Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 21

Corinthians 0-1 Grêmio
Flamengo 2-2 Vitória
Atlético Goianiense 2-1 Fluminense
Palmeiras 0-0 Vasco da Gama
Botafogo 2-0 São Paulo
Atlético Mineiro 1-0 Prudente
Avaí 1-2 Cruzeiro
Guarani 1-0 Atlético Paranaense
Internacional 0-0 Goiás
Ceará 2-1 Santos

Week 21 in Série A and it was the weekend the league got turned upside down as most of the so called big sides failed against teams in the lower reaches. First to fail were Corinthians who surprisingly went down to a Grêmio side that claimed it's first away win in the league for over a year. One goal was enough to separate the sides and it came just after the half hour from Douglas. Despite having Vilson sent off 12 minutes into the second half, Grêmio hung on to dent Corinthians title charge. Flamengo twice came from behind to claim a point against Vitória with all the goals coming in the last twenty minutes of the game. José Junior put Vitoria ahead but eight minutes later Kléberson levelled for Flamengo. When Schwenck put Vitória ahead nine minutes from time you feared for Flamengo but a second from Kléberson a minute later rescued a point. Fluminense failed to take advantage of Corinthians slip up as they crashed to a late defeat at Atlético-GO. It was all going well when Washington put Fluminense ahead after 22 minutes but the lead lasted only 7 minutes before Willian levelled for Atlético-GO. With Corinthians losing Fluminense would have settled for a point, especially after Gilson was sent off for the home side 17 minutes from time but they were stunned when Juninho grabbed a dramatic winner for Atlético-GO in injury time.

The two draw specialists of the league finished level at the Pacaembu as Vasco da Gama became the second side this term to reach double figures in the draw column. Vasco are still one behind Palmeiras in the draw count but remain unbeaten in thirteen now. Botafogo closed the gap on the Top 2 after bringing a halt to the recent São Paulo revival. Midweek hero Sebastian Abreu put Botafogo ahead half way through through the second half and Edno made the points safe ten minutes from time. The win closes the gap for Botafogo at the top of the table to four points. Atlético-MG left it late as they avenged their 4-0 defeat to Prudente back in week 2. Obina got the winner for Atlético-MG three minutes time, a result which boots Atlético-MG's relegation fight but leaves Prudente wondering where their next win will come from. Cruzeiro are another team right in the title picture now after their 2-1 away win at Avaí. Roger put Cruzeiro ahead from the spot with 24 minutes on the clock but they had Marquinhos Paraná sent off eight minutes after the break. The ten men though doubled their lead through Thiago Ribeiro 18 minutes from time but when Avaí pulled a goal back through Laércio Carrerinha ten minutes from time Cruzeiro hung on to claim all three points.

Atlético-PR's 7 match unbeaten run came to an end at Guarani as the home side consolidated their position in mid table and keep them on the edge of the Libertadores equation. One goal settled the game and it came six minutes from time when Rhodolfo scored into his own goal. The victory allowed Guarani to leapfrog Atlético-PR in the table. No goals at the Beira-Rio as Internacional failed to close the gap on the leaders to leave them 9 points adrift of Fluminense. Goiás though, will see this as a point gained in their fight against the drop. Finally Santos became another side to come unstuck to a lower positioned side as Ceará picked up their first win in six games. Magno Alves put Ceará ahead after half an hour but on loan Keirrison picked up his first goal for Santos since arriving on loan from Barcelona. Ceará through grabbed a winner 21 minutes from time when Magno Alves grabbed his second of the game to leave Santos in a similar hole as Internacional.

Midweek round again, you bet your bottom dollar as they line up for week 22 like this. The gameof the round sees the top two in the table clash at the Maracanã.

Santos x Atlético Goianiense
Cruzeiro x Guarani
Grêmio x Palmeiras
Goiás x Botafogo
Atlético Paranaense x Atlético Mineiro
Fluminense x Corinthians
Prudente x Flamengo
Vitória x Ceará
São Paulo x Internacional
Vasco da Gama x Avaí

Copa Sudamericana Week 6

Second Stage 1st Leg

Guaraní 1-1 Unión San Felipe
Atlético Huila 1-1 San José
Universitario 1-0 Cerro Porteño

