Barcelona dominate in Yokohama

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.

FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals

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.

Copa Libertadores Final Second Leg

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

After 48 years between drinks, Santos are finally Copa Libertadores champions for the first time since 1963 after they defeated Peñarol at the Pacaembu in São Paulo. After the Peñarol fans put a show on last week this time fireworks and huge home support welcomed the sides onto the pitch.

Santos were much the better side on the in the opening exchanges enjoying the lions share of possession and look to attack down the flanks at any opportunity. Elano tested Peñarol keeper Sebastian Sosa early door but the keeper was more than up to the task posed by the for Manchester City player's shot. Later in the half, it was Elano again who tested Sosa from a free kick but the keeper was perfectly positioned to keep out the attempt.

The breakthrough came a minute into the second half, Arouco allowed time and space to wade through the Peñarol defence and he found Neymar who beat Sosa at his near post. After his first half efforts it was a poor effort from the Peñarol goalkeeper who could have done a lot more to keep the shot out. The second came twenty minutes from time, Danilo getting down the right cutting into the penalty area and his well placed left foot shot was out of the reach of Sosa. Cue the Pacaembu going wild as the home fans, and Pelé in a rather fetching red jacket, were finally beginning to believe this was their year.

Not that the Santos fans had a comfortable last ten minutes after Durval deflected a cross into his own net to leave the Uruguayan side a chance of forcing extra time and another thirty minutes to try and claim their sixth crown. But Santos held on and nearly extended their leas but Neymar hit the post and they held on to lift the trophy for a third time and claim a place at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan in December.

Before the presentation came the stupidity, some good old fashioned South American football biffo. Started by a few stray Santos fans who made it on to the Pacaembu pitch, the boots were flying and arms were waving as they two sides traded insults. It all seemed to calm down before a Peñarol player came flying in Bruce Lee style, the Military Police decided to step in a split the two factions up so the presentation could be started.

So, after finally getting the trophy the party started, Muricy Ramalho and Pelé celebrated hand in hand and the party continued late into the night. A good job the CBF have given Santos the weekend off by rescheduling their game.

Premier Sports TV is the home of South American Football in the UK
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Copa Libertadores Final Preview

In the early hours of tomorrow morning the first leg of the final of the 52nd Edition of the Copa Libertadores takes place in the historical Estádio Centenario in Montevideo as five time champions Peñarol take on two time winners Santos of Brazil. Peñarol were the first ever winners of the competition, winning the first two editions in 1960 and 1961 before losing their crown to Santos in the 1962 final. Santos then retained the title in 1963 and have yet to record another victory in the competition since. It's also been a long time between drinks for Peñarol as well, their last victory coming in 1987 against América of Colombia with a last minute extra time goal in the play-off final.

Santos struggled to get out of their group, scraping through on the last day of the group stage thanks to winning their last three group games after opening with two draws and a defeat. Peñarol also squeezed out of their group on the last day of the group stage despite losing at home to Independiente of Argentina. Their group campaign same them suffer a 5-0 humping at LDU Quito. The knockout stages have been a different kettle of fish for both sides with them both finally finding some form.

Santos will be without Paulo Henrique Ganso, who is still struggling with a thigh injury but will welcome back Bruno Aguair and Bruno Rodrigo, who both missed the trip to Asunción for the second leg of the semi final. They have also had a warning from Santos legend Pelé to respect their opponents after he called into their training camp after their arrival in Montevideo. For Peñarol, if it ain't broke don't fix it, as they will go with the side that got them to the final despite their defeat to Vélez Sarsfield in that game.

Also up for grabs is a place in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup which takes place in Japan in December where a likely meeting with UEFA Champions League winners FC Barcelona awaits.

Possible Line Ups

Peñarol - Sosa; G Rodriguez, D Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Valdez; Aguiar, Freitas, Corujo, Mier; Olivera, Martinuccio.

Santos - Rafael; Bruno Aguiar, Bruno Rodrigo, Edu Dracena, Sandro; Adriano, Arouca, Danilo, Elano; Ze Eduardo, Neymar.

Peñarol - Route to Final

Group Matchday 1 - Independiente 3-0 Peñarol
Group Matchday 2 - Godoy Cruz 1-3 Peñarol
Group Matchday 3 - Peñarol 1-0 LDU Quito
Group Matchday 4 - LDU Quito 5-0 Peñarol
Group Matchday 5 - Peñarol 2-1 Godoy Cruz
Group Matchday 6 - Peñarol 0-1 Independiente
Round of 16 1st Leg - Peñarol 1-1 Internacional
Round of 16 2nd Leg - Internacional 1-2 Peñarol
Quarter Final 1st Leg - Peñarol 2-0 universidad Católica
Quarter Final 2nd Leg - Universidad Católica 2-1 Peñarol
Semi Final 1st Leg - Peñarol 1-0 Vélez Sarsfield
Semi Final 2nd Leg - Vélez Sarsfield 2-1 Peñarol

Santos - Route to Final

Group Matchday 1 - Deportivo Táchira 0-0 Santos
Group Matchday 2 - Santos 1-1 Cerro Porteño
Group Matchday 3 - Colo Colo 3-2 Santos
Group Matchday 4 - Santos 3-2 Colo Colo
Group Matchday 5 - Cerro Porteño 1-2 Santos
Group Matchday 6 - Santos 3-1 Deportivo Táchira
Round of 16 1st Leg - Santos 1-0 América (MEX)
Round of 16 2nd Leg - América (MEX) 0-0 Santos
Quarter Final 1st Leg - Once Caldas 0-1 Santos
Quarter Final 2nd Leg - Santos 1-1 Once Caldas
Semi Final 1st Leg - Santos 1-0 Cerro Porteño
Semi Final 2nd Leg - Cerro Porteño 3-3 Santos

The game is live on Premier Sports TV at 0145 with friend of the site Will Downing calling the action.

