Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 7

América 0-9 Vasco da Gama
Flamengo 1-0 Resende
Nova Iguaçu 3-5 Boavista
Americano 2-1 Volta Redonda
Madureira 0-1 Fluminense
Olaria 1-0 Bangu
Cabofriense 2-0 Duque de Caxias
Botafogo 1-1 Macaé

In the only Saturday game, Vasco finally hit some form when they smashed América in Volta Redonda. The game was over as a contest within the first 23 minutes, Fágner opened proceedings after four minutes before a brace from Ramon and Felipe made it four. Marcel made it five with just 25 minutes on the clock and Enrico got the sixth before the break. Vasco took the foot off the pedal in the second half but still added three further goals from Caique, Jeferson and a second for Enrico. Flamengo go into the semi-finals the only undefeated side in the competition as they ended the play off hopes of Resende with a single goal win in Macaé. Needing a draw to progress to the semi-finals Resende held on grimly but they were finally opened up 15 minutes from time by Deivid. A sad end to a promising campaign from Resende.

It meant the other semi-final spot went down to a shoot out in Nova Iguaçu, where Boavista were the visitors. It was the visitors who took the lead right on half half time through Max and then a minute into the first half they doubled their lead courtesy of Leonardo Chaves. Nova Iguaçu hit back a minute later through Marquinhos and levelled seven minutes later when Leonoardo struck. Max then restored the Boavista lead on 65 minutes and Erick Flores restored the two goal gap. News filtered through from Macaé and Boavista knew they needed a two goal victory but disaster struck a minute from time when Maycon reduced the deficit. Boavista threw bodies forward and grabbed the goal they needed three minutes into stoppage time when Max completed his hat-trick. Americano finally got their first win of the season when they defeated Volta Redonda. Gustavinho put Americano ahead after fifteen minutes but Pedro Henrique levelled ten minutes before the break. The winner came nine minutes from time from Felipe, a result which meant they they leapfrogged América in the table and climbed off the bottom of Group A.

Botafogo blew the chance to finish top of Group B, and avoid Flamengo in the semi-finals, when they were held at home by Macaé in the surprise result of the day. Robson stunned the small Engenhão crowd when he put the visitors ahead seven minutes before the break. Although Renato Cajá levelled three mintues after the break, Macaé held on the claim the draw and make Botafogo's route much harder to reclaim their crown. The main beneficiaries of all this were Fluminense who claimed top spot in Group B after victory at Madureira. With their Libertadores campaign now underway it was a sluggish Fluminense who struggled to get going at times. They goal they needed came fifteen minutes from time when Rafael Moura got his fifth goal of the week to hand the Tricolor a semi final against Boavista.

Olaria ended up claiming third spot in Group B after they defeated nearest rivals Bangu. One goal was enough to separate the sides and it came from Waldir two minutes after the break. And finally, Cabofriense picked up their first win of the season when they defeated an under strength Duque de Caxias side which had it sights set on the Taça Rio. Two second half goals in the space of twelve minutes from Everton Santos were enough to give Cabofriense the victory but it was a case of too little, too late as they finished bottom of Group B.

Semi final time in the Taça Guanabara and Torneio Moisés, they are single game elimination contests with penalties at the end of 90 minutes if the scores are level.

The line up like this

Taça Guanabara

Flamengo x Botafogo
Fluminense x Boavista

Torneio Moisés

Resende x Bangu
Olaria x Nova Iguaçu

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 7

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

A round split over 5 days opened on Saturday with Santos picking up their third draw in the last four games, this time at lowly Santo André. Marcelo Godri put Santo André into a shock lead with just five minutes on the clock but former Manchester United player Rodrigo Possebon levelled for Santos on the stroke of half time to leave them unbeaten but not top of the table. Noroeste picked up their first win of the campaign with a 4-1 thrashing in Mogi Mirim. Ze Roberto put Mogi Mirim ahead after twenty minutes but José Carlos replied seven minutes later and Aleílson put Noroeste ahead five minutes later. A second for José Carlos from the spot fourteen minutes from time put the game safe and Diego wrapped things up four minutes from time. Americana and Oeste both remain in "The Eight" after a late late goal rescued a point for the visitors. When Charles put Americana ahead with twenty minutes left it looked like that would be enough but as they game went into injury time Anselmo Ramon grabbed an equaliser for Oeste.

