By: Gustavo Castilho
The Tricolor paulista fell in the group stage of the competition for the first time in history. On the other hand, the alviverde and rubro-negro were classified with a round in advance
It was a quick payback for Flamengo, who returned the score (5×0) suffered two weeks ago, in Quito, Ecuadorian capital. The 4-0 win yesterday against Independiente Del Valle (ECU), confirmed the rubro-negro team in the next Libertadores phase, with goals from Lincoln, Pedro and Bruno Henrique (scoring twice). Now the Rio de Janeiro team plays for a draw in the last round to finish first in his group. In the other game, Barcelona de Guayaquil (ECU) defeated Júnior Barranquilla (COL) by 2×0. In the last round, the Colombian team will face Flamengo, at Maracanã, and besides needing to win, they also need to count on a stumble from Del Valle against the already eliminated Barcelona. Flamengo is the leader with twelve points (classified), Independiente Del Vale has nine points, Júnior Barranquilla struggles with six points and Barcelona de Guayaquil trails with three points.
Another Brazilian who advanced was Palmeiras. Using home field advantage, the team from São Paulo had no difficulties and trashed Bolívar (BOL) (5×0). Willian, Wesley, Matias Viña, Raphael Veiga and Ron, filled the back of the net. Alviverde remains undefeated in the competition. The victory not only made the team advance one round in advance, but also secured their lead in the group. Tigres (ARG) and Guaraní (PAR) face each other today in Argentina. A draw is enough for the Paraguayan team to qualify in advance. Tigers, on the other hand, still have mathematical chances, despite the trail in the group. Palmeiras has thirteen points (classified with guaranteed first place), Guarany seven points, Bolívar four points and Tigres with only one point.
Joy in one part of the São Paulo town and sadness in the other side. A defeat to River Plate (ARG), by 2×1, made the São Paulo tricolor bid farewell to the Copa Libertadores even before the last round. The mission was not simple, but there was still hope. Julián Álvarez scored twice and Diego strike back for São Paulo. With the early elimination, the team will now fight for a place in the South American cup, since the third placed of each group gets a place for this competition. In group D, the LDU (ECU) has twelve points, River Plate (ARG) ten. São Paulo four and Binacional (PER) three. Binacional still struggle with São Paulo for the place in South America.
Today it’s Santos’ turn to take the field. The team faces Olímpia (PAR), away from home and only needing a draw to qualify. Delfin (ECU) and Defensa y Justiça (ARG) is the other group G match. After tonight’s round, the ball will rest in the Libertadores until the end of October. Leader Santos has ten points, followed by Defensa y Justiça with six, Olímpia with five and Delfin with just one point won.
