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 Sudamericana Final 2nd Leg

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

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

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

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

Quotes -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copa Sudamericana Final 1st leg

LDU Quito 0-1 Universidad de Chile

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

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

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

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

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

Copa Sudamericana Final Preview

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

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

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

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

The Road to the Final

First Stage

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

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

Second Stage

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

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

Round of Sixteen

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

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

Quarter Final

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

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

Semi Final

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

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

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

Copa Sudamericana - Semi Final Second Leg

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

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

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

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

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 Sudamericana - Semi Final First Leg

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copa Sudamericana - Week 16

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copa Sudamericana - Week 15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If Arsenal qualify next week then the semi finals will be

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

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

Copa Sudamericana - Week 14

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

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

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

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

Vasco da Gama v Universitario
Libertad v LDU Quito

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

Copa Sudamericana week 13

Santa Fe 4-1 Botafogo
Santa Fe advances 4-1 on points
Vasco da Gama 8-3 Aurora
3-3 on points, Vasco da Gama advances on goal difference
Libertad 2-0 São Paulo
3-3 on points, Libertad advances on goal difference
Universidad de Chile 1-0 Flamengo
Universidad de Chile advances 6-0 on points

The Round of 16 finally came to a close this midweek as the final four ties were settled. The Tuesday game saw Botafogo of Brazil put all their eggs in the Brasileirão basket when they sent a reserve side to Colombia to take on Santa Fe. Level on aggregate from the first leg at the Engenhão four weeks ago it took Santa Fe just two minutes to go ahead on the night and on aggregate, Óscar Rodas striking for the home side and six minutes later Omar Pérez doubled the lead. It got worse for Botafogo on the stroke of half time when Leo scored into his own net and a second for Rodas just after the hour put the icing on the cake. Alexandre Oliveira got a consolation goal for the visitors three minutes from time but the misery was piled on further when Alex got himself stupidly sent off in injury time. Santa Fe will now face Vélez in the last eight.

Brazilian league leaders Vasco da Gama were a team still taking things seriously as they sent out a full strength side to try and claw a two goal deficit back against Aurora of Bolivia at the São Januário. Vasco struck first with just nine minutes on the clock when Bernardo reduced the aggregate deficit to one but seven minutes later the visitors levelled, Augusto Andaveris with the goal. Nine minutes before the break Aurora suffered a blow when Gonzalo Galindo was sent off for a second yellow card and by half time the tie was completely level thanks to two goals from Alecsandro. Vasco went ahead for the second time in the tie when Leandro scored four minutes after the break and it seemed Vasco were on their way to the last eight when Juninho Pernambucano converted from the spot twenty minutes from time. Two minutes later though, the tie was on again and Aurora were a goal away from qualifying after Doinedes Peña converted from the spot but a second from Bernardo eight minutes later gave Vasco breathing space again. Four minutes later Dougles made it seven on the night but Aurora didn't give up and Ronald Segovia got their third on the night three minutes from time. The scoring wasn't done their though as Allan got Vasco's eighth in injury time to see them through to a last eight tie with Universitario of Peru.

In Asunción, new São Paulo coach Emerson Leão was in charge for the first time and with their league form wavering this competition probably represented their best change of securing any Libertadores football at the Morumbi next year. It meant a pretty full strength team appeared in Asunción but Libertad were not in the mood for taking any prisoners. A stupid foul from Luís Fabiano gave Libertad the chance to take the lead from the spot with just ten minutes gone and Sergio Aquino smashed the ball past Rogério Ceni to level the tie on aggregate. Libertad were dominant and São Paulo couldn't get back into the game at all the the home side wasted opportunities to go ahead on the night and in the tie. They finally went ahead in the tie half way through the second half when José Nuñez sent the home crowd into raptures. An away goal would have put São Paulo through but Libertad held on and they face LDU Quito in the last eight.