The big game of the round was at the Pacaembu for the "Derby Paulista" between Palmeiras and Corinthians. After a midweek defeat in Colombia and the fans reaction on their return Corinthians had a lot to prove to their fans and they did. Winning it eight minutes from time courtesy of Alessandro and the subsequent celebrations were bizarre to say the least. Ituano picked up their second win of the season after a 2-0 success over struggling São Bernardo. The goals came late, Daniel opening the scoring with just ten minutes left and a penalty from Anderson Salles in injury time wrapping things up. Botafogo SP finally kick started their season with a first victory of the year coming against São Paulo. Anselmo put Botafogo ahead four minutes before the break and Paulinho doubled the lead seventeen minutes from time. Marcelinho Paraíba pulled a goal back in injury time for São Paulo but it was too little too late.

Mirassol climbed to fourth after an impressive at Bragantino. Esley put Mirassol ahead six minutes before the break but Luciano Sorriso levelled just before half time. It looked like honours were going to be even but Xuxa grabbed a winner Mirassol in injury time. São Caetano made it back to back wins, this time defeating Paulista. Two goals in the last eight minutes of the first half from Vadinho put São Caetano in charge. Rone Dias pulled a goal back for Paulista two minutes into the second half but they couldn't find the equaliser.

In the games held over to midweek, Grêmio Prudente picked up there second point of the season with a battling draw against Portuguesa. Saldanha put Grêmio Prudente ahead with just six minutes on the clock but Luis Ricardo levelled twelve mintues later. A second for Saldanha twenty minutes from time put Grêmio Prudente back ahead but five minutes later Kempes levelled and Tata put Portuguesa ahead for the first time three minutes later. Grêmio Prudente didn't give up and Jandson levelled the game four minutes from time. Finally Ponte Preta still remain outside "The Eight" after a third consecutive draw, this time against Linense. Renathino put Ponte Preta ahead with twelve minutes on the clock but Fausto levelled for Linense eight minutes later and both teams settled for a point.

Week 6 Catch Up

Corinthians 4-0 Ituano

Corinthians made it back to back wins when they "took advantage" of their Libertadores exit to stage one of their outstanding games against Ituano. Full of confidence after their win against Palmeiras on the Sunday, Luís Ramírez had Corinthians ahead within two minutes. Chicão doubled the lead with twenty minutes on the clock but the Corinthians fans had to wait until fifteen minutes from time before Liédson made it three. Corinthians put the icing on the cake when Liédson got his second and the teams fourth in injury time.

Coming up this weekend is Round 8 and they line up like this

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

Argentinos caught by the Flu - Copa Libertadores Group 3

Fluminense 2-2 Argentinos Juniors

In the Live Premier Sports TV game, Brazilian champions Fluminense twice came from behind to share the points with Argentinos Juniors of Argentina in the opening Copa Santander Libertadores Second Stage clash. Argentinos Juniors striker Franco Niell gave his side the lead on the stroke of half-time but Rafael Moura hit back for the hosts to level things just before the hour.

Fluminense were rocked again when they fell behind for a second time when Niell from grabbed his second with 20 minutes remaining. Argentinos were looking to give their campaign the perfect start, but Moura struck his second four minutes later to ensure a share of the spoils for the Tricolor and the second consecutive game that Moura has got two goals since arriving from Goiás.

The fixture between Deportes Tolima and Guaraní was resheduled for next week.

