Copa Libertadores - First Stage First Leg

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

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

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

The second legs take place next week

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

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

2012 Copa Libertadores Guide

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

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

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

Qualifying Round

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 633 9000

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

Copa Libertadores Semi Final Second Leg

Cerro Porteño 3-3 Santos
Santos advances 4-1 on points

Santos continue their quest for their first title since 1963 after advancing to the final after ending up drawing in Asunción against Cerro Porteño. With just two minutes on the clock Santos doubled their aggregate lead and got a vital away goal when Zé Eduardo headed home an Elano free kick. A bizarre own goal doubled the Santos lead, Pedro Benítez attempted head the ball back to his keeper Diego Baretto but the stopped ended up punching the ball into his own net. Cerro Porteño got a foothold on the night four minutes later when César Benitez headed home a corner from substitute Juan Iturbe. Santos seemed to have nailed the lid shut on the tie when they restored their two goal lead right on the break, Neymar firing home from the edge of the area. The home side didn't give up and reduced the deficit on the hour when Juan Lucero volleyed past Rafael. With nine minutes to go, Jonathan Fabbro levelled with the goal of the night to produce a climax but Santos had their away goals in the bank as a safety net. Santos will be without captain Edu Dracena for the first leg of the final after he stupidly got himself sent off in injury time but they are in the final for the first time since 2003, when they lost to Boca Juniors of Argentina.

A couple of things away from the action, the laser pens were again much in evidence again on Wednesday night with Neymar and Rafael targeted on a number of occasions. Also, some credit to the groundsman who produced a quite amazing pitch pattern which you can see on the highlights.

Vélez Sarsfield 2-1 Peñarol
3-3 on points, Peñarol advances on the away goal rule

Peñarol will meet Santos in the two legged semi final after some late drama saw them qualify courtesy of the away goals rule against Vélez Sarsfield. The visitors opened the scoring and grabbed a vital way goal with thirty-four minutes gone. Midfielder Matias Meir fired home after good work from the forward partnership of Juan Manuel Oliveira and Alejandro Martinuccio. Vélez were denied when Juan Manuel Martínez was ruled offside, despite video evidence to the contrary and Santiago Silva had a penalty claim turned down. Just before the break, Vélez were level on the night when Peñarol goalkeeper Sebastian Sosa fumbled a Maxi Moralez free kick and and substitute Fernando Tobio put the ball over the line. Juan Manuel Oliveira should have put the tie to bed for Peñarol half way through the second half but he put his shot wide and within a minute Vélez were ahead. Juan Martínez setting up Santiago Silva whose shot went in off the post. Vélez were now a goal away from advancing but they were reduced to ten men just two minutes later when Fernando Ortiz was sent off for his second yellow card of the game. The drama didn't end there, with fifteen minutes left the home side were awarded a penalty when Martínez was bought down and the Uruguayan Santiago Silva had the chance to dump his countrymen out of the competition but he slipped when taking the kick and it ended up in row Z leaving Peñarol to hang on a claim their final berth.

So Peñarol are in with a chance of their first title since 1987 and it's been 48 years between drinks for Santos. The first leg of the final is in Montevideo on June 16 with the return at the Pacaembu a week later. Both games will be live on Premier Sports TV

Premier Sports TV is the home of live South American football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0870 633 9000

Copa Libertadores Semi Final First Leg

Santos 1-0 Cerro Porteño

Santos edged towards a first final appearance since 2003 after a narrow victory over Cerro Porteño at the Pacaembu on Wednesday night. The two time winners took the lead when captain Edu Dracena headed home a Neymar cross three minutes before the break. It was little more than Santos deserved as they dominated the action and will be kicking themselves for not going to Asunción next week with a bigger lead. Alan Patrick, the hero at Once Caldas a fortnight ago, did everything but score as Diego Barreto in the Cerro Porteño goal managed to keep his chance out with his legs.

Peñarol 1-0 Vélez Sarsfield

Five time champions Peñarol took a step towards their first title since 1987 when they edged ahead of Vélez Sarsfield at the Estádio Centenario in Montevideo. In an even first half, both teams had chances to take the lead and both goalkeepers were kept busy by the opposition strikers. The breakthrough came just before the break when a diving header from Dario Rodríguez found the back of the net. Vélez looked a little out of touch given their ability to find the back of the net in the competition do far but will fancy their chances of making the final in the return across the River Plate and adding to their only success in 1994.