In the opening game of the week in Asunción, an injury time penalty by Angel Aildozo gave Unión San Felipe of Chile a hard earned 1-1 draw with Guaraní and an away goal to boot. It looked like the home side were going to take a slender advantage into the second leg after Angel Ortiz had give Guaraní the lead ten minutes after the break until the late drama unfolded. Atlético Huila of Colombia fought back against San José of Bolivia to claim a draw ahead of the second leg. San José took the lead when Regis de Souza converted from the penalty spot after 27 minutes. It took another spot kick to level the game, that coming from Gonzalo Martínez on the hour. The final game of the week finally saw a positive result as Universitario of Bolivia gained a first leg lead over last season's beaten semi-finalists Cerro Porteño of Paraguay. One goal separated the teams and it came seven minutes from time from Roberto Galindo and it was enough to give Universitario the advantage for the second leg in a fortnights time.

Second Stage 2nd leg

Argentinos Juniors 1-1 Independiente
Independiente advances 4-1 on points

Two clubs in the lower reaches of the Primera División Apertura in Argentina met at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona with Argentinos Juniors looking to overturn a single goal deficit from the first leg. Both teams are winless in the league but it was Argentinos Juniors who took the lead when Nestor Ortigoza converted to level the tie on aggregate. Independiente though grabbed a vital goal half way through the second half when Leandro Gracián levelled on the night to put Independiente in the box seat. It left Argentinos Juniors needing to score twice, a feat they couldn't achieve as Independiente qualified to meet the winner of Sport Huancayo and Defensor Sporting in the Round of 16.

More action coming up next week.

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 20

Fluminense 3-1 Ceará
Cruzeiro 1-0 Internacional
Grêmio 2-0 Atlético Goianiense
Goiás 3-1 Guarani
São Paulo 2-0 Flamengo
Vitória 1-1 Palmeiras
Atlético Paranaense 1-1 Corinthians
Santos 0-1 Botafogo
Vasco da Gama 1-1 Atlético Mineiro
Prudente 1-1 Avaí

With Corinthians being held at the Arena da Baixada, more of that later, Fluminesne extended their lead at the top of the table back to three points after avenging their opening day defeat to Ceará. The game was as good as done after half an hour, Mariano opened the scoring with six minutes in the clock and two in the space of eight minutes from Washington put Fluminense firmly in control. The Tricolor went into cruise control to collect the three points but Geraldo picked up a consolation for Ceará two minutes from time. Cruzeiro made it a league double over Internacional after a single goal was enough to see off the Libertadores winners at the Mineirão. The goal came with just 14 minutes on the clock from Everton and the win sees Cruzeiro leapfrog Inter in the league table. Atlético-GO came crashing back to earth as they were defeated 2-0 at a fast improving Grêmio side who are now unbeated in four. Dougles put Grêmio ahead in the 7th minute to settle the nerves and Borges sealed the points with the second 8 minutes from time. Goiás picked up their first league win since the World Cup break and snapped a run of four losses in the spin after their 3-1 success over Guarani. Felipe put Goiás ahead with 19 minutes on the clock and Rafael Moura doubled the lead from the spot three minutes before the break. Felipe made it three from the spot half way through the second half but Guarani got a consolation from Mário Lúcio a eight minutes from time.

This fixture was the highlight of the opening weekend of the season, but it's turned into nothing more than a mid table clash at the moment as Flamengo slumped to the edge of the relegation zone after defeat to São Paulo. Marlos put São Paulo ahead with just eight minutes on the clock and after Fla's Diogo saw red five minutes before half time Fernandão put the nail in the coffin the the second a minute later. It's 5 unbeaten for São Paulo whilst Flamengo haven't won in 6. We mentioned in the preview that Vitória and Palmeiras had draw written all over it and we hope you've cashed in at the bookies after it finished all square. Elkeson put Vitória ahead with just nine minutes on the clock but the Big Green levelled 18 minutes from time thanks to Tadeu to take them into double figures into the draw column for the season. As mentioned at the top of the article, Corinthians slipped behind in the title race when they dropped two points at Atlético-PR. Corinthians took the lead ten minutes before the break when Ronaldo put them ahead from the spot in only his third appearance of the season. Atlético-PR got back in the game half way through the second half when Bruno Mineiro levelled from the spot and that's the way it finished.

