Sudamericana: Bad Start for Brazil in the Quarter-finals

The two Brazilian clubs still in the Copa Sudamericana did not start well the quarter-finals of Copa Sudamericana. Botafogo and Fluminense will have a lot of work if they plan to advance to the semis. Botafogo visited Cerro Porteno in Paraguay and lost 2-1. Reinaldo scored for Bota, but if the club from Rio wants to advance, it must win at Maracana.

Fluminense’s result was even worse. Flu jumped ahead of Universidad de Chile with 2 goals of ex-Lyon Fred. But in 5 minutes, in the second-half, the side from Chile tied. This forces Flu either to win or have a 3 goal (or above) draw in Chile.

It’s not a coincidence that Flu and Bota are in the relegation zone of Brasileirao. But, in fact, advancing to the semis in the Sudamericana would be more of a curse than a blessing. The two sides have 8 matches left in Brasileiro to escape second division and any distractions from that (such as international trips) may cost the traditional clubs a spot in the elite of Brazilian football.

Cerro Porteno 2 – 1 Botafogo:

Fluminense 2 – 2 Universidad de Chile: