Adriano Plays His Best Match in Brazil and Carries SP in the Copa Libertadores

By: Bruno Romani | May 15th, 2008

Whenever Brazilian clubs clash in Copa Libertadores, it seems that time stops to watch them. The fans of São Paulo and Fluminense were paralyzed with the match that took place at Morumbi last night. The home team is more experienced in the continental tournament, having 13 appearances against 3 from Flu. But the club from Rio is in a better moment. So, more than a clash between paulistas and cariocas ( a rivalry itself), the match was a battle between physical football against a technical one.

The 1-0 victory by the locals is the result of a player who is incredibly strong with moments of great skills. Adriano was the name of the night. He attacked a lot, from long-range to headers. He ran a lot, turning the night of Fluminense into hell. And he had moments of midfielder, finding teammates with great passes. This is how the only goal of the match started. Adriano found Dagoberto. The forward fired it. Fernando Henrique sent the rebound to the right foot of the emperor. Fluminense was glad that the first-hald ended only 1-0. Adriano was playing his best match at São Paulo.

Adriano - Copa Libertadores

In the second-half, Renato gaucho sent to the pitch Conca, and Fluminense started to play better. The club from Rio started to have more ball possession, but São Paulo’s defense was in a great night as well. The Emperor, on the other hand, received every ball from his teammates. It was a clear demonstration of what a world class player is, growing in important moments. Too bad, for him, his teammates seemed tired of the fast pace played from the first minute. Dagoberto still had one more chance increasing the advantage for the locals, but missed it.

The 1-0 seemed to satisfy both clubs. One is happy for not allowing a goal at home. The other one happy for losing only by one goal difference. And both of them showed a lot of confidence for next week’s second leg. It is all open. The only thing for sure is that there will be a Brazilian in the semi-finals.

highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8lKuBK2bpU