Libertadores effect freezes State League Finalists

By: Bruno Romani | April 29th, 2007

Renato imitates a vulture

The four clubs qualified to the knock-out stage of the Copa Libertadores and runners-up in their states did not win this Sunday.

Santos, the best campaign in the first part of the Paulista Championship, lost against the blue surprise, São Caetano, by 2-0. The team headed by Wanderley Luxemburgo has not scored yet since the knock-out stages started, and sees the second paulista title in a row further way. Luiz Henquique (8’) and Somália (36”) from the penalty spot scored. Fábio Costa, the polemic keeper, was criticized in the play that resulted in penalty kick. Next Sunday, Santos has to win by a two goal difference, and before that the team flies to Venezuela to face Caracas for the Copa Libertadores.

In Rio, Botafogo and Flamengo played thrilling match, finished with a 2-2 draw. The result leaves everything up in the air for next Sunday, and for Flamengo the draw tasted like a victory. Botafogo started the game with a 2-0 lead, goals by Dodô and Lúcio Flávio. Flamengo tied only with 33 minutes into the second-half with a goal by Sousa. Before him, Renato had scored (17’). Flamengo playes Wednesday against Defensor from Uruguay for the Copa Libertadores.

In Caxias do Sul, Grêmio played against Juventude before facing São Paulo on Wednesday. The match ended with a 3-3 draw, and Grêmio only tied the game in the stoppage time through Tuta. Before him, Carlos Eduardo (Grêmio - 2’), Wesley (Juventude – 32’), Carlos Eduardo (Grêmio – 33’), Cristiano (Juventude - 6”) and Da Silva (Juventude – 35”) had scored.

Finally, Paraná took on Paranavaí for the finals of theCampeonato Paranense and lost. The club headed by ex-keeper Zetti watched Tales score from a free-kick the only goal of the match in the 22th mark into the second half. Next Sunday, Paraná must win by a 2 goal difference to win the tile in the regular time. A one goal victory leads the final into the extra-time and to eventual penalty-kicks. Paraná will face Liberdad from Paraguay in Curitiba this Wednesday for the Copa Libertadores.