Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 3

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

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Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 2

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

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Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 1

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

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Campeonato Paulista 2012

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

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That Was The Year That Was

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.

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Final Second Leg

Santos 2-1 Corinthians
Santos wins 4-1 on points

Santos claimed their 19th Paulista title after victory over arch rivals Corinthians at the Vila Belmiro. It's back to back successes for Santos and means coach Muricy Ramalho claims a second title as manager after success with São Caetano seven years ago.

Marcos Arouca put Santos ahead with fifteen minutes gone after the fired home from close range after a cross from Zé Eduardo. Corinthians nearly levelled two minutes late but Jorge Henrique fired over the bar. Santos though, were getting on top in the game and had numerous chances to extend their lead before the break. Neymar doubled the lead seven minutes from time when his shot from the edge of the area beat Júlio César in the Corinthians goal. Corinthians gave themelves hope when when Morais pulled a goal back three minutes from time but Santos were not to be denied as they held on to claim their crown.

Santos are back at the Vila on Wednesday night when they look to book their place in the semi final of the Libertadores against Once Caldas. Corinthians now look forward to a tough opening in the Brasileirão Petrobas when they travel to Grêmio.

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Campeonato Paulista A1 - Final First Leg

Corinthians 0-0 Santos

Neymar twice hit the woodwork as Santos and Corinthians finished goalless in the first leg Paulista final at the Pacaembu. Neymar, currently one of the form players in Brazilian football, created the best scoring chances but came up just short on each occasion. His 23rd minutes shot hit the right post creating the space and firing an angled shot from close range which beat Julio Cesar in the Corinthians goal but just clipped the post and away to safety. Neymar was a constant thorn in the Corinthians' side and his shot hit the crossbar with fifteen minutes to go.

Santos are in the middle of a busy spell, returning from Mexico after qualifying for the last eight of the Libertadores on Tuesday night they lost Paulo Henrique Ganso to injury at half time and Elano didn't last the distance either. Corinthians, who exited the Libertadores in disgrace back in February had their best chance when Liédson hit the bar with five minutes to go. While Santos go to Colombia in midweek to face Once Caldas, Corinthians will be sat at home with their feet up waiting for the return at the Vila Belmiro next weekend. A draw will not result, as in the past, with Santos being crowned champions as the higher placed team but the final will go to penalties instead at the conclusion of 90 minutes.

The game will be covered by Premier Sports TV, check listings for details

Santos v Corinthians (Sunday 15th May, 2000 BST)

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Campeonato Paulista A1 - Semi Finals

São Paulo 0-2 Santos Palmeiras 1-1 Corinthians
Corinthians advances 6-5 after penalty competition

In the Saturday semi final the Premier Sports TV viewers saw Santos remain on course to retain their title after a 2-0 victory over São Paulo put them into the final. In an open and entertaining game with chances a plenty it took Santos an hour to finally break down the São Paulo defence, Elano was unmarked at the back post and headed home. Twelve minutes later the lead was doubled when Neymar's cross found Paulo Henrique Ganso and he fired the ball past a stationary Rogério Ceni in the São Paulo goal. Moments later Neymar should have wrapped things up but fired over the bar when one on one with Ceni and then Fernando wasted a golden opportunity to get São Paulo back into the game when he somehow headed Rivaldo's cross wide. Santos held on and will now attempt to win their 20th Paulistão.

In the live Premier Sports TV Sunday semi-final with the rain pouring at the Pacaembu, Corinthains advances to the final after a incident packed victory over Palmeiras on penalties. The flash point came half way through the first half when Danilo was sent off for a studs up challenge on Liédson. It sparked a mass of players around the referee and two minute later Felipão was sent to the stands for continuing the arguments and having a running battle with Tite, the coach of Corinthians. Five minutes after the break Marcos Assunção hit the post with a free kick before Leandro Amaro put the ten men of Palmeiras ahead two minutes later. Corinthains were level again twelve minutes later when Willian was left unmarked at the back post from a corner and he headed home. So with the teams level at the end of regulation the game went to a penalty competition. After both sides were perfect with their opening five penalties the game went to sudden death. Júlio César then made the save to put Corinthians in the box seat before the next penalty hit the back of the net to put Corinthians into the final. Kléber of Palmeiras came out post game a criticised the officials on his Twitter account, nothing like a bad loser.

