Copa Sudamericana Starts for Brazil. See Schedule

Copa Sulamericana (or Sudamericana if you’re not Brazilian) gets started today for Brazil with the Rio de Janeiro derby Flamengo – Fluminense. It is the first time the Fla-Flu takes place at the international stage, but the disregard which is given to this tournament by Brazilian clubs will force two reserves sides into the pitch tonight.

As it is well known, Brazilian clubs, press and fans give little attention to Copa Sulamericana, even though the current champion is Internacional (the only Brazilian side to lift the trophy). The level of clubs participating gives a hint of that. Brazil sends the 5th to 11th clubs of Campeonato Brasileiro played in the previous year. This year, the tournament will feature at least 4 clubs fighting against relegation in the current edition of Campeonato Brasileiro. They are Coritiba and Atletico-PR (the two sides from Curitiba), and Fluminense and Botafogo (from Rio).

On the other hand, 3 clubs currently fighting for the title at home will participate. They are Atletico-MG, Goias and Internacional (which, as the champion, will not debut in the Brazilian stage; it will debut in the next round). Sadly, it is known that once the race for the title at home increases, Copa Sulamericana will be put aside.

The other two clubs participating are Flamengo and Vitoria.

The schedule for Brazilian clubs is:

Atletico-MG – Goias: (08/26 and 09/16) winner takes the winner of Cerro Porteno (PAR) – La Paz (BOL)
Atletico-PR – Botafogo: (09/02 and 09/16) winner takes on winner of Zamora (VEN) – Emelec (ECU)
Flamengo – Fluminense: (08/12 and 26/08) winner takes on winner of Anzoategui (VEN) – Alianza Atletico (PER)
Vitoria – Coritiba: (08/13 and 08/25) winner takes on winner of Blooming (BOL) – River Plate (URU)

Inter is already on the round of 16 and will take the winner of Universidad de Chile (CHI) – Deportivo Cali (COL)