Next week the rest of the teams join the action, the fixtures are as follows

Deportes Tolima v Guaraní
Vélez Sarsfield v Caracas FC
San Luis v Club Libertad
Deportivo Táchira v Santos
América v Nacional
Unión Española v Universdad Cátolica
Emelec v Internacional
Cruzeiro v Estudiantes LIVE on Premier Sports TV 0000GMT Thursday
Jaguares v Jorge Wilstermann
Once Caldas v Universidad San Martin
León de Huánuco v Junior
Grêmio v Oriente Petrolero
Cerro Porteño v Colo Colo
Godoy Cruz v LDU Quito

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

Champions kick off Clausura

It's Clausura time once again and everyone's gearing up for another frenetic season. It's the last time we'll have the Apertura/Clausura system before it goes to a more traditional home and away, 38 game league. However, the Promedio system will be retained when the new structure takes hold and the end of this campaign will see three teams bow out.

Estudiantes held off Vélez Sarsfield to take the Apertura title, but they were dealt a major blow when coach Alex Sabella, the former Sheffield United player, walked out on the club, apparently over a disagreement regarding transfer policy. One thing that is obvious is that Sabella never saw eye-to-eye with on-field leader, talisman and all-round genius Juan Veron who will lead the side once again. La Brujita, now 35, continues to stroll around the midfield in that languid style like he owns the place. Which is fair enough, because he pretty well does. Eduardo Berizzo takes over at short notice, fresh from working alongside Marcelo Bielsa with the Chilean national side. Sabella or no Sabella, Los Pincharratas are still the side to beat and they kick off the new competition on Friday night against Newell's Old Boys at 22:00 GMT, a game you can see live in the UK with our good friends at Premier Sports. Newell's, coached by Roberto Sensini these days, have Claudio Bieler in on loan from Racing to provide some punch after their Apertura campaign rather petered out.

The other TV game this week is Boca Juniors v Godoy Cruz on Sunday at 22:10 GMT. Lots of movement at Boca over the off-season with Julio Cesar Falcioni taking the managerial reins after a couple of successful years with Banfield. Pablo Mouche was set to leave - to West Ham where he would be the new Marco Boogers - but work permit problems mean he's still around and doubts remain over Juan Riquelme's continued involvement with the club. The venerable Martín Palermo goes round again at the age of 37 alongside the more youthful, but equally slow Lucas Viatri. Godoy had a good Apertura, eventually finishing a respectable fifth. They've taken the exciting Ruben Ramirez on loan from Colón after he scored 14 goals over the last two competitions in the colours of Banfield.

At least Boca aren't in trouble on the Promedio, unlike bitter rivals River Plate. Finishing fourth in the Apertura means they have a little breathing space. They also managed to hang to Rogelio Funes Mori and begin against Tigre. Olimpo and Quilmes, both promoted last time around, find themselves bottom of the Promedio, but good campaigns this time around will really put the cat among the pigeons. Quilmes have a tough tip to Santa Fe to face Colón while Olimpo have an equally tough prospect at home to Banfield. Gimnasia are the other side that start in the bottom three on the table and they've really been on the slide over the last few seasons. Former River boss Angel Cappa comes in to try to arrest the slide, but decline looks terminal and they've a tough start against San Lorenzo who are a better side than their 14th placed Apertura finish suggests.

Vélez were runners-up last time and have the prolific Santiago Silva up front alongside Mexican star Guillermo Franco and they look to be the most likely challengers to Estudiantes's crown once again. They're away to Independiente first up, the side that finished dead last in the Apertura. They did, however, somehow manage to win the Copa Sudamericana and can't possibly be as bad again as last time around.

Of the sides promoted last time, All Boys were far and away the best and they've made a bit of a transfer scoop by nabbing Ariel Ortega after he was told he no longer featured in River Plate's plans. While staying in the top flight will still be the priority, if Ortega fires, they can mount a real tilt at the Sudamericana places and they have a winnable fixture first at home to Racing Club. Arsenal were good last season and begin away from home against Lanús while both Huracán and Argentinos Juniors will both be happy to keep their heads above water. They face each other this weekend, both eager to get a headstart on the other.