The final is over two legs, the first of which takes place at the Pacaembu next weekend before the return at the Vila Belmiro a week later.

In the Troféu do Interior, Oeste will meet Ponte Preta in the final after they defeated Mirassol 1-0. Ponte Preta qualified after winning a penalty competition after a goalless draw with São Caetano.

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Campeonato Paulista Quarter Finals

Santos 1-0 Ponte Preta
Corinthians 2-1 Oeste
São Paulo 2-0 Portuguesa
Palmeiras 2-1 Mirassol

This is the first year of the new format in the Campeanato Paulista with eight teams being in the play offs and using the single elimination format used in the Carioca for the quarter and semi finals.

In the Saturday games Santos were the first team into the semi finals after overcoming a stubborn Ponte Preta side at the Vila Belmiro. Neymar was the difference between the two sides, after going close with just thirteen minutes gone he struck a powerful shot past Bruno Fuso with twenty one minutes gone to get the only goal of the game. Muricy Ramalho's side will need to improve if they are to retain their crown and a 19th State Title. Corinthians joined Santos in the last four after they were pushed all the way by Oeste at the Pacaembu. Liédson continues to to be a fans favourite since return to Brazil from Sporting CP and he put Corinthians ahead in the ninth minute, but that was cancelled out when Fabio Santos struck for Oeste on the stoke of half time. But the introduction of Willian from the bench turned the game in Corinthians' favour, with the forward firing home the winner with 64 minutes on the clock.

In front of the Premier Sports TV cameras São Paulo cruised into the last four with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Portuguesa at the Arena Barueri. Ilsinho put São Paulo ahead four minutes before the break and the victory was confirmed when Dagoberto struck ten mintues from time to give them a semi final against Santos. Palmeiras will now face Corinthians after their 2-1 victory over courageous Mirassol at the Pacaembu. Jorge Valvida put Palmeiras ahead with ten minutes on the clock but they were pegged back when substitute Marcelinho levelled for the visitors five minutes before the break and only eight minutes after his introduction to the game. Palmeiras have only suffered one home defeat all season and they weren't about to make it two as Marcio Araujo restored their lead eleven minutes after the break. Two minutes later Mirassol were reduced to ten when Xuxa saw his second yellow card and there was to be no comeback for the minnows.

Semi Finals take place next weekend

São Paulo x Santos
Palmeiras x Corinthians

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Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 19

Santos 3-0 Paulista
São Paulo 1-1 Oeste
Santo André 0-2 Corinthians
Ponte Preta 2-1 Palmeiras
Portuguesa 1-0 São Bernardo
Botafogo SP 3-0 Mirassol
Grêmio Prudente 1-0 Americana
São Caetano 0-2 Linense
Ituano 0-2 Noroeste
Bragantino 2-3 Mogi Mirim

The final week of the regular season saw joy for Portuguesa, Ituano and Linense with heartbreak for Noroeste, Santo André and São Bernardo as the final places were decided in the league table.

São Paulo finished top of the pile at the end of the regular season after their draw with Oeste was enough to see them overhaul Palmeiras who fell to a shock defeat at Ponte Preta in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras. In the Morumbi, Oeste stunned the home fans when they took the lead through Reinaldo de Sol six minutes before the break. Henrique levelled for São Paulo eighteen minutes from time as they waited for the news to come through from Ponte Preta. It had all started well for the Big Green when Max Pardalzinho put them ahead with twenty minutes on the clock but Ponte levelled five minutes later through Marcio Diogo. Ponte Preta got the winner fifteen minutes from time when Renatinho send them into the play-offs in good heart. Corinthians finished third in the table after the condemned Santo André to relegation after a 2-0 victory. Paulo André put Corinthians ahead with twenty-one minutes gone and Edno wrapped thing up to finish things off.

Santos blew Paulista away with two goals inside the opening two minutes at the Vila and Paulista missed out on their outside chance of making "The Eight". Maikon Leite and Alan Patrick with the goal that set Santos on their way and it was the former who wrapped things up with his second eleven minutes from time to see them finish in fourth. Mirassol will go into the play offs in mixed form after they fell to their second defeat in their last three games after they went down to Botafogo SP. Anselmo set Botafogo on the way with the opener ten minutes before the break and he doubled the lead twenty minutes into the second half. Anselmo then ensured he'd finish the season on a high when he completed his hat-trick two minutes later. Portuguesa claimed the last spot in "The Eight" when they left it late again to claim victory over São Bernardo and overtake São Caetano claim their place in the end of season fun and games. Last week Portuguesa scored in the 90th minute, this week they were a minute earlier when Ananias got the crucial goal. That goal had big repurcussions for São Bernardo as it dropped them to 17th place in the league into Série A2.