The return leg takes place a week later at the Pacaembu and will also be covered by Premier Sports TV

Premier Sports TV is the home of LIVE South American Football in the UK
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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.

Premier Sports TV is the home of live South American Football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or calling 0871 633 9000

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)

Premier Sports TV is the home of Live South American Football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or calling 0871 633 9000

Copa Kia do Brasil Final 2nd Leg

Vitória 2-1 Santos
Santos wins 3-2 on aggregate

Santos clinched their spot in the 2011 Copa Santander Libertadores after lifting the Copa Kia do Brasil despite a 2-1 defeat at Vitória. After taking a two goal lead last week at the Vila Belmiro, Santos effectively killed the tie off a minute before half time when Edu Dracena beat Julián Viáfara in the Vitória goal. It was Viáfara who got Vitória back in the game 12 minutes after the break when his free kick beat Rafael.

José Junior then gave Vitória a lifeline 13 minutes from time when he put the home side ahead on the night and just a goal behind on aggregate. Santos managed to hold on and claim their first Copa do Brasil title and the golden ticket to the Libertadores. It's also a second title of the year for Santos to go along with their Campeonato Paulista success in May.

Copa Kia do Brasil Final 1st Leg

Santos 2-0 Vitória

At the Vila Belmiro on Wednesday night Santos put one foot in the 2011 Copa Libertadores after a 2-0 victory over Vitória in the first leg of the Copa Kia do Brasil final. With his loan spell due to expire next week, Santos took the opportunity to field Robinho before either extending his loan or sending him back to Manchester. In an open game, with many chances for both sides the only goal of the half came after 14 minutes from Neymar, who got on the end of Para's cross.

Neymar had a chance to double the Santos lead 17 minutes from time. After being awarded a penalty after being fouled by Wallace, Neymar tried to be clever and loft his penalty into the net but the Vitória keeper didn't move and easily caught the ball. Santos though, managed to get a cushion for the second leg 7 mintues from time when Marquinhos shot found the back of the net.

The second leg takes place next week.

Robinho: Is he really worth it for Santos?

So the "boy wonder" returns to Vila Belmiro after spells at CF Real Madrid in Spain and Manchester City FC in England. It all began for Robinho back in 2002 in his breakthrough season he led the Peixe to their first national title since the days of Pelé. Santos then reached the final of the 2003 Copa Libertadores where Robinho won the Brazilian Hide and Seek championship during the 2 legged final, which was lost to Boca Juniors. Despite leading Santos to another title in 2004 the lure of Europe was too much and Robinho moved to the Spanish capital and CF Real Madrid.

Robinho was to spend 4 years at the Santiago Bernabéu and made 101 appearances scoring 25 goals. Only one league title came during his time at Madrid and that was when he and David Beckham carried the team to the title after spending most of the pre-Christmas part of the season on the bench. He was the used as by CF Real Madrid as part of a move to lure Cristiano Ronaldo to Madrid and instead demanded to join Chelsea FC, at the time being managed by former Seleção trainer Luiz Felipe Scolari, instead it was Mancester City FC who stumped up €42.5million to take him to Eastlands. Robinho never made any secret that Manchester wasn't his preferred destination but managed to put some decent performances in for the club. He made 41 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 14 goals. The final one coming at Scunthorpe at the weekend in the FA Cup, incidentally his first of the season for Manchester City.

Is State League football really going to be good enough for Robinho, the fact he has a minumum of 16 games to play before the Paulista leage season finishes on the 6th April. If Santos fail to make the play offs then it would mean going for 7 weeks without a game until Série A starts in the second week of May but there could be a burn out factor for the player with so many games to play. Then he would play 4 or 5 games maximum in Série A before disappearing to the Seleção for the FIFA World Cup. That could possibly mean Robinho not returning to Santos until the middle of July by which time he will two or three weeks from being on the plane back to Manchester.

The question is, are Santos really going to get their moneys worth out of the player. They have managed to find a sponsor to cover 90% of his wages but that still leaves the club to find circa £16,000 a week. For the amount of game time they could possibly get out of the player is it really worth it?

Fogo Fire Soares / Robinho

Despite getting the backing of the Botafogo board after the 6-0 slapping by Vasco da Gama on Sunday. Head coach Estevam Soares has been sacked from his position as head coach of Botafogo. The board have also dispensed of the services of assitant Gerson Sodre and the conditioner Lino Fachini.

Soares, who saved Botafogo from relegation from Série A on the last day of the season, had been told his job was safe after the game but on Monday the Botafogo board had a change of heart and swung the axe. Jair Ventura, who survived the cull, has been put in charge of team affairs for the midweek game against Tigres do Brasil.

Meanwhile the Robinho saga drags on as São Paulo has thrown their name into the frame in an attempt to sign the player on loan from English team Manchester City. It was widely expected that Robinho would return to his first club, Santos but the wage demands of the player may be a stumbling block for both clubs. Robinho is alleged to earn £160,000 a week in Manchester and the player would have to take a considerable pay cut to join either club. The one advantage São Paulo has over Santos is the opportunity to offer Robinho a stage in the Copa Libertadores. With the transfer window less than a week from closing a deal will need to be reached quickly.