After their six goal thriller in week one, the rematch between the Paulista and Carioca champions didn't quite live up to the previous encounter. The game was heading for deadlock until up popped El Loco Abreu in the final minute of the match to claim his first goal since his return from the World Cup to lift Botafogo above Santos in the table. Atlético-MG ruined Vasco da Gama's return to the big time on the opening day of the season, but since the World Cup break Vasco are unbeaten and they kept their run going despite letting a lead slip late on. Éder Luís put Vasco ahead eight minutes before the break but Atlético-MG claimed what could be a valuable point for them in the long run when Ricardinho levelled from the spot five minutes from time. Avaí took Prudente to the cleaners in week one but there was to be no repeat at the Prudentão as it was honours even in a game that finished ten a-side. Avaí took a first half lead through a Rudnei header and when Prudente's Fabiano Gadelha was sent off with twenty minutes to go you'd have thought the points were heading back to Florianópolis. But the ten men of Prudente levelled through Rafael Martins five minutes before time before Bruno Silva of Avaí saw red two minutes later to complete the action.


Week 21 takes place this weekend and they line up like this

Corinthians x Grêmio
Flamengo x Vitória
Atlético Goianiense x Fluminense
Palmeiras x Vasco da Gama
Botafogo x São Paulo
Atlético Mineiro x Prudente
Avaí x Cruzeiro
Guarani x Atlético Paranaense
Internacional x Goiás
Ceará x Santos

LDU take Recopa honours

Estudiantes 0-0 LDU Quito
LDU Quito wins 4-1 on points

Ecuador's LDU Quito retained the Recopa Sudamericana on Wednesday when they held Estudiantes of Argentina to a 0-0 draw in the second leg to record a 4-1 victory on points. Estudiantes who qualified as the winners of the 2009 Libertadores whilst LDU Quito made it after victory over Fluminense in the Copa Sudamericana.

It is LDU's fourth continental trophy in two years after they won the Libertadores Cup in 2008, the Recopa against Internacional last year plus the previous mentioned Sudamericana success. The match held in Quilmes, due to the unavailability of Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, was one-sided but Estudiantes were unable to find a way through the stubborn LDU Quito rearguard. Ultimately it was the double strike from Hernan Barcos a fortnight ago which saw LDU claim the title.

Arsenal aiming high

Godoy Cruz 1-2 Estudiantes
Racing Club 1-2 Colón
All Boys 1-0 Olimpo
Boca Juniors 1-2 San Lorenzo
Arsenal 1-0 Argentinos Juniors
Newell's Old Boys 1-1 Independiente
Quilmes 1-2 Huracán
Gimnasia La Plata 0-2 Lanús
Banfield 1-1 Tigre
Vélez Sarsfield 2-1 River Plate

Arsenal de Sarandi have emerged as front-runners after previous leaders River Plate went down to their first loss of the season. They beat champions - already looking like outgoing champions - Argentinos Juniors this week by a single goal from Mauro Obolo. It was route one, a long free-kick which Obolo flicked on and got the return pass for a tap-in. Vélez are dead level with Arsenal after beating River despite ending with ten men. It's to be remembered that the relegation system is a three-year average and River are going to have to finish top three at least to avoid the drop. Any loss is going to hurt and the fans are acutely aware of the predicament. Juan Martinez had Vélez in front just after half an hour as the River defence failed to step up in union and left him through on goal, but Diego Buonanotte equalised just before half time with a thunderous low drive. Santiago Silva was tripped when clear in on goal which gave Vélez a penalty 13 minutes after the break and he dusted himself to score the spot kick. That's his fourth of the season and he leads the way in the goal scoring stakes. A second booking twenty from time for Leandro Somosa blotted the copybook, but Vélez held out in relative comfort.

Back from Recopa duties, Estudiantes picked up where they left off with a win over Godoy Cruz who led early on through Diego Villar who converted a corner at the back stick. It was all square on twenty minutes, a Juan Veron free-kick prodded through his own net by Francisco Duarti. And that's how it looked like staying, but five minutes from time, Godoy were down a man when Carlos Sanchez picked up a second booking. With a minute of stoppage time remaining, Estudiantes broke and Leandro Gonzalez diverted a cross into the net for a late winner. San Lorenzo are in third after beating Boca who are in trouble. And they were on the back foot from late in the first half. The score was still 0-0 when Gary Medel was sent off for a second caution. On resumption, San Lorenzo went on the offensive and a deep free kick was turned back into the box and Sebastian Balsas rose highest to thump a header into the net. Balsas turned provider for the second which came a couple of minutes from the end, his square ball curled past the keeper by Juan Menseguez. Martin Palermo did pull one back deep into stoppage time, a walk-in after the keeper fumbled, but it was too little and far, far too late.