São Caetano were denied their place in "The Eight" when they were defeated at home by Linense. A result that ensured they would be in the top flight next season and a miracle escape. Éder Marcelo got the opening goal eight minutes after the break and he wrapped things up with a second six minutes from time. Noroeste were also relegated after they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Ituano, a result that allowed them to remain in the top flight for another year. Kleiton Domingues put Ituano ahead with half an hour gone and a penalty from Anderson Salles doubled the lead just after the hour. Already relegated Grêmio Prudente ensured they wouldn't finish bottom of the table as they exited Série A1 with a 1-0 victory over Americana. Alex Maranhão with the only goal of the game seven minutes before half time. The only meaningless game of the week also saw the most goals as Mogi Mirm were 3-2 winners at Bragantino. Geovane put Mogi Mirim ahead with ten minutes gone but Juninho Quixada levelled nine minutes before the break. Maizena restored the Mogi Mirm lead four minutes after the break but Bragantino hit back again when Paulo Roberto levelled on the hour. The Mogi Mirim winner came eleven minutes from time when Andres Baraka converted from the penalty spot.

The new style play offs begin next weekend and as with the Carioca these games are single elimination matches which go to penalties at the conclusion of 90 minutes if the games are all square. Coverage on Premier Sports TV is yet to be confirmed but they line up like this....

Santos x Ponte Preta (Saturday 2000 BST, Vila Belmiro)
Corinthians x Oeste (Saturday 2230 BST, Pacaembu)
São Paulo x Portuguesa (Sunday 2000 BST, Arena Barueri)
Palmeiras x Mirassol (Sunday 2230 BST, Pacaembu)

Premier Sports TV is the new live home of South American football in the UK
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Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 18

Mogi Mirim 1-1 Botafogo SP
São Bernardo 2-1 Santo André
Mirassol 3-0 Ituano
Palmeiras 2-0 Grêmio Prudente
Paulista 0-1 Portuguesa
Corinthians 1-2 São Caetano
Noroeste 1-4 São Paulo
Americana 0-0 Santos
Linense 2-1 Bragantino
Oeste 2-1 Ponte Preta

Mogi Mirim's slim hopes of making the end of season shake up were ended when they were held to a draw by Botafogo SP, a result that edges them away from the relegation zone. Anselmo put Botafogo SP ahead four minutes before the break but Ytalo claimed a point for Mogi Mirim with the leveller five minutes from time. The big relegation clash went the way of São Bernardo, a result that leave Santo André certain to be in Serie A2 next year. Anderson Cléber put Santo André ahead just after the hour but Kauê levelled fifteen minutes from time. If conceding the lead wasn't enough for Santo André they went behind two minutes later when Bady for the São Bernardo winner. The result still leaves São Bernardo looking over their shoulder going into the last round. Ituano also look doomed after they slumped to defeat at Mirassol. Wellington Amorim put Mirassol ahead a minute before the break and Serginho doubled the lead eleven minutes from time. Otácilio wrapped things up two minutes later to confirm Mirassol's position in the play offs.

In the Saturday Premier Sports TV game Palmeiras kept their hopes of top spot alive after the confirmed the relegation of Grêmio Prudente with a 2-0 victory. Thiago Heleno put the Big Green ahead on the half hour and a Douglas Marques own goal fifteen minutes from time sealed the fate of Grêmio Prudente. Portuguesa kept their hopes of making "The Eight" alive with a last gasp win at Paulista. The only goal of the game came in injury time when Jael got the Portuguesa winner. The result knocks Paulista out of "The Eight", Portuguesa go level on points with Paulista and it's all to play for next week. Corinthians have now gone three games without a victory as they limp into the playoffs after defeat at home to São Caetano. Eduardo put São Caetano ahead from the penalty spot with nine minutes on the clock and he doubled the lead ten minutes after the break. Paulinho pulled a goal back ten minutes from time but São Caetano held on and going into the last week of the regular season they hold the final spot in "The Eight"

