Mixed week for Brazilian clubs in Copa Libertadores

Wallyson scores another two goals in the Copa Libertadores taking his tally to four in two games

Wallyson scores another two (Juliana Flister - VIPCOMM)

It was a mixed week for Brazilian clubs in the Copa Libertadores as Cruzeiro and Internacional produced convincing wins while Grêmio lost in Colombia and Fluminense drew at home.

On Tuesday night – playing at home in the competition for the second successive game – Cruzeiro despatched Guaraní­ 4-0. It’s now 6 points in two games for the team from Belo Horizonte and they have scored nine goals without reply. The in-form and interestingly named Wallyson scored two goals and now has four in the competition. Farí­as and Thiago Ribeiro scored the other two. Dream start to the competition for Cruzeiro.

Last season’s winners Internacional thrashed Jaguares from Mexico 4-0 at home. Argentine defensive midfielder Bolatti – who warned fans not to expect goals last week – scored two. Promising youngsters Leandro Damião and Oscar scored the other goals. Oscar’s goal was a great strike from outside the area. The result eases the pressure on Celso Roth, who is under pressure to produce after Inter’s poor performance at the World Club Cup last year. Seems a little harsh to me seeing as he won the Libertadores last year.

Fluminense, who are missing a whole stack of attacking players, struggled to a 0-0 draw at home to Nacional from Uruguay. The result really does pile on the pressure for Fluminense who now only have two points from two home games. In their next match, they face a difficult away trip to Mexio next week where they will play América from the giant Aztec stadium at 2,200 meters above sea level. It’s not too high but it’s a long trip and América are a very strong team. Deco, Fred, Emerson, Rodriguinho are all out for Fluminense and are unlikely to return for next week’s game. I wouldn’t rule out another draw but if Fluminense lose this one it’s hard to see them staying in the competition.

Grêmio lost against Junior Baranquilla from Colombia 2-1 on Thursday. It’s a disappointing result for Grêmio after they had taken the lead in the 5th minute through Borges. The result is far from a catastrophe though and they are still in second place in the group with three points. They’ll fancy their chances against León de Huánuco from Peru in their next two games.

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