Of the promoted clubs, Quilmes are by far the worst. They're bottom after slumping to another loss, this time despite being ahead inside a minute against Huracán, Santiago Hursig getting a faint header on a long range free-kick to divert it home. The lead lasted until the last minute of the first half when a free-kick from down by the corner flag was headed in by Carlos Quintana. Luciano Nieto sealed the win midway through the second half, a rocket from fully 25 yards. The other two went head-to-head and it was All Boys who emerged with the points against Olimpo. Just the one goal in it and that was pretty route one. A long clearance was flicked on into the path of Matias Perez-Garcia who showed great presence of mind to chip the keeper. Great finish.

Ten-man Banfield scraped a draw with Tigre. Goalless after an hour, Ruben Ramirez picked up a second booking and was dismissed. With seven minutes left, Ramiro Leone profited from a goalkeeping howler to put Tigre ahead, but Banfield got a late equaliser when Sebastian Romero headed in from point blank range following a corner. Gimnasia are struggling after defeat to Lanús who remain on the heels of the leaders. Two second half goals did it, the first from Mario Regueiro finishing off a lovely counter-attacking move and the second from Silvio Romero from six yards out after some real nice inter-passing and movement which had Gimnasia chasing shadows. Racing went down to Colón after an action-packed first 45. Esteban Fuertes had Colón in front after five minutes, played in by a Racing defender, but it was level on the half hour as Claudio Bieler latched on to a parried save to tap in. The winner came five minutes from the break, Joaquin Larrivey in oceans of space wide on the right and finding the finish to send Colón's fans back to Santa Fe happy. A draw helps neither Newell's or Independiente, but that's what they got. Independiente led midway through the first half, Nestor Silvera on the end of a fast break from midfield to finish from an angle. Mauro Fórmica equalised quarter of an hour from time, finishing a move of some quality down the right hand side.

Next week, Arsenal go to the Monumentál to face River in a top-of-the-table clash. Estudiantes are at home to Racing and it's second v third when Vélez go to San Lorenzo.

Tigre v Gimnasia La Plata
Colón v All Boys
Estudiantes v Racing Club
San Lorenzo v Vélez Sarsfield
Lanús v Godoy Cruz
Huracán v Banfield
Argentinos Juniors v Newell's Old Boys
River Plate v Arsenal
Independiente v Quilmes
Olimpo v Boca Juniors

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 20 Preview

Fluminense x Ceará
Cruzeiro x Internacional
Grêmio x Atlético Goianiense
Goiás x Guarani
São Paulo x Flamengo
Vitória x Palmeiras
Atlético Paranaense x Corinthians
Santos x Botafogo
Vasco da Gama x Atlético Mineiro
Prudente x Avaí

So, we get underway for the second half of the season with Fluminense in pole position, although with a game in hand Corinthians are only a point behind. And it's Fluminense who get the week underway on Wednesday night when the entertain a Ceará side that is slowly slipping down the table after a great start and without a win in four. Flu need to be on their guard if they aren't to suffer a repeat of their loss from Week 1. Inter had other things on their mind when they went down to Cruzeiro in week 1 but since their Libertadores win Inter are also racking up the points in the league. Both sides are next to each other in the form table and home advantage might just swing things in the favour of a Cruzeiro side boosted by that great come from behind victory at weekend. Grêmio and Atlético-GO finished goalless in their meeting on the opening day, Grêmio's away day blues are well documented but their home form hasn't been too clever this year and with Atlético-GO's great win at the weekend will give them the belief they can take all three points away from the Fortress.

Goiás are rock bottom and if things don't get better much sooner they are only heading in one direction, Série B. Goiás are rock bottom of the league and lost their last six games on the spin so Guarani will fancy their chances of repeating their 1-0 victory in Week 1 as the consolidate in mid table. The big clash is between long time rivals São Paulo and Flamengo at the Morumbi. Flamengo have been woeful this season, mind you São Paulo haven't been much better but at least they are climbing the table as they look to claim a place in the Libertadores at minimum. They teams drew 1-1 in the opening week but the smart money this time will be on São Paulo. Vitória got a right beating at weekend by Atlético-GO and you wonder what that has done for the confidence as they welcome draw specialists Palmeiras. Vitória were in the middle of Copa do Brasil action when they lost 1-0 on the opening weekend of the season and given their records since that game the smart money would be on the draw. Atlético-PR are joint top of the form table at the moment and they visit of title chasing Corinthians is the test they need if they are to prove their credentials. Corinthians can sense a weakness in Fluminense now and if they repeat their opening Week victory and results go their way they could be back on top of the pile by weekend.