In the live Sunday Premier Sports TV game São Paulo kept up the pressure on Palmeiras in the race for top spot after a 4-1 victory at Noroeste. A Rogério Ceni penalty, his 101st career goal, put São Paulo ahead ten minutes before the break and Marlos doubled the lead on the hour. Dagoberto made it three for São Paulo with fourteen minutes left but Halisson pulled one back for Noroeste two minutes later. Ilsinho wrapped things up for São Paulo with the fourth in injury time. With the Libertadores being more of a priority at the moment and their spot in "The Eight" assured Santos made still fielded a strong side for the game at Americana. It was though to no avail as recent arrived coach Muricy Ramalho watched his side lumber to a scoreless draw. Linense hauled themselves out of the relegation zone after a crucial victory over Bragantino. Gilsinho put Linense ahead with sixteen minutes gone and Éder Marcelo doubled the lead on the half hour. When Rodriguinho pulled a goal back with twenty mintues to go the pressure was on Linense but they held on to claim all three points and boost their survival chances. In the final game, two teams assured of a place in "The Eight" were battling for positions as Oeste jumped over Ponte Preta in the table after a 2-1 victory. An own goal from Adriano put Ponte Preta ahead seven minutes after the break but Reinaldo de Sol levelled seventeen minutes from time. The winner came two minutes from time when Reinaldo de Sol got his second of the game to give Oeste the victory.

Next week is the final week of the regular season before the playoffs start, any three from seven can be relegated and another three teams are chasing the last spot available in "The Eight". All games will be played simultaneously on Sunday night. They line up like this

Santos x Paulista
São Paulo x Oeste
Santo André x Corinthians
Ponte Preta x Palmeiras
Portuguesa x São Bernardo
Botafogo SP x Mirassol
Grêmio Prudente x Americana
São Caetano x Linense
Ituano x Noroeste
Bragantino x Mogi Mirim

Premier Sports TV is the new live home of South American football in the UK
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Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 17

Ituano 2-3 Oeste
Portuguesa 0-2 Noroeste
Paulista 2-3 Mogi Mirim
São Caetano 6-1 São Bernardo
Linense 0-2 Americana
Santos 0-1 Palmeiras
São Paulo 1-0 Mirassol
Botafogo SP 0-0 Corinthians
Bragantino 0-1 Ponte Preta
Santo André 1-3 Grêmio Prudente

Oeste put one foot into "The Eight" when they came from behind to defeat Ituano in a game that saw three red cards. It all started well for Oeste when Anselmo Ramon put them ahead with just eleven minutes gone but Oliveira levelled from the spot three minutes after the break and Anderson Salles put Ituano ahead with nine minutes of the second half gone. Then the stupidity, Marx Ferraz of Ituano and Dionísio of Oeste went after clashing two minutes after the goal of Salles who then himself sent off ten minutes from time. Fabio Santos levelled from the spot with nine minutes left and he grabbed the winner two minutes from time. Noroeste hauled themselves out of the relegation zone after denting the play off hopes of Portuguesa with a 2-0 away victory. Diego put Noroeste ahead just after the half hour and Aleílson wrapped things up eight minutes from time. Mogi Mirim started a late claim for "The Eight" when they scraped past at Paulista. Baroboza put Paulista ahead with thirteen minutes gone but the lead lasted twelve minutes before Maizena levelled. Fábio Gomes restored the Paulista lead seven minutes before the break and they held that lead until twelve minutes before time when Roberto Jacaré levelled. Tiago Alves got the Mogi Mirim winner in injury time to leave them four points away from a spot in "The Eight"

São Bernardo fell back into the relegation zone as they suffered what only can be described as a humping at São Caetano. The game was all over inside the opening twenty three minutes of the first half, a doubled from Eduardo in the opening eighteen minutes put São Caetano two up before Antônio Flávio made it three five minutes later. Eduardo completed his hat-trick ten minutes later before adding a fourth on the stroke of half time. Amarildo pulled a goal back for São Bernardo nine minutes after the break but Eduardo capped a fine personal display when he got his fifth half way through the second half. Americana made it two in a row but it might be too little too late after their 2-0 win put Linense back into the relegation mire. José Fumagalli put Americana ahead with six minutes gone and the wrapped up the win when Jhon got the second in injury time at the end of the second half. The Premier Sports TV viewers got the big game of the weekend as Santos and Palmeiras squared off in a match that could have significant on top spot come play offs time. Only one goal separated the teams and it came from the Big Green eleven minutes from time when Kléber got the winner. The result puts Palmeiras in the box seat for finishing in top spot.

São Paulo are now the nearest challengers to Palmeiras after they scraped past Mirassol at the Arena Barueri. A single goal from Lucas enough to give São Paulo the victory that keeps them within touching distance of Palmeiras. Corinthians fell further behind in the race for top spot when they were held to a goalless draw at Botafogo SP. The Muskateers are now unlikely to finish any higher than third in the table but could yet drop below Santos. Ponte Preta confirmed their place in "The Eight" when they were 1-0 winners at Bragantino. Finally Grêmio Prudente gave themselves a lifeline when they got only their third win of the season at fellow strugglers Santo André. Elivelton put Grêmio Prudente ahead seven minutes after the break and Saldanha doubled the lead with twenty minutes left. Rychely pulled one back for Santo André with ten minutes left but Grêmio Prudente made sure of the win when Alex Maranhão got a third in injury time.

Two rounds left as they fight for play off places continue and they line up like this

Mogi Mirim x Botafogo SP
São Bernardo x Santo André
Mirassol x Ituano
Palmeiras x Grêmio Prudente
Paulista x Portuguesa
Corinthians x São Caetano
Noroeste x São Paulo
Linense x Bragantino
Americana x Santos
Oeste x Ponte Preta

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Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 16

Oeste 4-0 Noroeste
Palmeiras 3-0 Bragantino
Mogi Mirim 1-3 Portuguesa
Grêmio Prudente 1-1 Mirassol
Santo André 1-0 São Caetano
São Paulo 2-1 Corinthians
Ituano 2-3 Santos
Botafogo SP 0-4 Linense
Ponte Preta 0-0 Paulista
Americana 3-1 São Bernado

Oeste did their chances of making "The Eight" no harm at all after a comfortable success over Noroeste in the early Saturday game. Anselmo Ramon put Oeste ahead just before the break and Roger doubled the lead six minutes into the second half. Fabio Santos made it three shortly afterwards and a second for Anselmo Ramon just after the hour wrapped things up. Palmeiras will go into week 17 top of the pile after other results went their way and thanks to their disposal of Bragantino. A game witnessed by the Premier Sports TV viewers. Thiago Heleno put the Big Green ahead with just two minutes on the clock but they had to wait until ten minutes from time before a second from Thiago Heleno gave them breathing space. João Vitor for the third three minutes from time to wrap things up for Palmeiras. Portuguesa continued their late charge for a place in "The Eight" after a 3-1 success at Mogi Mirim. Marcelo Cordeiro put Portuguesa ahead with seventeen minutes on the clock before Ivo doubled the lead on the stroke of half time. Luis Ricardo made it three just short of the hour before Niel pulled a goal back for Mogi Mirim fifteen minutes from time. Grêmio Prudente look doomed to Série A2 after they could only draw with Mirassol. Otácilio put Mirassol ahead a minute after the break but Grêmio Prudente did level through Eraldo with ten minutes to go the draw wasn't of much help the their survival hopes.

Santo André made it three games without defeat but they are still in the relegation zone despite a single goal success over São Caetano. Aloísio got the winner for Santo André twenty minutes from time but the result is a blow for the chances of São Caetano being involved in the end of season shake up. The big game of the weekend and on Premier Sports TV was the "Majestoso" between São Paulo and Corinthians at the Morumbi. Dagoberto gave São Paulo the lead four minutes before the break before Rogerio Céni's 30 yard free kick, his 100th career goal, made it two eight minutes into the second half. Corinthians then had Alessandro sent off just after the hour but the ten men pulled a goal back through Dentinho. São Paulo's Dagoberto was then sent off to make it ten a-side before Dentinho followed him four minutes later to reduce Corinthians to nine. It's São Paulo's first win in twelve attempts against Corinthians. Santos remain in the shake up for top spot after a 3-2 success at Ituano despite being without Neymar who was with the National side in England. Ituano took the lead half way through the first half through Jefferson but this stung Santos into action and they quickly levelled through Tiago before Keirrison put them ahead ten minutes before the break. Santos got a third twenty minutes after the break through Jonathan Cícero but Ituano pulled one back through Allan eight minutes from time to set up a nervy finish.

Linense picked up their third victory in their last five games as they hauled Botafogo SP back into the relegation dog fight after a stunning 4-0 success. Pedrão set Linense on their way with twelve minutes on the clock and his second six minutes before half time doubled the Linesne advantage. Tarracha made it three with twenty minutes to go before Éder Marcelo put the icing on the cake with the fourth twelve minutes from time. No goals at the Estádio Moisés Lucarelli as Paulista and Ponte Preta edged towards a play off spot. The result suited both sides and they should both now be in the end of season shake up. Finally Americana snapped their six game losing streak after they got their season back on track with a 3-1 victory over São Bernardo. Vinícius put Americana ahead with just two minutes on the clock but Dirceu levelled for São Bernardo twenty minutes before the break. Marcinho restored the Americana lead four minutes after the break and Lúcio Flávio gave Americana a two goal lead eight minutes later. It leave Americana with an outside chance of forcing their way into "The Eight"

Three games to go before the post season commences as the battle for places hots up. They line up like this with the clash of the week at the Vila Belmiro.

Ituano x Oeste
Portuguesa x Noroeste
Paulista x Mogi Mirim
São Caetano x São Bernardo
Linense x Americana
Santos x Palmeiras
São Paulo x Mirassol
Botafogo SP x Corinthians
Bragantino x Ponte Preta
Santo Andre x Grêmio Prudente

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

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 15

São Caetano 2-0 Bragantino
Mirassol 2-0 Americana
Santos 3-1 Mogi Mirim
Palmeiras 3-0 Linense
Portuguesa 0-0 Santo André
Noroeste 2-2 Grêmio Prudente
Paulista 3-2 São Paulo
Corinthians 3-0 Oeste
São Bernardo 0-2 Botafogo SP
Ponte Preta 1-2 Ituano

São Caetano moved to the brink of the playoffs as they leapfrogged over Bragantino after a 2-0 victory. Artur set São Caetano on their way with the opener after eleven mintues and Aílton wrapped things up half way through the second half. Mirassol snapped their three game losing when run when they inflicted a sixth straight defeat for an Americana side that has lost its way rather alarmingly. Wellington Amorim put Mirassol ahead seven minutes before the break and Xuxa's eight of the season from the spot wrapped things up twelve minutes from time. Santos bounced back from their weekend defeat at Bragantino as they stayed in the top four with victory over Mogi Mirim. Zé Eduardo put Santos ahead with just six minutes on the clock and Keirrison doubled the lead four minutes after the break. Cristinano pulled a goal back for Mogi Mirim with twenty minute left but Edu Dracena restored the two goal advantage for Santos three minutes later.

Palmeiras remain in the hunt for top spot after pushing Linense closer to relegation at the Arena Barueri. Patrick put Palmeiras ahead six minutes before the break and Kléber doubled the lead from the spot four minutes later. A second for Patrick on the hour gave Palmeiras a three goal lead and ensured the points for the Big Green. Santo André picked up what could be a valuable point in their fight against the drop away at Portuguesa. There were no goals in the game, a result which doesn't help Portuguesa's top eight ambitions. Grêmio Prudente were another side to get an away draw in their fight against the drop, but they let a lead slip at Noroeste. The home side were ahead within two minutes thanks to Tiago Ulisses but Grêmio Prudente levelled a minute before the break through Alexsandro. Ângelo put Grêmio Prudente ahead twenty minutes into the second half but they were reduced to ten shortly after when Anderson Trindade was sent off for two yellow cards. Vandinho levelled for Noroeste with twelve minutes left but they also finished with ten me after Cris saw red three minutes from time. The shock result of the round saw São Paulo lose top spot when they went down to defeat at Paulista. Fabiano Viera and Welder put Paulista into a two goal first half lead before Rogério Ceni pulled a goal back from the spot seven minutes after the break. Vanderlei restored the two goal Paulista lead ten minutes into the second half and although Dagoberto got a second for São Paulo twenty minutes from time the home side held on to take the points.

Corinthians took advantage of the slip up of São Paulo to go top of the league after a comfortable victory over Oeste. Paulinho put Corinthians ahead ten minutes before the break before Liédson joined Elano at the top of the scoring chart with his tenth of the season four minutes after the break. Dentinho wrapped thins up for Corinthians with the third seventeen minutes from time. Botafogo SP eased away from relegation danger with their second consecutive win, this time at São Bernardo. Assis Mota put Botafogo ahead seven minutes after the break but they suffered a blow when Eduardo Dida was sent off eight minutes before time. That setback didn't prevent Botafogo making sure of the victory when João Henrique struck in injury time. Ituano hauled themselves out of the relegation zone when they held on for victory at Ponte Preta. Ituano went ahead two minutes before half time when Jefferson put them ahead with Rafael Malaquais doubling the lead ten minutes into the second half. Ferron pulled a goal back for Ponte Preta fourteen minutes from time but Ituano weren't to be denied victory.

Week sixteen begins today as we enter the final fight for play off spots

Oeste x Noroeste
Palmeiras x Bragantino - delayed coverage on Premier Sports TV
Mogi Mirim x Portuguesa
Grêmio Prudente x Mirassol
Santo André x São Caetano
São Paulo x Corinthians - delayed coverage on Premier Sports TV
Ituano x Santos
Botafogo SP x Linense
Ponte Preta x Paulista
Americana x São Bernado

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

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 14

Noroeste 1-0 Ponte Preta
Portuguesa 4-1 Mirassol
Bragantino 2-1 Santos
Botafogo SP 2-1 Paulista
Santo André 2-2 Oeste
Corinthians 1-0 Americana
São Caetano 1-1 Palmeiras
Grêmio Prudente 0-1 São Paulo
Ituano 0-1 Mogi Mirim
Linense 0-2 São Bernardo

You go away for a couple of weeks and things change dramatically in the Campeonato Paulista. With new leaders now in place since our last review in Week 10. Noroeste dragged themselves out of the relegation zone after victory over Ponte Preta. Otacílio Neto with the winner for Noroeste with his first goal of the season on the stroke of half time. Portuguesa remain three points away from the play offs after victory over a Mirassol team in free fall since they went to the top of the table in Week 10. Luis Ricardo and a penalty from Jael put Portuguesa in control before Xuxa replied form the spot seven minutes before the break. A second for Jael restored the two goal cushion ten minutes after the break and Henrique made sure of the points with the fourth three minutes later. In the live Premier Sports game, a late goal from Marcelhino gave Bragantino a shock victory over Santos. Léo Jamie had put Bragantino ahead with 25 minutes gone but Elano's tenth of the season from the spot on the half hour levelled matters. Santos were never allowed to settle and were full value for their victory which came with that winner two minutes from time. Botafogo SP also climbed out of the relegation zone after a victory over Paulista. Eli Sabia put Paulista ahead two minutes before the hour mark but Anselmo levelled just four minutes later. Assis Mota for the Botafogo SP winner twelve minutes from time.

Santo André remain in deep relegation trouble after letter a two goal lead slip at home to Oeste. Celio put Santo André ahead five minutes before the break and Allan Dias made it two thirteen minutes into the second half. Reinaldo de Sol pulled a goal back eighteen minutes from time and Oeste claimed a point thanks to a Fabio Santos leveller twelve minutes from time. Corinthians remain second in the table on games won after a ninth minute goal from Liédson, his ninth of the season, gave them a single goal victory over Americana at the Pacaembu. In the delayed Premier Sports TV offering early on Monday morning, Palmeiras took advantage of the Santos slip up to move into third with a draw at São Caetano. Palmeiras went ahead with just six minutes on the clock when Kléber put them ahead from the spot but Artur levelled for São Caetano nine minutes from time. The game finished ten a-side after Anderson Marques of São Caetano and Thiago Heleno both saw red after a second half clash.

São Paulo remain top after their fourth straight victory, this time away at bottom of the table Grêmio Prudente. One goal was enough for São Paulo and it came sixteen minutes from time through Henrique. Mogi Mirim are still in with a shout of making "The Eight" after they pushed Ituano into the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory. The goal came from Val with twenty-five minutes on the clock. São Bernardo continued their rise up the table when they defeated fellow promoted side Linense 2-0. And own goal with thirteen minutes gone from André Turatto put São Bernardo ahead and Junior Xuxa made they game safe with the second six minutes after the break. The defeat snapped Linense's two game winning streak and put they back into the relegation zone.

Midweek action for week 15 and they line up like this

São Caetano x Bragantino
Mirassol x Americana
Santos x Mogi Mirim
Palmeiras x Linense
Portuguesa x Santo André
Noroeste x Grêmio Prudente
Paulista x São Paulo
Corinthians x Oeste
São Bernardo x Botafogo SP
Ponte Preta x Ituano

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