The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the National Stadium in Santiago as Flamengo were faced with overturning a four goal deficit from the last week's first leg against Universidad de Chile at the Engenhão. Shares in Azul Azul, who own and manage the Chilean club, surged after last weeks success and they will have gone even higher after a 1-0 victory last night put them into the last eight. Flamengo, still in a fight for top spot in the Brasileirão, knew their goose was cooked and they sent a reserve side for the game and Vanderlei Luxemburgo only named four players on the bench as they prioritised Saturday's trip to Porto Alegre to face Grêmio. Universidad were on top from the start and the inexperienced Flamengo side struggled to find their feet and it was no surprise when Marcelo Diaz put the home side ahead half way through the first half. It was a superb goal, Eduardo Vargas with the lay off and Diaz beat Paulo Victor from twenty five yards out. Universidad continued to press but the Flamengo defence held firm under the pressure but it's the Chilean side who progress to take on Arsenal in the last eight.

The Quarter Finals get underway next week, at the time of writing CONMEBOL have yet to confirm the schedule for next week but all games, if possible, will be covered live by Premier Sports TV

They line up like this
Vélez Sarsfield v Santa Fe
LDU Quito v Libertad
Universidad de Chile v Arsenal
Universitario v Vasco da Gama

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

Copa Sudamericana week 12

Round of 16, first leg


São Paulo 1-0 Libertad
Flamengo 0-4 Universidad de Chile

Luís Fabiano is back in a São Paulo shirt, seven years after embarking on his European adventure with Porto and Sevilla. This was game number four for the striker in his second spell with his home-town club and goal number one, the lone strike enough to hand São Paulo the advantage over Libertad of Paraguay. With time running out at the Morumbi, Fabiano pulled the ball down expertly on his chest and cracked it left-footed into the roof of the net.
Fellow Brazilians Flamengo are staring down the barrel having been comprehensively outplayed at home by Universidad de Chile. It started badly enough as a long-range shot from José Manuel Rojas was turned onto the post by Fla keeper Felipe, but it came back, struck Felipe on the back of the legs and went in for a most unfortunate own goal. Fifteen minutes later and Fla were down to ten as Airton was sent off for a challenge on Osvaldo González and by half-time they were three down as Eduardo Vargas bagged two late in the half. The first owed much to the work of Eugenio Mena down the left, but the second was all Vargas who created havoc in the defence with some direct running and a good show of strength. The numbers were levelled up five minutes into the second half as Francisco Castro was sent off for a foul on Willians, but Fla couldn't find a way back into the match and it was put to bed with twenty to go as Univ. de Chile hit a fourth when some dizzying passing around the Flamengo box ended with Gustavo Lorenzetti getting bored and just smashing it past a statuesque Felipe.

Round of 16, second leg

Arsenal 3-2 Olimpia
Arsenal advance 4-1 on points
Universitario 1-1 Godoy Cruz
Universitario advance 3-2 on penalties
Vélez Sarsfield 1-1 Universidad Católica
Vélez advance 4-1 on points

After a goalless draw in Asunción, Arsenal were always favourites to progress in the return leg at Avellande and, for most of the first half, it looked like being a cruise. Cristian Trombetta thumped in a rocket of a header from 12 yards on the quarter hour to put Arsenal ahead and a delightful lob from Emilio Zelaya doubled the lead five minutes later. Back came Olimpia though and it was 2-2 by the interval as Pablo Zeballo struck twice. The first was a brilliant free-kick from 20 yards while the second was pure predator, swooping on a parried save by Arsenal keeper Cristian Campestrini. Five minutes from time and Gustavo Blanco headed what proved to be the winner, albeit from the most offside position you could wish to see. The travelling support were justifiably aggrieved, but it's Arsenal who progress.
One apiece in Mendoza three weeks ago and one apiece in Callao this week meant Universitario and Godoy Cruz needed a penalty shoot-out to decide their tie. Before that, Israel Damonte put Godoy ahead on the stroke of half-time with a bullet header. Heading down the stretch, that looked like being decisive until Andy Polo's looping header took Godoy keeper Sebastian Torrico out of the equation and levelled the scores. In the shoot-out, Leandro Caruso went first and put Godoy ahead, but Alberto Gálvan equalised with Universitario's first. Jorge Curbelo made it 2-1 before Martin Morel missed to hand Godoy the advantage. Ariel Rojas couldn't make the advantage stick as he missed, but so did Pablo Vitti with Universitario's third. The miss-a-thon continued as Nicolas Sanchez wasted Godoy's fourth which allowed Raúl Ruidíaz to level it up at 2-2. Damonte missed Godoy's fifth which allowed Jesus Rabanal to step up and send Universitario through 3-2.
The damage was done for Vélez in the first leg with a 2-0 in Santiago and the return leg saw them retain the control over Chile's Universidad Católica established there. Gonzalo Sepúlveda's 25-yarder pulled one back for La Católica, but Vélez didn't panic and sealed the deal with a late header from Fernando Ortiz to send them into the quarter-finals.


Next week sees more second leg ties from the Round of 16 and here's how they line up:

Santa Fe x Botafogo
Vasco da Gama x Aurora
Libertad x São Paulo
Universidad de Chile x Flamengo - at time of writing, scheduled for coverage by Premier Sports TV. Check website for further details.

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Copa Sudamericana week 11

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

The Premier Sports TV cameras were present to witness holders Independiente make an exit at their first stage of the competition after failing to overcome a two goal first leg deficit against 2009 champions LDU Quito of Ecuador. The home side made nine changes from the team beaten in Quito a fortnight ago as they went for all out attack in order to try and progress into the last eight. The only goal of the game came on the stroke of half time when a deflected shot from Leonel Núñez found the back of the net. In the second half Independiente pushed for the second goal that would take the tie to a penalty shoot out but the LDU Quito defence was strong and frustration got the better of the home side when Fernando Godoy was shown a straight red card three minutes from time for a poor challenge on Claudio Bieler.
LDU Quito will now face the winner of the tie between São Paulo of Brazil and Libertad of Paraguay in the quarter finals.

Next week

Round of Sixteen First Leg

São Paulo v Libertad - LIVE on Premier Sports TV
Flamengo v Universidad de Chile

Round of Sixteen Second Leg
Arsenal v Olimpia
Universitario v Godoy Cruz
Vélez Sarsfield v Universidad Católica

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Coming soon to Premier Sports TV, 10 live games a week from the National Hockey League
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Copa Sudamericana week 10

Round of Sixteen First Leg

Universidad Católica 0-2 Vélez Sarsfield
Aurora 3-1 Vasco da Gama

Only two games in the Sudamericana this week and they were both held last night. First up and in front of the Premier Sports TV cameras Vélez Sarsfield took a big step to the last eight when they defeated Universidad Católica in Santiago. Former West Ham United striker Guillermo Franco put Vélez ahead with fifteen minutes gone and Iván Bella doubled the lead three minutes before the break to put the visitors in control. Universidad Católica came out fighting in the second half looking for a goal to get them back into the tie but they could not breach the Vélez defence. The return leg is in two weeks time.

Vasco da Gama showed their priority is the Brasilerão as they sent a reserve side to Cochabamba to take on Bolivian side Aurora. It was though, the Brazilian league leaders who took the lead when Bernardo struck five minutes before the break. The home side levelled five minutes after the break through Aquilino Villalba and substitute Augusto Andaveris put Aurora ahead seven minutes later. Villalba then got himself sent off for a second yellow card half way through the half but the ten men extended their lead when Jair Reinoso made it three sixteen minutes from time. The second leg is in the São Januário in three weeks time.

Last night it was announced that Premier Sports TV will show every game from the quarter final stage onwards live.

Next week sees just a single game

Round of Sixteen Second Leg

Independiente v LDU Quito - Live on Premier Sports TV

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

Copa Sudamericana week 9

LDU Quito 2-0 Independiente
Olimpia 0-0 Arsenal
Godoy Cruz 1-1 Universitario
Botafogo 1-1 Santa Fe

Holders Independiente of Argentina made their bow in the competition at the Round of 16 stage and they had a tough trip to La Casa Blanca in Quito to face the 2009 winners LDU. The Premier Sports TV cameras were in town for the tie of the round and it was the home side who took a decisive advantage to take back to Allenvenda in two weeks time. Paul Ambrosini put LDU Quito ahead three minutes before the break when he was the spare man in the box and seven mintues after the break a Luis Bolaños stunner made it two. No goals in Asunción as three times Copa Libertadores champions Olimpia drew with 2007 winners Arsenal of Argentina. It's advantage Olimpia for the return match in three weeks time.

Universitario of Peru were within two minutes of claiming victory against Godoy Cruz in Mendoza. A tight game came to life in the last nine minutes when Universitario countered and Raul Ruidíaz was on the end of the move to slot home. However two minutes from time Gonzale Cabrera levelled for the home side but the away goal in the bag and the second leg played at altitude the Peruvian side will fancy their chances. After knocking out Colombian rivals Deportivo Cali last week Santa Fe stunned the Botafogo fans in the Engenhão when they grabbed an away goal and the lead with just eight minutes gone. Argentinian striker Omar Pérez with the goal that put Santa Fe in control of the tie. Botafogo, despite the usual attitude of Brazilian clubs to this competition, were fielding a pretty strong side and they finally levelled half way through the second half. Caio with the goal just four minutes after arriving from the bench.

The Round of Sixteen continues next week with two games and they line up like this

Universidad Católica v Vélez Sarsfield - LIVE on Premier Sports TV - Wednesday 2315
Aurora v Vasca da Gama

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Copa Sudamericana week 8

Aurora 5-2 Nacional Asunción
Aurora advances 4-1 on points

Nacional 0-2 Universidad de Chile (Match abandoned after 46 minutes and awarded to U de Chile)
Universidad de Chile advance 6-0 on points

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

Libertad 1-0 La Equidad
Libertad advances 6-0 on points

Emelec 1-2 Olimpia (Match abandoned after 81 minutes, result stands)
Olimpia advances 6-0 on points

Deportivo Cali 1-1 Santa Fe
2-2 on points, Santa Fe advances 6-5 on penalties

What a week. What a mess. Two games abandoned due to off-field shenanigans casts something of a pall over proceedings. First, the game between Emelec and Olimpia was abandoned with nine minutes remaining after a shower of missiles rained down on visiting goalkeeper Martin Silva. Prior to that, Richard Ortiz had put Olimpia in front, getting on the end of a lovely, flowing move that ripped the middle our of Emelec. Half way through the first half, Pablo Zabellos was found with a great through-ball and slammed it high into the roof of the net for 2-0. Emelec came back into it after the break and, after spurning a few good chances, Jose Franco slipped one between Silva's legs to reduce the deficit. Raul Caceres picked up a second yellow late on to leave Olimpia a man short before the shower of bottles - an apparent protest against coach Juan Ramon Carrasco - forced the referee's hand. The result stands as is and Olimpia progress.
A day later, the game between Nacional and Universidad de Chile didn't even make it to half-time. Universidad were already 2-0 up by that point as Eduardo Vargas and Matias Rodriguez opened up a porous defence when a till roll struck one of the assistant referees on the head. Again, the result stands and Universidad go through.
Elsewhere, Bolivians Aurora thrashed Nacional Asunción despite going behind to Rodrigo Teixeira early on. Jair Reinoso equalised and a penalty from Diomedes Peña put Aurora in front. Teixeira's second levelled it up, but Aurora kicked on and were back in front before the break through Fernando Sanjurjo and late goals from Augusto Andaveris and Jaime Cardozo wrapped up a big win.
Single-goal wins were enough for LDU Quito - Luis Bolaños for the Ecudorians against ten-man Trujillanos - and Libertad - Ignacio Canuto with the only goal - against La Equidad as they both backed up first-leg wins in some comfort.
Drama in the all-Colombian tie between Deportivo Cali and Santa Fe as they battled to a second successive 1-1 draw. Juan Roa's own goal put Deportivo in the lead, but Sergio Galvan Rey levelled it up twenty minutes from time. Hurnan Burbano was the only player to miss in the resultant shoot-out and Santa Fe go through.