A reminder then that the two games televised this week in the UK on Premier Sports this week are Estudiantes v Newell's on Friday the 11th at 22:00 and Boca v Godoy Cruz on Sunday the 13th at 22:10. And we'll have a review of all the goings on after the final game in the wee hours of Tuesday morning UK time.
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

This Week on Premier Sports

This week on Premier Sports TV, SKY Channel 433, the group stages of the Copa Santander Libertadores begins with the Group Three fixture between the Champions of Brazil, Fluminense of Rio de Janeiro and the Argentinian Clausura Champions of 2010 Argentinos Juniors. The game is at the Engenhão Stadium, the home of the 2016 Olympic games, kicks off at Midnight on Thursday.

The Copa Libertadoes Round Up Show, which will feature the above game plus Deportes Tolima and Guaraní is on Friday night.

Friday also sees the launch of the coverage of the Clausura in Argentina when Apetura champions Estudiantes de La Plata entertian Newell's Old Boys of Rosario at 2200GMT. Then on Sunday it's off to La Bombonera for the home opener of the world famous Boca Juniors against Libertadores qualifiers Godoy Cruz. Program for this starts at 2210GMT.

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 Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 6

Resende 1-2 Nova Iguaçu
Bangu 2-2 Cabofriense
Macaé 2-2 Madureira
Vasco da Gama 3-0 Americano
Boavista 2-3 Flamengo
Volta Redonda 2-0 América
Duque de Caxias 4-2 Olaria
Fluminense 2-3 Botafogo

Nova Iguaçu will go into the last week of the Taça Guanabara with a chance of making the semi finals after victory at nearest rivals Resende. Amaral put Nova Iguaçu ahead with 18 minutes on the clock before William doubled the lead fifteen minutes from time. Marcelo Regis pulled a goal back as the game went to injury time for Resende and they now need a results against Flamengo in their last game to make it into the semi finals. Cabofriense picked up their first of the season despite throwing a two goal lead away against Bangu. Léo Itaperuna put Cabofriense ahead nine minutes after the break and André oliveira doubled the lead twelve minutes later. However Pipco halved the deficit and Somália levelled matters six minutes from time. Madureira made it three games without defeat after an away draw at Macaé. Danile put Macaé ahead half way through the first half but Edivaldo levelled and then Douglas Assis put Madureira into the lead at the break. Macaé claimed a point when Hyantony levelled from the spot five minutes from time. Vasco da Gama climbed off the bottom of Group A when they finally picked up their first win of the season against Americano. Marcel put Vasco ahead ten minutes before the break and Dedé doubled the lead eight minutes into the second half. Jeferson Silva wrapped things up ten minutes from time.

Flamengo guaranteed top spot in Group A as they remain unbeaten despite being given a good work out by Boavista. A first goal in the Rubro-Negro for Ronaldinho Gáucho from the penalty spot opened things up for Flamengo. Deivid doubled the lead four minutes into the second half but two minutes later Frontini pulled a goal back. When Frontini levelled twelve minutes from time it seems Flamengo would lose their 100% record but Negueba came to the rescue seven minutes from time. Volta Redonda picked up their first win of the season as they triumphed over América. Jean Carlos put Volta Redonda ahead on the stroke of half time and Bruno Barra made certain of the points ten minutes from time. Duque de Caxias came from a two goal deficit to record their first victory of the season over Olaria. Renan Silva put Olaria ahead with 32 minutes gone and Felipe doubled the lead five minutes later, on which the took into the break. Somália got Duque de Caxias back into the game six minutes into the second half and Juninho levelled on the hour. Rodrigo Dantas then edged Duque de Caxias into the lead 10 minutes from time and a second for Somália wrapped things up two minutes later.

The round finished with the big clash at the Engenhão between Fluminense and Botafogo, the Clássico Vovô. It was a feisty affair with numerous yellow cards, two red cards and five goals as Botafogo went back to the top of Group B. Renato Cajá's super free kick put Botafogo ahead half way through the first half but Rafael Moura levelled for Flu seven minutes later. Then came the red cards as things threatened to boil over, Valencia of Fluminense went first for a second booking and the Botafogo captain Marcelo Mattos went next. In between all of this Renato Cajá was denied a second when his free kick clearly crossed the line but was not give and when Jefferson in the Fogo goal mishandled a Conca free kick Rafael Moura got his second to put Fluminense ahead. Botafogo then got a life line when they were awarded a penalty but Sebastian Abreu tamely chipped the ball into the goalkeepers hands. He then got a second opportunity two minutes later and this time levelled matters. Then six minutes later German Herrera put Botafogo ahead for the second time and they held on the hand Fluminense their first defeat of the season ahead of their Libertadores opener on Wednesday night. Well worth watching the 15 minutes of highlights on the link above.