The state champions of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro meet at the Vila Belmiro as Santos in third meet Botafogo in fifth. There probably isn't a bigger clash than this at the moment as both teams have 31 points in the table and if it's half the game the 3-3 draw was back at the Engenhão in May there is guaranteed entertainment. The contrast in the seasons for Atlético-MG and Vasco da Gama is alarming, after Atlético-MG's opening week win over Vasco you'd have though it was business as usual for the Belo Horizonte club but they've leaked and leaked goals. For Vasco, they bring the longest unbeaten run in the league into this game, it now stands at 11 games since a pre-World Cup 4-0 defeat at Santos. With better form before the break they'd be in the running for a Libertadores spot at minimum. Prudente entertain Avaí and revenge must be the order of the day after their 6-1 humping in Florianópolis on the opening weekend. Prudente are without a win in four but Avaí haven't won since their success over Corinthians five rounds ago and they've picked up a single point in that time. Avaí need to regain some of that early season confidence but Prudente are now in a desperate battle against relegation and need the points to get themselves back on track as soon as possible.

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 19

Botafogo 2-2 Grêmio
Ceará 0-2 Vasco da Gama
Corinthians 5-1 Goiás
Avaí 0-1 Atlético Paranaense
Palmeiras 2-3 Cruzeiro
Guarani 2-1 Fluminense
Flamengo 0-0 Santos
Atlético Mineiro 2-3 São Paulo
Atlético Goianiense 4-1 Vitória
Internacional 2-0 Prudente

Botafogo have started to stumble as of late, their 5 game winning streak snapped by Internacional and despite victory in midweek throwing a two goal lead at home away against the travel sick Grêmio wasn't part or the script. Botafogo were two up inside twenty minutes, Antônio Carlos with the first on the quarter hour and German Herrera's sixth of the season doubled the lead. Grêmio though, fought back in the second half and a seventh of the season for Jonas halved the deficit and his eighth of the season five minutes from time stunned the Engenhão and gave Grêmio a valuable point away from home. Ceará's slide down the table continued as they were defeated 2-0 at home by an upwardly mobile Vasco da Gama, who still remain unbeaten since the World Cup break. Zé Roberto put Vasco ahead with seven minutes on the clock and Fellips Bastos made the game safe ten minutes from time give Vasco the win after three straight draws. In the final Saturday game, Corinthians heaped the pressure on Fluminense at the top of the table after a come from behind victory over bottom of the table Goiás. Going behind to a seventh minute Júnior goal wasn't in the script for Corinthians but they went in level at the break through Bruno César's 9th goal of the season after Amaral of Goiás had been sent off. The second half was all Corinthians, Iarley put them ahead ten minutes into the second half and Jorge Henrique doubled the lead five minutes later. Iarley then got a second from the spot before Boquita wrapped up what turned out to be a comfortable evenings work seven minutes from time.

Atlético-PR made it 13 out of a possible 15 points after a late late show gave them victory over Avaí. The game was heading for a goalless draw when Maikon Leite struck four minutes into injury time, this coming after Atlético-PR were reduced to 10 after Leandro was sent off six minutes from time. Palmeiras will be kicking themselves after letting a two goal lead slip at home to Cruzeiro. It was all going so well at half time for the Big Green after Kléber put them ahead after 35 minutes and Maurício Ramos doubled the advantage three minutes later. Roger reduced the deficit on the hour and Walter Montillo levelled things four minutes later. The game was heading for a draw but 5 minutes from time Cruzeiro won it when Ernesto Farias struck to stun the home fans. Fluminense crashed to their first defeat since Week 3 when they crashed at Guarani. It was all going well for the league leaders when Emerson put them ahead with 12 minutes on the clock but the teams went into the break level when Baiano levelled ten minutes before the break. Guarani then stunned Fluminense when Fabão gave them the lead 15 minutes before time and the Tricolor had no response and saw their lead at the top of the table cut to a point. Flamengo managed to stop a two game losing streak when they drew 0-0 with Santos at the Maracanã. An uninspiring game of few chances, the result saw the end of a three game winning run for Santos.

