002+01:00

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 10pmPalmeiras 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

2011-09-02T11:14:00.003+01:00

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
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Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 19 - Rivalry Week

2011-08-29T17:09:00.003+01:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 8 Catch Up

2011-08-29T16:00:00.004+01:00

Santos 2-1 Fluminense

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

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 4

2011-08-26T13:41:00.003+01:00

First Stage Second Leg

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

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

Second Stage Second Leg

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

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

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

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

Second Stage First Leg

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

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You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000

Recopa Sudamericana 2nd leg

2011-08-25T15:08:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

Brasileirão Petrobras - Week 18

2011-08-22T17:23:00.003+01:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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