The return legs take place next week

Cerro Porteño v Santos (0150 Thursday - LIVE on Premier Sports TV)
Vélez Sarsfield v Peñarol (0150 Friday - LIVE on Premier Sports TV)

Premier Sports TV is the home of South American Football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0870 633 9000

Copa Libertadores Quarter Final Second Legs

Libertad 2-4 Vélez Sarsfield
Vélez Sarsfield advances 6-0 on points

Vélez went into the tie with a three goal advantage from the first leg but their Paraguayan opponents were not going to lie down and roll over. Rodrigo Rojas put Libertad ahead a minute before the break, but before the celebrations had died down in the stands Maximiliano Moralez had levelled for Vélez and gave them an away goal. It left Libertad needed four goals to win the tie and Manuel Manciel put them back in front six minutes after the break. A second from Moralez half way through the second half killed off the tie for Vélez and two late goals courtesy of a Guillermo Franco penalty and from the spot and Augusto Fernandez sent Vélez into the semi finals

Santos 1-1 Once Caldas
Santos advances 4-1 on points

At the Pacaembu, Santos made it through to the semi finals despite Neymar missing from the penalty spot. The youngster put the Brazilian side ahead with just twelve minute gone when his powerful shot from the edge of the area beat Luis Martínez in the Once Caldas goal. The visitors got themselves right in the tie after half an hour when Wason Rentería levelled from close range, it left the Colombian side one goal away from progressing to the semi finals. Santos though, had much the better of the second half with Neymar and Zé Eduardo missing superb chances to put the tie beyond the visitors. The penalty came six minutes from time when Neymar was fouled by Luis Núñez but Matínez came up with the save. Once Caldas threw the kitchen sink at Santos but the home side clung on to claim their last 4 spot.

Universidad Católica 2-1 Peñarol
3-3 on points, Peñarol advances on goal difference

A late goal from Fanian Estoyanoff ensured the 5 times champions Peñarol yet another semi final appearance after their tie against Universidad Católica was destined for penalties in Santiago. After two massive goalkeeper errors gave Peñarol a two goal lead in the first leg Universidad Católica were right back in the tie with nineteen minutes gone when when Fernando Meneses put the home side ahead on the night. Peñarol then took charge of the game, creating chance after chance and they were made to pay when substitute Roberto Gutiérrez levelled the tie twenty minutes from time. The cruel twist came when Católica goalkeeper Sosa lost the path of a Aguiar cross and Estoyanoff volleyed home the winner.

Cerro Porteño 1-0 Jaguares
Cerro Porteño advances 4-1 on points

Jaguares, the last Mexican side in the competition, made their exit after falling to defeat in Asunción against Cerro Porteño. Tournament leader scorer Roberto Nanni wasted a golden opportunity to put Cerro Porteño ahead with ten minutes gone but he was denied by Fabian Villaseñor in the Jaguares goal, as was Jonathan Fabbro's free kick. Nanni and Fabbro were constant dangers for Cerro Porteño as the home side took control of the game. Despite his efforts Villaseñor was responsible for the home sides winner twenty minutes from time, he could handle a high ball from a miscued head from Ismael Fuentes and Cerro Porteño defender Pedro Benítez was on hand to head home. Knowing a goal would force penalties at a minumum, Jaguares tried to find a way back into the game but the sending off of Fuentes eight minutes from time took the wind from their sails and Cerro Porteño celebrated a first semi final appearance since 1999.

The semi-finals begin next week and they line up like this, with both games live on Premier Sports TV. Check listings for times.

Santos V Cerro Porteño
Peñarol v Vélez sarsfield

Premier Sports TV is the home of Live South American Football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0870 663 9000

Copa Libertadores quarter-final round

Apologies for the slight delay in bringing this week's Copa Santander Libertadores round up as the race for Semi-Final spots hots up.

Peñarol 2-0 Universidad Católica

Peñarol took a huge step to yet another semi-final appearance when they took a two goal cushion over Chile's Universidad Católica at the Estádio Centenário in Montevideo. The hosts had Católica Chilean internation goalkeeper Paulo Garces to thank for their lead as his two errors gifted Peñarol their advantage. In the 37th minute Garces dropped a harmless looking cross and Juan Manuel Olivera tapped home to open the scoring. With the tie finely balanced and poised with next weeks clash in Santiago looming, Garces played the joker card again, spilling a harmless ball into the box and Alejandro Martinuccio pounced to double the Peñarol advantage.

Once Caldas 0-1 Santos

Muricy Ramalho's Santos sneaked into the Round of 16 by the skin of their teeth, but as the last Brazilian side in the competition they put themselves in good stead for a semi final berth after a 1-0 victory over Once Caldas in Colombia in an action packed game. Even without the injured Paulo Henrique Ganso and a second leg of the Paulista final looming they won the game when Ganso's replacement Alan Patrick latched onto a Neymar pass to beat Luis Enrique Martinez three minutes before the break. Once Caldas will be without Elkin Calle for the second leg after he was sent off for a professional foul on Neymar on the hour. Elano almost doubled the lead six minutes after but his free kick smashed back off the woodwork and in a frantic finale after Santos decided to hold onto their lead, Once Caldas had a penalty claim waved away after Bruno appeared to bring down Wason Renteira.

Vélez Sarsfield 3-0 Libertad

Vélez also took a huge stride towards a semi final spot after a convincing victory over Libertad at La Bombonera. Vélez were forced to move the game to the home of Boca Juniors after the AFA closed their ground after incidents in their previous home game against Banfield. Vélez took the lead with twenty minutes gone when Maximiliano Moralez fired home a Augusto Fernandez cross. Libertad should have levelled five minutes before the break, Manuel Maciel was one on one with Marcelo Barovero but his attempted lob ended up in the grateful keepers hands. Fifteen minutes from time Vélez doubled their lead after Juan Manuel Martínez was hauled down by Libertad keeper Tobias Vargas and he brushed himself off to slot the penalty home. Vargas was to blame for the Vélez third, allowing a Martínez shot to slip through his hands and into the net. Vargas redeemed himself in injury time, just managing to fend away a free kick from Ricardo Álvarez. Three goals is a lot to pull back in Asunción next week, four would have been impossible

Jaguares 1-1 Cerro Porteño

In Tuxtla Gutierrez, Cerro Porteño gave themselves a solid base for the second leg next week after a 1-1 draw against Jaguares. Roberto Nanni should have put Cerro Porteño ahead when he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper but he messed about too long and was denied by Fabian Villaseñor in the Jaguares goal. Cerro Porteño took the lead seventeen minutes from time when Fredy Bareiro found Jonathan Fabbro and he placed the ball into the Jaguares net. It looked like Cerro Porteño would have an advantage to take back to Paraguay next week but they were pegged back three minutes into added time when Antonio Pedroza headed home from a Guillermo Rojas cross to send the teams to Asunción on level terms

The second legs all take place next week and are all live on Premier Sports TV

Libertad v Vélez Sarsfield (WED 2330 BST)
Santos v Once Caldas (THU 0200 BST)
Universidad Católica v Peñarol (FRI 0000 BST)
Cerro Porteño v Jaguares (FRI 0230 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 Libertadores Round of 16 Second Legs

América 0-0 Santos
Santos advances 4-1 on points

No goals for the Premier Sports TV viewers as Santos made it through to the last 8 with a goalless draw against América of Mexico. América nearly took the lead in the opening five minutes but Juan Valenzuela just could get his head onto the ball and they came even closer half way through the half when Aquivaldo Mosquera hit the inside of the post, the ball hit Rafael in the Santos goal but went to safety. Santos also hit the post five minutes into the second half after a free kick from Paulo Henrique Ganso and captain Edu Dracena missed a golden opportunity to make the tie safe. As they game pushed on, América went to the goal to give them a chance of a shoot out at least but Rafael ended up being the Santos hero on the night.

Cruzeiro 0-2 Once Caldas
3-3 on points, Once Caldas advances on goal difference

The Premier Sports TV viewers were treated to a shock result with both teams also reduced to ten players. Roger of Cruzeiro went with just half an hour gone for two yellow cards and Carlos Carbonero saw a straight red 11 minutes after the break. A goal less draw would have done Cruzeiro but they fell behind when Diego Amaya headed them home midway through the half to level the tie on goals. Cruzeiro still had the away goal advantage but that disappeared nineteen minutes from time after Walter Rentería hit the post Dayro Moreno slammed the ball home from the edge of the box to put them ahead. Cruzeiro couldn't get the goal needed to force a shoot out and small band of fans who had made the long journey went home happy. Once Caldas will now meet Santos in the last eight

Internacional 1-2 Peñarol
Peñarol advances 4-1 on points.

Another shock, this time at the Beira-Rio as holders Internacional of Brazil were knocked out by the 5 times winners Peñarol of Uruguay. It all started to well for Inter when they were ahead inside a minute when Pedro sliced through some poor Peñarol defending and beat Sebastian Sosa in the Peñarol goal with a thumping shot from the edge of the box. Peñarol levelled just 25 seconds into the second half, Alejandro Martinuccio was allowed to run in the Inter box and he fired past Renan. Four minutes later the huge travelling support were in dreamland when Luis Aguiar's pinpoint cross was headed home by Juan Manuel Oliveira.

Universidad Catolíca 1-0 Grêmio
Universidad Católica advances 6-0 on points

Not a good night for the good folk of Porto Alegre as Grêmio became the third Brazilian side to be eliminated after Universidad Católica of Chile made it through with a comfortable victory on the night after their win in Brazil last week. A draw was enough for the Chilean side and the game seem to be heading that way but three minutes from time substitute Milovan Mirosevic headed past Marcelo Grohe to make it a bad week for Grêmio after their Gre-Nal defeat the previous weekend.

Libertad 3-0 Fluminense
3-3 on points, Libertad advances on goal difference

To cap off a really bad night for the Brazilian sides, Fluminense threw a two goal first leg advantage away late on to crash out. After a goalless first half Libertad took the lead when Rodrigo Rojas 30 yard effort flew past Ricardo Berna in the Fluminense goal. The Tricolor were still on their way to the last 8 until Miguel Samudio's volley from the edge of the D found the back of the net four minutes from time. Libertad were suddenly ahead in the tie courtesy of the away goal last week in the Engenhão and Fluminense were suddenly chasing the tie after sitting back and as they chased the game, gaps appeared and Jose Núñez fired home to make it three in injury time. There was still time for Mariano of Fluminense to get himself sent off to cap off a miserable night for them and Brazilian clubs, their worst showing in the Libertadores since 1994.

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

In Quito the 2008 winners LDU were dumped out of the competition as Vélez Sarsfield made it through with another comfortable victory. They opened the scoring ten minutes after the break when substitute David Ramírez released Ricardo Álcarez and he cut inside before firing past Alexander Domínguez in the the LDU goal. Ten minutes from time they wrapped things up, as LDU pressed for a way back into the game to restore some pride they were caught short by a long ball and Ivan Bella fired home to make it two. The night finished on a low note for LDU when Jorge Guagua was sent off two minutes from time.

Cerro Porteño 0-0 Estudiantes
2-2 on points, Cerro Porteño advances 5-3 on penalties

No goals again for the Premier Sports TV viewers as Cerro Porteño and Estudiantes again failed to break the deadlock. Referee Óscar Ruiz marked his final Libertadores game by dishing out nine yellow cards as the game went to a penalty shoot out. Substitute Julio dos Santos put Cerro Porteño ahead but Leandro Benitez calmly levelled for the visitors. Jonathan Fabbro then restored the lead and Hernan López levelled again for Estudiantes. Roberto Nanni of Cerro Porteño and Juan Pereya of Estudiantes kept both teams perfect before Luis Cáceres has his penalty saved by Agustin Orión in the Estudiantes goal, but Óscar Ruiz ruled that he had moved too soon and ordered a re-take. The Estuduantes coach Eduardo Berizzo went to discuss this with the referee but the TV replays proved the decision was correct and Cáceres made no mistake second time around. To rub the salt in the Estudiantes wounds, Cerro Porteño keeper Diego Baretto then saved Facundo Roncaglia's penalty to put the home side "on the hill". Cerro Porteño's Argentinian star Javier Villarreal then stepped up to slam the next penalty home to put his side into the last eight. knock out his fellow countrymen and start the party in Asunción.

Junior 3-3 Jaguares
2-2 on points, Jaguares advances on the away goals rule.

Junior of Colombia exited the competition after letting a lead slip three times against Mexican side Jaguares in Branquilla to go out on away goals. After the 1-1 draw last week in Mexico, Junior took the lead ten minutes before the break when Juan Valencia fired home after a mistake from Jorge Villalpando in the Jaguares goal. The lead lasted five minutes before Jaguares got their away goal back when Jackson Martínez climbed highest to head home. Six minutes after the break, Junior were ahead again when Luiz Páez converted from the penalty spot after John Viáfra had been brought down. Villalpando then made a crucial save to keep Jaguares in the tie before the complexion of the tie turned when Jackson Martínez levelled again after firing home a rebound from a Sebestian Viera save. The home side edged ahead again seventeen minutes from time when Villalpando made a schoolboy error and Carlos Bacca was on the spot to put the ball into an empty net, it was to be Villalpando's last involvement in the game as he was hauled off by coach Jose Cruz and the disgruntled goalkeeper didn't help himself by trying to attack his coach. Then twelve minutes from time came the flash point, Cesar Fawcett of Junior and Jackson Martínez clashed, players came rushing in from all directions for a bit of push and shove and the spectators which entered the field to join in were attacked by the Jaguares players, referee Heber Roberto Lopes of Brazil dismissed the two originators of the trouble. Incredibly, the Mexicans levelled again three minutes from time when a 30 yarder from Edgar Andrade flew past Viera to give Jaguares the draw and passage into the last eight.

Check the Premier Sports TV listings for the Copa Libertadores review show

These ties during the week were unfortunately marked by the appearance of laser pens at more than one of the fixtures, CONMEBOL need to be taking the appropriate action to ensure there is no repeat of this in the last eight ties which are due to take place next week.

The fixtures are

Santos v Once Caldas
Vélez Sarsfield v Libertad
Universidad Católica v Peñarol
Cerro Porteño v Jaguares

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Copa Libertadores Round of 16 First Leg

Grêmio 1-2 Universidad Católica
Vélez Sarsfield 3-0 LDU Quito
Estudiantes 0-0 Cerro Porteño
Jaguares 1-1 Junior
Santos 1-0 América
Once Caldas 1-2 Cruzeiro
Peñarol 1-1 Internacional
Fluminense 3-1 Libertad

Chile's Universidad Católica got the Round of 16 underway with a fanstastic victory in Porto Alegre against Grêmio. After Lucas Pratto put visitors ahead with half an hour gone things took a turn for the worse for the home side when Borges of Grêmio was sent off six minutes later. The ten men rallied and levelled through Douglas on the hour but a second from Pratto fifteen minutes from time gave Universidad Católica an advantage to take back to Santiago next week. Vélez Sarsfield for off to the perfect start at home to 2008 winners LDU Quito when a brace from Augusto Fernández in the opening eleven minutes put them firmly in control. It didn't get any better for LDU Quito when Luis Bolaños was sent off nine minutes after the break and it got worse when Sebastian Domínguez made it three a minute later. To cap a bad night off for the Ecuadorian club Neicer Reasco was also sent off twenty minutes from time.

Cerro Porteño continue to fly the flag for the Paraguayan cause after a goalless draw in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras against 2009 champions Estudiantes in La Plata. It put the the Argentinian side behind the 8-ball for the trip to Asunción next week but the hosts will be without Rodrigo Burgos after he was sent off four minutes from time. Colombian side Junior were another team to make a great start to their Round of 16 tie when they took a seventh minutes lead through Luis Páez against the Mexicans Jaguares in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. The home side levelled twelve minutes after the break when their Colombian forward Jackson Martínez put one over his fellow countrymen with the equaliser to set everything up nicely for the second leg in Branquilla.

At the Vila Belmiro in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras, Santos secured a narrow advantage to take to Azteca Stadium against América in a repeat of their 2008 quarter final meeting. In their hunt for a first Libertadores title since 1963 Santos got the only goal of the game seven minutes before the break courtesy of the youngster Paulo Henrique Ganso. Miguel Láyun of América will miss the second leg, after his introduction as a substitute just before half time he managed to pick up a second caution in injury time to see red. Cruzeiro went in to the Round of 16 as the number 1 seeded side and they kept up their great form in the competition with a 2-1 victory at 2004 winner Once Caldas of Colombia. The goals all came late in the game, Wallyson put the 1997 winners ahead seventeen minutes from time and Paraguayan start Jose Ortigoza doubled the lead seven minutes from time. Once Caldas gave themselves hope for the return when Luis Núñez pulled a goal back a minutes from time.

With the Premier Sports TV cameras in attendance holders Internacional of Brazil set themselves up nicely for next weeks second leg in Porto Alegre after coming from behind to get a draw in Montevideo against Peñarol. Matias Corujo put the home side ahead nine minutes before the break in their quest for a first title since 1987. The holders though fought back and levelled matters twenty minutes after the break when Leandro Damião levelled matters. Fluminense scraped into the Round of 16 after results went their way in match day six but they will take a commanding lead against Libertad of Paraguay. Rafael Moura put the Tricolor ahead with just four minutes on the clock but Rodolfo Gamarra got what could be a vital away goal for the visitors on the hour. But two goals in two minutes gave Fluminense their advantage for next week, with seventeen minutes left Marquinho restored the lead and Argentinian talisman Dario Conca made it three two minutes later.

The last eight line up will be decided next week when the return legs take place

América v Santos
Internacional v Peñarol
Libertad v Fluminense
Cruzeiro v Once Caldas
Universidad Católica v Grêmio
Cerro Porteño v Estudiantes
LDU Quito v Vélez Sarsfield
Junior v Jaguares

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Copa Libertadores group stage complete

And finally the Group Stage of the 2011 Copa Santander Libertadores comes to a close. We review the final eight matches

Group 1

Libertad 2-0 San Luis
Universidad San Martin 0-2 Once Caldas

Libertad were already through in Group 1 but boosted their seeding for the Round of 16 after two early goals gave them victory over San Luis and dent their slim hopes of qualifying. Jorge Gonzalez put Libertad ahead with eleven minutes gone and Nicolas Pavlovich doubled the lead six minutes later. The big winners of the night were Once Caldas who jumped from bottom of the table into the qualifying zone after victory over Universidad San Martin in Lima. Wason Rentería put Once Caldas ahead with sixteen minutes gone and Mathias Mirabajes doubled the lead with fifteen minutes left. Frustration set in for the home side, Adan Balbin was sent off with ten minutes to go and he was followed by Orlando Contreras in injury time.

Group 3

Nacional 0-0 América
Argentinos Juniors 2-4 Fluminense

Fluminense were also big winners when the last two games of the Group Stage took place, with no goals in Montevideo between Nacional and América ensuring the Mexicans qualified for the Round of 16. Fluminense scraped into next stage with a 4-2 win over the River Plate at Argentinos Juniors, Júlio César put Fluminense ahead with 18 minutes gone but Santiago Salcedo levelled from the spot six minutes later. Fluminense talisman Fred restore the Tricolor lead five minutes before the break but they were pegged back again nine minutes after the break by Gustavo Oberman and Argentinos Juniors were still in the hunt to qualify. Rafael Moura restored the Fluminense lead mid way through the second half and Fred's penalty a minute from time wrapped things up to give Flu a win the Brazilian press have described as sensational.