No midweek games in the Carioca this week, with it being the last round of the Guanabara every game kicks off at 1700 (Local) next Sunday. With second place up for grabs in Group A they line up like this

Flamengo x Resende
Nova Iguaçu x Boavista
América x Vasco da Gama
Americano x Volta Redonda
Madureura x Fluminense
Olaria x Bangu
Cabofriense x Duque de Caxias
Botafogo x Macaé

Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 6

Oeste 1-0 Botafogo SP
Paulista 0-0 Noroeste
Ponte Preta 2-2 Santos
Portuguesa 1-0 Americana
Mogi Mirim 1-1 Santo André
Mirassol 0-1 Palmeiras
São Paulo 3-2 Linense
Bragantino 3-0 São Bernardo
São Caetano 1-0 Grêmio Prudente
Corinthians P-P Ituano Now Tuesday 15th February

Oeste kept themselves in "The Eight" after victory over a struggling Botafogo SP side. One goal was enough to split the teams and it came from Roger with twenty minutes on the clock. No goals at the Estádio Dr. Jayme Pinheiro de Ulhôa Cintra as draw specialists Noroeste made it 5 draws out of six games against Paulista. The result keeps Noroeste in the relegation zone but seems Paulista drop out of "The Eight". Santos were deposed as leaders after twice having to come from behind to claim a point at in form Ponte Preta. Romulo put Ponte Preta ahead half way through the first half but competition leader scorer Elano levelled for Santos five minutes before the break. Renatinho restored the Paulista lead from the spot twelve minutes into the second half but Maikon Leite rescued Santos five minutes from time to join team mate Elano at the top of the goal scoring charts. The pair now account for 12 of the 18 goals Santos have scored so far this season.

After back to back defeats Portuguesa got back to winning ways and back into "The Eight" after victory at home to Americana. The visitors came crashing back to earth after their 5-1 weekend victory courtesy of Heverton's 28th minutes strike. The defeat leaves Americana four points off the top of the table. Mogi Mirim remain on the fringes of "The Eight" despite letting a lead slip against Santo André and having to settle for a point. Val put Mogi Mirim ahead just after the half hour but Borebi levelled the game fifteen minutes from time. Santo André remain a point out of the relegation zone but only on goal difference. Palmeiras took advantage of the slip up by Santos to go two points clear at the top of the table after the fifth straight win. Mirassol were in decent form going into the fixture and the win for Felipão's men gives an indication they will there or thereabouts come play off time. One goal settled the game and it came from Patrick thirteen minutes from time.

38 year old former world footballer of the year Rivaldo made his debut for São Paulo against Linense after joining on a 12 month loan. Linense hasn't read the script and they took the lead six minutes after the break when Eric bundled the ball home. The star attraction, Rivaldo, levelled matters 5 minutes later with a cool finish before Marlos put São Paulo ahead seven minutes later. A superb Rogério Ceni free kick made it three with five minutes to go before Alessandro ensured a nervous few moments for the home side when he pulled a goal back for Linense as the game went into injury time. Bragantino sneaked into "The Eight" after a comfortable victory over São Bernardo. Juninho Quixada put Bragantino ahead with just six minutes on the clock and he doubled the lead six minutes before the break. As the game went into injury time Juninho Quixada completed his hat-trick to wrap things up and put him on five for the season. Grêmio Prudente just go from bad to worse as they were cast adrift at the bottom of the table after yet another defeat, this time at São Caetano. One goal was enough to separate the sides and it came from Aílton with just seven minutes on the clock.

