By Gustavo Castilho
São Paulo team loses at home but confirms classification. On the other hand, the Rubro Negro is left only with the Brazilian Championship to compete.
Flamengo once again was bellow expectations. The 1-1 draw with Racing (ARG) took the decision to penalties and then it was the Argentine team’s turn to shine (3-5). With perfect charges, the team eliminated Flamengo and secured the classification for the quarterfinals. Without Rodrigo Caio, sent off in the middle of the second half, the Rubro-negro had to race the clock, as Fértoli had put the Argentines in front. The tie came in extra time, after a corner kick, Willian Arão used his head and the ball died in the opponent’s goal. But, on penalties, Arão, who could come out as the hero of the game, became a villain by losing his chance to score. Now Flamengo turns all the attention to the Brazilian Championship. Racing, on the other hand, awaits the winner between Internacional and Boca Junior to find out the next opponent.
The night was also sad for Athletico-PR. Playing in Argentina against River Plate, the team had a lot of gaps due to the injuries and Covid-19 problems and was unable to hold the River, who came with maximum strength. De La Cruz scored after a rebound from a penalty he wasted. The 1-0 was enough for the Argentines since in the first match the score had been 1 to 1. River is now waiting for the winner between Independiente Del Valle (EQU) and Nacional (URU) and the hurricane focuses on the Brazilian Championship.
Santos was the only Brazilian to finish the night classified. The 1-0 loss to LDU (EQU), did not hinder the dreams of the Santos club, who remains alive in the competition. Since in Libertadores the goal away has a greater weight, the victory in Ecuador by 2 to 1 was enough for the classification. Zunino gave the Peixe a spook when he opened the score, but that was it. At the end of the game, a general mess tainted the show. Santos now will face either Grêmio or Guaraní (PAR).