Group 5

Santos 3-1 Deportivo Táchira
Colo Colo 2-3 Cerro Porteño

Santos needed a win at home to Deportivo Táchira to give them any hope of getting into the Round of 16 and they delivered, handing the Venezuelan side their fourth straight defeat to eliminate them. Neymar set Santos on their way in the fourth minute and Jonathan Cícero doubled the lead nine minutes later. Gerson Chacón halved the lead with twenty minutes to go but Danilo restored the two goal cushion three minutes later. Colo Colo crashed out of the competition after surrendering a two goal lead at home to Cerro Porteño. Leading the group going into Matchday 6 Colo Colo took the lead through Cristobel Jorquera with just four minutes gone and they were last 16-bound when Esteban Paredes doubled the lead with twenty minutes gone. Jonathan Fabbro gave Cerro Porteño hope when he pulled a goal back two minutes before the break and they levelled three minutes after it through Ivan Piris. With two minutes to go Colo Colo were still in a qualifying spot before a second from Fabbro grabbed Cerro Porteño top spot in the group.

Group 6

Jorge Wilstermann 2-1 Jaguares
Internacional 2-0 Emelec

Despite falling to defeat in Bolivia at Jorge Wilstermann, Mexican side Jaguares made it into the last 16 courtesy of holders Internacional's victory over Emelec. Jaguares made a decent start in Bolivia when Julio Frias put them ahead with seven minutes gone but he will miss the opening Round of 16 clash after getting sent off five minutes after the break.
Jorge Wilstermann took full advantage of the extra man, Fabio Mineiro levelled with fourteen minutes left and Nicolas Torres won it eight minutes from time to give Jorge Wilstermann their first victory. With the Premier Sports TV cameras in attendance, Internacional denied Emelec a place in the Round of 16 after a 2-0 win at the Beira-Rio. Rafael Sóbis put Inter ahead seven minutes after the break and Leandro Damião wrapped things up six minutes from time.

Unlike the UEFA Champions League the 16 qualified teams will be seeded in the knockout stages according to their results in the group stage. The Group winners are seeded 1–8, the Group runners-up seeded 9–16.

The First Leg games are scheduled for next week but this is subject to change. (Seeds in brackets)
Once Caldas (16) v Cruzeiro (1)
Santos (9) v América (8)
Jaguares (13) v Junior (4)
Estudiantes (12) v Cerro Porteño (5)
Fluminense (15) v Libertad (2)
Vélez Sarsfield (10) v LDU Quito (7)
Peñarol (14) v Internacional (3)
Grêmio (11) v Universidad Católica (6)

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Copa Libertadores round-up

We're getting to the end of the group stage of this season's Libertadores and here's a slightly belated round-up of the latest action.

Group 2

Oriente Petrolero 3-0 Grêmio
Junior 1-1 León de Huánuco

With positions already decided in Group 2, Grêmio sent a virtual reserve team to Bolivia as Oriente Petrolero finished their campaign with back to back victories. Nicolas Fernández put the home side ahead six minutes after the break and Fernando Saucedo doubled the lead fifteen minutes from time. Juan Acre made it three ten minutes from time but Grêmio's Rodolfo will miss the opening game of the Round of 16 after his dismissal five minutes from time. Junior ensured they will go into the Round of 16 as group winners after they were denied victory by a late León de Huánuco goal in Branquilla. Jossymar Gómez put Junior ahead fourteen minutes from time but León de Huánuco levelled eight minutes through Orlando Rodríquez

Group 4

Universidad Católica 2-1 Unión Española
Caracas FC 0-3 Vélez Sarsfield

Matchday Six heartbreak for Caracas FC as they went from top to third and elimination after the final group games. Caracas were stunned 3-0 at home by Agentinian side Vélez Sarsfield who moved above the Colombians by virtue of the result. Maxi Morales put Vélez ahead with twenty-one minutes gone and a quickfire double in the opening ten minutes of the second half from Santiago Silva wrapped things up. Universidad Católica also leapfrogged Caracas and into the Round of 16 after victory over fellow Chilean side Unión Española. Kevin Harbottle stunned Universidad Católica when he gave Unión the lead two minutes after the break but Pablo Calandria levelled two minutes later. Marcelo Cañete got the winner for Universidad Católica twelve minutes from time to put them into the Round of 16.

Group 5

Colo Colo 2-1 Deportivo Táchira
Cerro Porteño 1-2 Santos

Still only Matchday 5 in Group 5 and going into Matchday 6 it's going to be two from three as it's tight at the top of the group. Colo Colo went top on Tuesday night after a 2-1 defeat of Deportivo Táchira in Santiago. The visitors made the perfect start when Edgar Pérez Greco put them ahead with just four minutes gone but Diego Rubio levelled for the home side just three minutes later. A second to Rubio with twenty five minutes on the clock won it for the home side to put them top of the group. It left Santos in a must-win situation in Paraguay when they took on Cerro Porteño any result but a win would almost certainly eliminate them. Danilo da Silva put Santos ahead with twelve minutes on the clock and Maikon Leite doubled the lead three minutes after the break. Pedro Benítez pulled a goal back for Cerro Porteño in injury time but it was little more than mere consolation. Santos will now be favourite to qualify when they entertain win less Deportivo Táchira while it's winner takes all in Santiago where Colo Colo entertain Cerro Porteño.