São Paulo continued to get their season back into some shape as they went four unbeaten with a come from behind success at Atlético-MG. São Paulo took the lead with ten minutes on the clock through Casimiro but they went into the break behind after Obina twice converted from the spot. Marcelinho levelled matters for São Paulo ten minutes after the break and Fernandão got the winner five minutes later. Atlético-GO gained some revenge for their Copa do Brasil semi final exit at the hands of Vitória as they registered a 4-1 victory. Elias put Atlético-GO ahead just before the break and Juninho doubled the lead 11 minutes after the break. Elkeson pulled a goal back for Vitória with 18 minutes to go but a ninth of the season from the spot for Elias, to put him top of the goal scoring charts, and a second for Juninho three minutes from time gave Atlético-GO their fourth win of the season. Finally Internacional kept themselves in the title hunt with a 2-0 success over a Prudente side which is really in the relegation mix now. Both goals came in the second half, Rafael Sobis out Inter ahead six minutes after the break and Leandro Damião wrapped up the points sixteen minutes from time.

So, we've reached the half way point of the 2010 Série A season and there's not too long to wait for the second half to start as we've yet another midweek round to keep the players, coaches and fans (and me) busy. They line up like this

Fluminense x Ceará
Cruzeiro x Internacional
Grêmio x Atlético Goianiense
Goiás x Guarani
São Paulo x Flamengo
Vitória x Palmeiras
Atlético Paranaense x Corinthians
Santos x Botafogo
Vasco da Gama x Atlético Mineiro
Prudente x Avaí

Copa Sudamericana Week 5

1st Stage 2nd Leg

Olimpia 1-1 Defensor Sporting
Defensor Sporting advances 4-1 on points
Trujillanos 1-1 Atlético Huila
Atlético Huila advances 4-1 on points
River Plate Montevideo 4-2 Guaraní
3-3 on points, Guaraní advances on away goals
Oriente Petrolero 1-0 Universidad de Chile
Oriente Petrolero advances 4-1 on points

The First Stage finally came to an end this week with the final four remaining second leg ties. With a month between the two legs Defensor Sporting of Uruguay qualified for the second stage. With a two goal lead from the first leg Defensor guaranteed their place in the second stage when they took the lead through Rodrigo Mora five minutes after the break. Olimpia got themselves an equaliser four minutes from time from Juan Ferreyra but it was too little too late and now Defensor will meet Sport Huancayo in the second stage. With a three goal deficit to claw back Trujillanos got off to a great start when they took the lead after some comedy goalkeeping thanks to Ruben García with just three minutes on the clock but Atlético levelled five minutes later through Oscar Rueda as they cruised through to the second stage and a meeting with San José.

In an entertaining game in Montevideo, Guaraní made it through to the second stage despite defeat to River Plate. With a two goal lead from the first leg Guaraní took the lead with just 9 minutes on the clock through Rodrigo Teixeira to give them an away goal and a three goal aggregate cushion. Jonathan Ramírez gave levelled on the night for River but when Joel Benítez put Guaraní ahead again on the night just before the break that seemed to be it. But River came storming back in the latter part of the second half, Jorge Zambrana levelled on the night and when Fernando Correa put River ahead on the night with sixteen minutes to go you could sense something in the air. Correa then levelled the tie on aggregate with four minutes to go River were suddenly a goal away from qualification but Guaraní held on to advance to a clash with Unión San Felipe. Universidad de Chile have managed to get themselves knocked out of both CONMEBOL club competitions in the same month after they fell to defeat to Oriente Petrolero of Bolivia. After letting a two goal first leg lead in the first leg it was all to play for and Oriente Petrolero got off to a great start when they took the lead through Danilo Peinado with just ten minutes on the clock. It turned out to be the only goal of the game as the sheer number of games caught up with "La U" in the Bolivian altitude as they couldn't find the leveller. Oriente Petrolero will now take on Deportes Tolima in the 2nd Stage.