Corinthians clash with Ituano was postponed due the Copa Libertadores commitments.

The big clash of the weekend is "The Derby Paulista" at the Pacaembu where Palmeiras will look to "stick the boot in" after Corinthians Copa Libertadores exit in midweek.

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

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 5

Boavista 0-1 Resende
América 3-1 Americano
Madureira 2-1 Cabofriense
Olaria 1-1 Macaé
Bangu 1-1 Botafogo
Flamengo 1-0 Nova Iguaçu
Vasco da Gama 0-0 Volta Redonda
Fluminense 3-1 Duque de Caxias

Resende put themselves in the box seat for the Taça Guanabara semi-finals after victory in the big game of the round. It was Resende in second against Boavista in third at Estádio Eucy Resende de Mendonça with the winners being ideally placed to qualify for the semi finals. Only one goal separated the sides and it came five minutes after the break from Kim. América got their first win of the season after success against Americano. Two goals in the opening 23 minutes from Hugo and Leandrinho put América in control. Felipe Adão made it three five minutes after the break but Diego got a consolation for Americano on the hour. Madureira and Cabofriense, two sides without a win all season, met to give them the ideal opportunity to break their duck. It was Madureira who took home he three points despite falling behind to a Wagner goal four minutes before the break. Edivaldo levelled on the stoke of half time and Maciel won it nine minutes from time. Olaria and Macaé finished all square to leave both teams with no chance of making the semi finals. Osmar put Macaé ahead with just two minutes on the clock but Victor levelled for Olaria ten minutes after the break.

Botafogo's winning run was surprisingly ended at Bangu, who gave themselves an outside chance of making the semi-finals. You would have assumed it was was business as usual for Botafogo when Sebastian Abreu put them ahead with 25 minutes on the clock but Abilio stunned the Alvinegro with an equaliser thirteen minutes from time. The big story of the week though was the arrival of 40,000 spectators at the Engenhão to witness the debut of Ronaldinho Gáucho in the red and black shirt of Flamengo. Nova Iguaçu were meant to be the side show but they showed resilience to constantly deny Flamengo. Five minutes from time through the Nova Iguaçu defence finally cracked and Wanderley got the winner to all but put Flamengo into the semi-finals. Vasco da Gama remain bottom of Group A despite picked up their first point of the season. A 0-0 home draw with Volta Redonda isn't going to enthuse the fans at the São Januário but it's a start and things can only get better from here. Fluminense took advantage of Botafogo's slip up at Bangu to go top of Group B. Fred put the Tricolor ahead eight minutes after the break but Marlon Ventura stunned the Engenhão with the equaliser four minutes later. Fred's second restored the lead with seventeen minutes to go and the former Olympique de Lyonnias striker completed his hat-trick a minute from time to wrap things up.

The Clássico 'Vovô is the highlight of the weekend, a clash which will decide the destiny of Group B. They line up like this

Boavista x Flamengo
Resende x Nova Iguaçu
Bangu x Cabofriense
Vasco da Gama x Americano
Volta Redonda x América
Duque de Caxais x Olaria
Macaé x Madureira
Fluminense x Botafogo

Copa Libertadores 1st Stage 2nd Leg

This Copa Libertadores review is bought to you in association the Premier Sports, the home of South American football in the UK

Deportivo Quito 1-0 Independiente
3-3 on points, Independiente advances on goal difference
Jaguares 2-0 Alianza Lima
Jaguares advances 6-0 on points
Deportes Tolima 2-0 Corinthians
Deportes Tolima advances 4-1 on points
Grêmio 3-1 Liverpool
Grêmio advances 4-1 on points
Unión Española 0-0 Bolívar
Unión Española advances 4-1 on points
Deportivo Petare 1-1 Cerro Porteño
Cerro Porteño advances 4-1 on points

Copa Sudamericana champions Independiente made it into the Group Stages of the competition, they will take their place in Group 8, despite a defeat at Deportivo Quito. Having a two deficit to claw back from their trip to Buenos Aires the Ecuadorian club could only halve the aggregate deficit when Michael Quiñónez scored two minutes after coming on as a 55th minutes substitute. Jaguares of Mexico will go into a strong looking Group 6 after completing their safe passage when a 2-0 win over Alianza Lima of Peru. The visitors facing were facing a two goal deficit and they didn't help their cause when Edgar Villamarín was sent off just short of the half hour. Michael Pedroza put Jaguares ahead with twenty minutes to go and Antonio Salazar wrapped things up five minutes later with the second.