Round of 16 Draw and holders Independiente make their bow in the competition

Vélez Sarsfield v Universidad Católica
Universidad de Chile v Flamengo
Vasco da Gama v Aurora
Libertad v São Paulo
Independiente v LDU Quito
Universitario v Godoy Cruz
Arsenal v Olimpia
Santa Fe v Botafogo

Next week's games (subject to change)

Universidad Católica v Vélez Sarsfield
Godoy Cruz v Universitario
Flamengo v Universidad de Chile
Aurora v Vasco da Gama
Olimpia v Arsenal

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Copa Sudamericana week 7

Second Stage First Leg

LDU Quito 4-1 Trujillanos
Universidad de Chile 1-0 Nacional
La Equidad 0-1 Libertad
Olimpia 2-1 Emelec
Santa Fe 1-1 Deportivo Cali

2009 winner LQU Quito tentatively put a foot into the Round of 16 after a comfortable victory over Trujillanos of Venezuela at the Casa Blanca. The visitors, in their first appearance at this stage, made the perfect start when Juan Fálcon put them ahead in the opening minute to give them an away goal as well. LDU Quito are old hands on the continental stage and were ahead by half time, Hernan Barcos levelled with 26 minutes and his second of the game a minute before the break put LDU in control. It looked like Trujillanos would go back only a goal behind but they conceded to Ezequiel González two minutes from time and when Barcos completed his hat-trick from the spot in injury time the second leg is a mountain to climb. Universidad de Chile will take a narrow advantage back to Montevideo after a single goal victory over Nacional. An Eduardo Vargas goal on the hour was enough for La U but they will be without Nelson Rebolledo for the second leg after he was dismissed a minute from time.

Libertad of Paraguay took the long trip north to Colombia to face La Equidad and managed to come away with a vital away victory. One goal twelve minutes from time from Robin Ramírez enough for Libertad who will now be favourites for the second leg in Asunción next week. Another Paraguayan side, Olimpia will also be on the front foot going into their second leg against Emelec of Ecuador. Vladimir Marín put Olimpia ahead with a quarter of an hour gone but Emelec got an away goal give minutes before the break when Nicolas Vigneri struck. Olimpia restored their lead eighteen minutes from time when Marín got his second of the game. The all Colombian clash in Bogotá finished honours even between Santa Fe and Deportivo Cali. The home side took the lead from the spot just short of the hour,  Deportivo Cali had German Mera sent off for the challenge to concede the spot kick and Artentinian Omar Pérez slotted home the spot kick. The visitors got what could prove to be a vital goal two minutes from time, Breiner Belalcázar levelling matters before the second leg next week

Second Stage Second Leg

Universitario 2-0 Anzoátegui
Universitario advances 6-0 on points
Deportes Iquique 0-0 Universidad Católica
Universidad Católica advances 4-1 on points

Universitario of Peru made it into the Round of 16 as got a couple of late goals to confirm their passage at the expense of Anzoátegui of venezuela. Leading from the first game, the home side suffered a blow just before the hour when Martin Morel was sent off but they took the lead fifteen minutes from time through Manuel Ruidíaz. The ten men wrapped up victory seven minutes later courtesy of Pablo Vitti to send them through to a clash with Godoy Cruz. The Premier Sports TV cameras were in the Estadio Tierra de Campeones in Iquique as Universidad Católica progressed to the Round of 16 at the expense of Deportes Iquique. The game, which finished score less and without much incident, was not the greatest advert for Chilean football with Will Downing, who commentated for Premier Sports, saying "That's two hours of my life I'll never get back."

Next week sees the second stage come to a conclusion as the final six ties are completed

Second Stage Second Leg

Aurora v Nacional Asunción
Nacional v Universidad de Chile
Trujillanos v LDU Quito
Libertad v La Equidad
Emelec v Olimpia
Deportivo Cali v Santa Fe

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Copa Sudamericana - Week 6

Second Stage First Leg

Universidad Católica 2-1 Deportes Iquique

In Santiago the all Chilean clash between Universidad Católica and Deportes Iquique went the way of the home side. Universidad Católica sprang out of the blocks and by the time Milovan Mirosevic headed them ahead seven minutes before the break they had already hit the woodwork three times. Universidad Católica doubled their lead six minutes after the break when Enzo Andía's back header found the back of the net but Deportes Iquique gave themselves a chance for next week's return when Michael Rios fired home from the edge of the box.