2nd Stage 1st Leg

Vélez Sársfield 0-1 Banfield
Barcelona 0-1 Peñarol

Vélez against Banfield is possibly the tie of the the second stage and it the Clausura champions Banfield who will take a single goal lead into the second leg. The bonus as well is it's an away goal for Banfield and it came on the half hour through Cristian García. The second leg for this one takes place in a fortnights time. A week after being in the Santiago Bernabéu for a friendly with Real Madrid Peñarol faced Barcelona a week later. The only problem was this Barcelona isn't 618km away but in Guayaquil, Ecuador. A game which finished ten a-side was won by a single Peñarol goal on the hour courtesy of an own goal by Barcelona's Juan Perlaza. Barcelona has Luis Garces sent off with eight minutes to go but he was followed by Peñarol's by Fabian Estoyanoff three minutes later, both will miss the return in Uruguay in two weeks time.

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 18

Vitória 0-0 Intenacional
Grêmio 1-0 Guarani
Prudente 0-1 Botafogo
Goiás 1-3 Atlético Mineiro
Cruzeiro 1-0 Flamengo
Atlético Paranaense 2-1 Ceará
Fluminense 1-1 Palmeiras
Santos 2-1 Avaí
São Paulo 2-1 Atlético Goianiense

No goals at the Estádio Barradão as cup finalists Vitória held Libertadores winner Internacional, it was a game of few chances as even our regular highlights provider has nothing available for this one. The point means Inter have gone 4 games without defeat and stay on the edge of the title race while Vitória edge away from relegation trouble. Grêmio hauled themselves out of the relegation zone as they recorded their first win in four with success against Guarani. One goal separated the sides and it came with 24 minutes on the clock from Jonas, his sixth of the season. The win gives Grêmio a two point cushion. Botafogo got back on the horse after their defeat at the weekend with success against Prudente at the Prudentão. Again one goal was enough to win the game and it came twenty mintues from time from Maicosuel. The defeat pushed Prudente into the relegation zone and keeps Botafogo on the edge of a potential title push.

The big clash was the bottom of the table clash at the Serra Dourada where Goiás and Atlético-MG, both in the bottom four met. It was the home side who got off to the perfect start when Bernardo put them ahead from the spot with only six minutes on the clock but Atlético-MG were level at the break when Obina levelled, also from the spot. The visitors took control in the second half, Diego Souza put Atlético-MG ahead 17 minutes from time and a second penalty from Obina ten minutes from time made the game safe. Managerless Flamengo's season is fast becoming one to forget as they crashed to defeat the Mineirão against Cruzeiro. It's back to back defeats now for the Rubro-Negro as they fell to a Robert goal with nine minutes on the clock. Flamengo finished with ten men after Jean was sent off and the victory for Cruzeiro keeps them in the hunt for a Libertadores spot. Atlético-PR made it four games without defeat as the climbed into the top half of the table with victory over a Ceará team that is steadily dropping down the table. Branquinho put Atlético-PR ahead on the hour and Chico doubled the lead ten minutes later. Ceará made the game interesting when Magno Alves pulled a goal back with two minutes to go but they couldn't rescue a point.

Fluminense missed the opportunity to go six points clear at the top of the table when they were held by a late late show at the Maracanã by Palmeiras. It was all going well for the Tricolor when Emerson put them ahead after fourteen minutes. It looked like Fluminense were going to pick up their 12th win of the season but Leandro Euzébio saw red and then Ewerthon's last gasp equaliser snatched a point for the Big Green. Santos remain third after victory over Avaí as they gained some revenge for their Sudamericana exit. Santos were ahead in less than a minute when Neymar found the target but they had to wait until 7 minutes from time before Marcel made it two. Avaí pulled a goal back three minures from time through Váiber but they couldn't snatch a point. We back São Paulo in the preview to get their season back on track against Atlético-GO and after a winless August in the league they started September with a 2-1 win. Xandão put São Paulo ahead half way through the first half but Atlético-GO levelled five minutes after the break. Dagoberto got the winner for São Paulo with 68 minutes on the clock to give them that desperately needed victory.

