Just Two Brazilian Survivors in the Libertadores

By: Bruno Romani | May 11th, 2007

Ok. So now this blog has really embraced its South American heritage and works with less efficiency, more laziness and huge bureaucracy. Watch out. The next step is to start harassing your female partners and ask for money for the sake of “our” friendship.The Copa Libertadores defined its quarterfinalists and just two Brazilian clubs survived. This makes a third Brazilian final impossible, given that in a clear effort to avoid another Brazilian party in the tournament, Conmebol established a new rule saying that clubs from the same country must play the semifinals no matter the bracket they’re in.

The clubs in the semifinal are super-favorites Santos and Grêmio. The first had a hard-time at home against the Venezuelan surprise, Caracas. The peixe came back from a 2-0 advantage by the visitors, with a 3-2 victory. Now, Santos will play against América from Mexico in what promises to be two great matches.

Grêmio played with the heart and help of its fans to overcome the once favorites São Paulo. Tcheco scored in the first-half and Diego Souza ensured the gaucho club the advantage they need to advance to the quarter-finals. São Paulo finished its mediocre campaign in the worst participation since its 1987 appearance. Grêmio will face Defensor from Uruguay to get closer to the title they last won in 1995 under Luis Felipe Scolari’s command.

Flamengo had a bittersweet victory against Defensor at the Maracanã. The club needed a 4 goal difference to advance. It won by 2-0.

Paraná visited Defensor in Paraguay and needed to win after losing 2-1 at home. The club was able to pull out just a draw is out in their first appearance in the tournament. Santos, Grêmio, São Paulo, Flamengo, Paraná, Copa Libertadores