We mentioned last week that Corinthians would have an uphill task to qualify for Group 7 and so it proved as Deportes Tolima of Colombia proved too strong for the Brazilian side in Ibagué. After a scoreless first leg the deadlock was finally broken 25 from time when Danny Santoya put Deportes Tolima ahead. Corinthians task then got harder when Luis Ramírez was sent off with 18 minutes to go but the tie was all over when Wilder Medina got a second for Tolima 12 mintues from time. In the live Premier Sports TV game, Grêmio took their place in Group 2 but only after being given a run for their money by Liverpool of Uruguay. After the 2-2 draw in Montevideo last week the Uruguayans took the lead ten mintues before the break when Emiliano Alfaro gave them a shock lead. That lead though lasted for all of three minutes before André Lima levelled on the night and in the tie. Ten minutes after the break Liverpool's Michael Acosta was dismissed and two minutes later Grêmio were ahead through Vinícius Pacheco. A second for Pacheco sixteen minutes from time wrapped up the tie for Grêmio, who will be confident of progressing from Group 2 given the opposition.

Unión Española of Chile advanced into Group 4 after a 0-0 home draw against Bolívar of Bolivia. A game of few chances saw the Bolivian side become frustrated and it all boiled over when Ronald Garcia was sent off half way through the second half when he picked up his second booking of the game. The result means that Unión Española will face Santiago rivals Universidad Católica in the group stage. Cerro Porteño of Paraguay were the last side to make it into the group stage and they will go into Group 5 after a draw in Venezuela against Deportivo Petare. Deportivo, looking to claw back the deficit from the first leg a week ago were ahead after fourteen minutes through Victor Guazá, However Cerro Porteño got the equaliser and a vital away goal from Roberto Nanni nine minutes before the break. Deportivo substitute John Cordóba was shown a straight red card six minutes from time to cap off a bad night for the Venezuelan side.

Highlights will be on Premier Sports tonight at 2330.

The Group stages begin with two games next week.

Fluminense v Argentinos Juniors - LIVE on Premier Sports TV 0000 GMT Thursday 10th February
Deportes Tolima v Guaraní

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

Watch Liverpool live tonight!

CONMEBalls are pleased to announce a partnership agreement with Premier Sports TV.

Located on SKY Channel 433, Premier Sports is the new home of Live South American Football in the UK. Covering a live Copa Libertadores game a week, with a highlights show on Friday night, Premier Sports TV will be beaming the best of South America's major club tournament direct into your living room. This week you can see the First Stage Second Leg tie between Grêmio of Brazil and Liverpool of Uruguay. The tie is delicately poised after a 2-2 draw in Montevideo last week.

Starting on Friday February 11th, Premier Sports begin their coverage of the Clausura League in Argentina. Opening with Apertura champions Estudiantes de La Plata against Newell's Old Boys and quickly followed on Sunday 13th February when Boca Juniors take on Godoy Cruz at La Bombonera. Two live games a week will be shown from the Argentinian league.

Matthew Horton, lead contributor at CONMEBalls said, "I'd like to thank Premier Sports TV for coming on board with the blog. This will be my third year of covering the Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana and Campeonato Brasileiro. The blog is currently in the second year of it's coverage of the State Championships of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Coverage-wise, we will be reintroducing the Argentinian league to reflect the live coverage provided in the UK by Premier Sports TV. We hope this association will see us expand our readership in the UK to enable us to bring the delights of South American football to a wider audience."

The Live game on Premier Sports TV this week is Grêmio v Liverpool which will be shown tonight at Midnight, with the Copa Libertadores Round Up show every Friday at 2330GMT.

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