Group 7

Estudiantes 0-3 Cruzeiro
Guaraní 0-2 Deportes Tolima

Cruzeiro will go into the Round of 16 as the number 1 seed after a demolition of 2009 champions Estudiantes. In what was a meaningless game with both teams already qualified Cruzeiro laid down a marker with this result. Thiago Ribeiro put them ahead with eleven minutes gone and Wallyson doubled the lead on the stroke of half time. Gilberto wrapped things up for the visitors eight minutes from time. Guaraní have had a Libertadores to forget as they finished with six defeat after Deportes Tolima were 2-0 winners in Asunción. Danny Santoya put Tolima ahead three minutes into the second half and Luis Closa wrapped things up midway through the second half.

Group 8

Peñarol 0-1 Independiente
LDU Quito 2-0 Godoy Cruz

Disaster for both Argentinian sides in Group 8 as both departed the competition despite Independiente winning in Montevideo at Peñarol. One goal separated the sides and it came when Facundo Parra fired past Sebastian Sosa twelve minutes before the break. The result though, wasn't enough for the seven times Libertadores winners as fellow countrymen Godoy Cruz fell to defeat at LDU Quito. The 2008 champions took the lead when Luis Bolaños was left unmarked at the back post to tap home and they doubled the lead ten minutes later when Hernan Barcos scored a marvellous individual goal. LDU Quito go into the Round of 16 as Group 8 winners while Peñarol scraped through by the skin of their teeth.

The Group stage comes to a conclusion this week when the final group games take place in four groups. They line up like this

Jorge Wilstermann v Jaguares
Internacional v Emelec Premier Sports, 19:30pm Tuesday April 19
Libertad v San Luis
Universidad San Martin v Once Caldas
Santos v Deportivo Táchira
Colo Colo v Cerro Porteño
Nacional v América
Argentinos Juniors v Fluminense

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Copa Libertadores matchday 5

The group stage is drawing to a close in the Copa Libertadores. Some clubs have booked their passage through to the knockout stages while there's still plenty left to play for with one set of fixtures remaining.

Group 2

Grêmio 2-0 Junior

Grêmio ended the 100% record of Junior and also knocked out Léon de Huánuco from the competition after a 2-0 victory in Porto Alegre. Lúcio put Grêmio ahead just after the half hour and Borges doubled the lead on the hour for the Tricolor. Jaider Romero didn't help the Junior cause after his second half dismissal. The result means both teams will be in the Round of 16 but with Junior still top of the table they are the more likely to progress from pole position.

Group 3

Nacional 2-0 Fluminense
América 2-1 Argentinos Juniors

Group 3 is tight, very tight after Matchday 5 and all four teams still have a chance of qualifying for the Round of 16. Fluminense are now rank outsiders to get into the next stage and heavily dependent on their own and other results in the final matchday after defeat to Nacional in Montevideo. A second half Santiago García double enough for the home side to secure victory which still leaves them outside the top two in the group at the moment but with the travel sick América in Montevideo on Matchday 6. América kept their 100% record in the competition after a 2-1 victory over Argentinos Juniors in the Estadio Azteca. They did it the hard way though after falling behind to a Franco Niell goal four minutes into the second half. Vicente Vuoso levelled with seventeen minutes to go and Dániel Marquez got the winner eight minutes from time. The result leaves América top of the group going into Matchday 6 but a defeat in Montevideo and victory for Argentinos Juniors will eliminate the Mexicans and Brazilian champions.

Group 4

Unión Española 1-2 Caracas FC
Universidad Católica 0-0 Vélez Sarsfield

Caracas will go into Matchday 6 top of Group 4 after a come from behind victory in Santiago against Unión Española on Tuesday night. In a game they needed to win, Sebastian Jaime put Unión Española ahead with just three minutes on the clock but Louis Peña levelled for Caracas ten minutes before the break. Caracas stuck a tentative toe into the last 16 when Josef Martínez got the winner seven minutes from time to eliminate Unión Española from the competition. Again in Santiago on Thursday night, there was a goalless deadlock between Universidad Católica and Vélez Sarsfield meaning it will go down to Matchday 6 where the two Chilean clubs clash and Vélez go to Caracas.

Group 5

Deportivo Táchira 0-2 Cerro Porteño
Santos 3-2 Colo Colo

Only Matchday 4 in Group 5 as Cerro Porteño went top of the group after victory in Venezuela at Deportivo Táchira. Roberto Nanni put Cerro Porteño ahead with twenty minutes gone and Ivan Torres wrapped things up with the second twenty minutes after the break. The big news of the week came in the live Premier Spots TV game from the Vila Belmiro where there were 5 goals and 5, yes 5, red cards as Santos picked up their first victory of competition against Colo Colo of Chile. Santos were on their way thanks to Elano's 34th minute free kick and Danilo doubled the lead two minutes later. When Neymar made it three seven minutes after the break with a fantastic goal and Santos were coasting but after the young stars celebration, when he wore a mask of his own face upside down, he was shown a second yellow card and dismissed. Three minutes later Zé Eduardo of Santos and Andre Scotti of Colo Colo both saw red after some good old fashioned fisticuffs before Patrico Jerez pulled a goal back for the visitors with eight minutes left. Diego Rubio then got a second for Colo Colo with three minutes left but Elano, by this time on the bench after being subbed, was shown a red card for arguing the decision to award the goal. The fifth red card followed when Cristobal Jorquera of Colo Colo was shown a straight red for a poor challenge but the result has probably saved the campaign of Santos in the competition.

