SANTIAGO, Chile (AP)—Brazil’s Internacional and Universidad de Chile
have reached the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores despite
quarterfinal losses on Thursday, joining Sao Paulo and Chivas of
Mexico in the final four.
Internacional lost 2-1 at defending champion Estudiantes, but advanced
on away goals after winning the first leg 1-0. Universidad de Chile also
advanced on away goals despite losing 2-1 at home in the return against
Flamengo, thanks to a 3-2 win in the first match in Brazil.
Internacional will face Sao Paulo in the semifinals to avoid two clubs
from the same country appearing in the final, leaving Chivas to face
Universidad in the other match. The semis will take place after the
World Cup has finished.
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Players were involved in violent clashes in the closing moments as
Brazil’s Internacional knocked out Estudiantes.
Leandro Gonzalez and Enzo Perez scored in the first half of Estudiantes
’ 2-1 win, but Giuliano’s goal in the 89th-minute gave Internacional
the overall victory on away goals.
Estudiantes defender Leandro Desabato and Sao Paulo’s Argentine
goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri were among the players to clash at
the final whistle, with Desabato appearing to head-butt Abbondanzieri.
In the other quarterfinal, Vagner Love gave Flamengo the lead with a
header from Adriano’s overhead kick just after half time as the
Brazilian club looked to overturn the surprise 3-2 defeat suffered
against Universidad in the Maracana stadium last week.
Flamengo needed to win by two clear goals, but was pegged back level
when Walter Montillo lifted a precise chip over goalkeeper Bruno from
the edge of the area in the 74th minute.
Former Inter Milan striker Adriano gave Flamengo hope with a 78th-minute
goal after Leo Moura backheeled the ball into his path, but the
Brazilian club was unable to find the extra goal needed to progress.
The Copa Libertadores is the top club competition in Latin America,
equivalent to Europe’s Champions’ League. The winner gets to play in
the Club World Cup against the champions from the other continental
confederations.
This year, the Copa Libertadores will take a break after the
quarterfinals to make way for the World Cup. The semifinals will begin
in July, with the final running into August.
Sao Paulo has won the tournament three times in the past, while
Internacional won the title for the first time in 2006. Universidad de
Chile has never reached the final, reaching the semis in 1970 and 1996.
Mexican clubs compete by invitation in the Copa Libertadores—
organized by South American governing body CONMEBOL—because they belong
to CONCACAF, the federation that covers North America.
No Mexican club has won the Copa Libertadores since the teams joined the
tournament in 1998.
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