Second Stage Second leg

Estudiantes 1-0 Arsenal
3-3 on points, Arsenal advances on goal difference
Godoy Cruz 0-0 Lanús
2-2 on points, Godoy Cruz advances on the away goal rule
Vélez Sarsfield 4-0 Argentinos Juniors
Vélez Sarsfield advances 4-1 on points

2007 Champions Arsenal made it into the Round of Sixteen despite defeat to the 2008 winners Estudiantes. Two goals down from the first leg, it took Estudiantes over an hour to reduce the deficit, Matias Sánchez firing home after the ball fell to him unmarked in the area. Four minutes later Mariano Gonzáles of Estudiantes was sent off for a second yellow card and although Estudiantes pressed they couldn't fine the goal to take it to penalties. They did though, have a strong case for a penalty eight minutes from time when Mauro Boselli was felled in the box but it was waved away by the referee. No goals in Mendoza as Godoy Cruz made it into the last sixteen on the back of their two away goals against Lanús last week. The nearest to a goal came in the twenty eight minute when Lanús struck the crossbar but both goalkeepers were on fine form as well. The Premier Sports TV cameras were at the Estadio José Amalfitani as Vélez Sarsfield crusied into the last sixteen with a comfortable victory over Argentinos Juniors. Vélez took the lead with twenty three minutes gone when a great run from Juan Manuel Martínez set up Guillermo Franco to head home. They doubled the lead ten minutes after the break after poor passing at the back by Argentinos Juniors let in Augusto Fernandez and his shot looped into the goal. Fifteen minutes from time Martínez made it three from the penalty spot and six minutes from time Hector Canteros curled in a fourth to put the icing on the cake.

And the games come thick and fast next week

Second Stage First Leg

LDU Quito v Trujillanos
Nacional v Universidad de Chile
La Equidad v Libertad
Olimpia v Emelec
Santa Fe v Deportivo Cali

Second Stage Second Leg

Aurora v Nacional Asunción
Universitario v Anzoátegui - Live on Premier Sports TV - next Wednesday 2315
Deportes Iquique v Universidad Católica

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

Copa Sudamericana week 5

Second Stage First Leg

Nacional Asunción 1-1 Aurora
Arsenal 2-0 Estudiantes
Lanús 2-2 Godoy Cruz
Argentinos Juniors 0-0 Vélez Sarsfield
Anzoátegui 1-2 Universitario

The weeks action got underway in Asunción as Nacional entertained Aurora of Bolivia. The visitors took a shock lead with just six minutes on the clock Aquilano Villalba headed the visitors ahead. The second half started badly for the visitors when Villalba got himself sent off and half way through the second half Aurora keeper Pablo Lanz fumbled a cross and Javier González was on hand to level the tie. In Avellaneda, Arsenal put themselves into a commanding position against fellow Argentinians Estudiantes. Arsenal took the lead five minutes after the break when Leandro Benítez diverted a free kick into his own net. Cristian Trombetta doubled the Arsenal lead fifteen minutes from time when he headed home a free kick.

The Premier Sports TV viewers got the game of the week as Lanús needed a late late goal against Godoy Cruz to snatch a draw. Lanús took the lead with nineteen minutes gone when Diego González headed home from a corner but Godoy Cruz levelled seven minutes later when German Voboril's stunning 35 yard strike flew into the back of the net. Eleven minutes before the break and Godoy Cruz were ahead and it was an even more stunning 35 yarder from Álvaro Navarro the put them ahead. Lanús levelled two minutes into injury time when Juan Neira slid in at the back post to level things up in the tie. No goals at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona as an out of form Argentinos Juniors held current Clausura champions Vélez Sarsfield. Much like in Brazil it isn't a competition the Argentinian clubs take seriously and an under strength Vélez side could not break down their stubborn opponents to leave it all to play for in the return leg next week. In Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui's first appearance at this stage of the competition ended in disappointment when they went down 2-1 to Universitario of Peru. Alvaro Ampuero put Universitario ahead with half an hour gone and Johan Fano doubled the lead five minutes after the break. The Venezuelan side got themselves back in the game fifteen minutes from time when Armando Maita got them back into the game but it's an uphill task for Anzoátegui in Lima in a fortnights time.

Next week in the Copa Sudamericana

Second Stage First Leg:
Universidad Católica v Deportes Iquique

Second Stage Second Leg:
Estudiantes v Arsenal
Godoy Cruz v Lanús
Vélez Sarsfield v Argentinos Juniors

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

Copa Sudamericana week 4

First Stage Second Leg

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

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

Second Stage Second Leg

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

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

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

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

Second Stage First Leg

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

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