Group 6

Jaguares 1-0 Internacional
Jorge Wilstermann 0-0 Emelec

Holders Internacional fell to their first defeat of the competition when they went down to a single goal defeat in Mexico to Jaguares. Antonio Salazar with the only goal ten minutes after the break. Despite the defeat Internacional remain top of the group going into Matchday 6. The other game in Bolivia finished goal less as already eliminated Jorge Wilstermann picked up their first point of the season against Emelec. The result is a disappointing one for the Ecuadorian side who could have been level with points on Internacional going into Matchday 6 especially with a trip to Porto Alegre and the holders in wait. Jaguares will be hoping they can pick up the victory they require at Jorge Wilstermann.

Group 8

Independiente 1-1 LDU Quito

It was a draw that Independiente didn't need as they were eliminated from the competition after the result against LDU Quito. Leonel Núñez put the home side ahead from the spot with twenty four minutes gone but Hernan Barcos levelled matters for LDU thirteen minutes after the break. Independiente cross the River Plate to face group leaders Peñarol on Matchday 6 while there will be a straight shoot out in Quito where the home side only need a draw while Godoy Cruz need to win to progress to the round of 16

Next week sees Matchday 6 in all groups except Group 5 where the final matches in the groups will take place simultaneously.

Peñaraol v Independiente
LDU Quito v Godoy Cruz
Colo Colo v Deportivo Táchira
Estudiantes v Cruzeiro LIVE on Premier Sports, Thursday 14 April, 00:50BST
Guaraní v Deportes Tolima
Caracas v Vélez Sarsfield
Cerro Porteño v Santos
Universidad Cátolica v Unión Española
Oriente Petrolero v Grêmio
Junior v León de Huánuco

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Copa Libertadores round-up

Oh, for the competition to be more structured like the UEFA Champions League is. Some teams in the Libertadores have played five, some four and a handful just the three. It's easy to lose track of which 'matchday' we're on. Anyway, here's the latest from South America's premier club competition.

Group 6

Internacional 3-0 Jorge Wilstermann

In the live Premier Sports TV offering defending champions Internacional of Brazil went to the top of Group 6 after repeating their victory over Jorge Wilstermann in Porto Alegre, a result which elminates the Bolivian side from the competition. After the comfortable 4-1 away victory a fortnight ago Internacional went ahead with eighteen minutes on the clock when Oscar put them ahead and he then turned provider, setting up Andres D'Alessandro for the second twelve minutes after the break. Wilster were reduced to ten men with twenty minutes to go when Lucas Fernández saw a second yellow for a poor challenge on D'Alessandro and Zé Roberto wrapped things up with the third two minutes after that.

Group 7

Deportes Tolima 1-1 Estudiantes
Guaraní 0-2 Cruzeiro

Estudiantes and Cruzeiro are the first two teams into the Round of 16 after both secured the necessary results in the group's fifth matchday. Top spot will be decided in Matchday 6 when Estudiantes and Cruzeiro clash but the Brazilian side will go into the game top of the group after their 2-0 win in Paraguay at Guaraní. Thiago Ribeiro put Cruzeiro ahead with seventeen minutes gone and their Paraguayan star Jose Ortigoza wrapped things up with the second in injury time. Estudiantes got the draw they needed in Venezuela to knock out Deportes Tolima. Fedrico Fernández put Estudiantes ahead half way through the first half but the home side levelled with half an hour gone when Felipe Noguera levelled from the spot.

Group 8

Peñarol 2-1 Godoy Cruz

Uruguay's Peñarol went to the top of Group 9 after victory over Godoy Cruz in Montevideo. Juan Manuel Oliveira put Peñarol ahead three minutes before the break but there was disaster for the home side when a Dario Rodríguez own goal levelled matters twelve minutes after the break. Peñarol though, got the win they desperately needed when Nicolas Freitas for the winner twenty minutes from time. It's still all to play for in Group 8 with all four teams still in with a chance of making the Round of 16.

Plenty of games next week as we get to the business end of the group stage

Independiene v LDU Quito
Unión Española v Caracas FC
Deportivo Táchira v Cerro Porteño
Jaguares v Internacional
Nacional v Fluminense
Santos v Colo Colo - LIVE on Premier Sports
América v Argentinos Juniors
Grêmio v Junior
Jorge Wilstermann v Emelec
Universidad Católica v Vélez Sarsfield

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