Half way through the season now as we reach week 19 and they line up like this

Botafogo x Grêmio
Ceara x Vasco da Gama
Corinthians x Goiás
Avaí x Atlético Paranaense
Palmeiras x Cruzeiro
Guarani x Fluminense
Flamengo x Santos
Atlético Mineiro x São Paulo
Atlético Goianiense x Vitória
Internacional x Prudente

Boca off the mark

Huracán 1-1 Newell's Old Boys
Lanús 0-0 Banfield
Tigre 3-0 Quilmes
Colón 1-3 Godoy Cruz
San Lorenzo 3-1 All Boys
Independiente 1-2 Arsenal
Argentinos Juniors 0-0 River Plate
Boca Juniors 2-1 Vélez Sarsfield
Olimpo 1-0 Racing Club

The season of contrasting fortunes for the big hitters in Argentine football continues. While a goalless draw with champions Argentinos was enough for River Plate to go top of the table - partly due to the inaction of Estudiantes thanks to Recopa Sudamericana duties - Boca were celebrating their first win of the season. The result also helped River go top, an irony presumably not lost on the Bombonera faithful. Sebastian Battaglia got the first ten minutes from half time, a nice header from a free-kick as he was falling away, but still managing to get enough purchase on it. Lucas Viatri doubled the advantage just after the hour, again from a free-kick which Vélez failed to deal with. All Vélez could manage was Santiago Silva's now customary goal, a powerful header with five minutes to go.

Banfield were held to a 0-0 draw by Lanús and that's allowed Arsenal to sneak up from nowhere to land in second place after four rounds following their third straight win. Independiente were the victims this time, but only after a goalless first half. On the hour, a cross was stood up to the back post for Sergio Sena to climb over the defence to head in from close range. The second was all about Gonzalo Choy who weaved his way to the byeline and fired in from a seemingly impossible angle. Think Maicon at the World Cup, but narrower. Leonel Galeano pulled one back for Independiente in the last minute, but it was too little and too late. Godoy Cruz make strides after an indifferent start to the campaign, moving up to fourth after a bad tempered win over Colón who were in front after half an hour through Damian Diaz who sprinted right through the heart of the defence and finished in style. However, they'd be down to nine men a couple of minutes into the second period as first Cristian Ledesma and then Mauro Bellone picked up second bookings and went for the early bath. Jorge Curbelo did his best to even things up, his second caution leaving Godoy with ten, but with the numerical advantage, three goals in six minutes swung the game. A deep cross found Jairo Castillo who climbed highest to head in the equaliser. A routine cross wasn't dealt with by Colón a couple of minutes later which allowed David Ramirez to poach one and Rodrigo Salinas sealed it with a lovely, curling effort from the edge of the box another five minutes later.

Quilmes are struggling and were easily brushed aside by Tigre. Mariano Echeverria had Tigre in front inside ten minutes, but the game wasn't really settled until ten from the end when Diego Morales's weaving run and finish doubled the lead and Denis Stracqualursi added a third moments later, a fierce drive from a tight-ish angle. All Boys couldn't build on last week's win and finished with nine players as they went down to San Lorenzo. They were already behind when the first one went, Juan Menseguéz with a nice angled finish moments before Fernando Sanchez saw yellow for the second time and was dismissed. Guillermo Pereyra headed in under no pressure moments later, but Mauro Matos pulled one back for All Boys from the penalty spot a couple of minutes after that. Any thoughts of a comeback were undone ten from time when Carlos Soto picked up his second yellow to become the second sending off and Cristian Tula wrapped it up with another free header. Racing also finished with nine as they lost to Olimpo. Just the one goal and that coming when it was eleven v eleven, some slipshod marking allowing Nestor Bareiro to score from 12 yards out. Racing's attempts to get back in the game were scuppered by Matias Cahias's second yellow and, in the last minute, a straight red for Patricio Toranzo. Newell's were held by Huracán who were ahead on 20 minutes through Rolando Zarate as the offside trap was sprung wide open. Mauricio Sperdutti equalised five minutes after the break, a cross pinballing around the box off defenders before it fell to Sperdutti's feet and he needed no second invitation to finish from six yards.

Still no Estudiantes this weekend coming as they prepare for their return leg against LDU Quito in the Recopa Sudamericana (Estudiantes trail 2-1 after the first leg). Top game sees River Plate away to Vélez Sarsfield, 1st v 3rd. Arsenal's surge up the table continues with a home game against struggling Argentinos and Boca have it all on to make it two wins in a row - they welcome San Lorenzo to the Bombonera. Bottom side Independiente take on a Newell's side entrenched in mid-table.

Racing Club v Colón
All Boys v Olimpo
Boca Juniors v San Lorenzo
Arsenal v Argentinos Juniors
Newell's Old Boys v Independiente
Quilmes v Huracán
Gimnasia La Plata v Lanús
Banfield v Tigre
Vélez Sarsfield v River Plate