Libertadores: Cruzeiro Close to the Final
Bruno Romani | Jun 25, 2009 | Comments 0
In the Brazilian clash for the semifinal of Copa Libertadores, Cruzeiro and Gremio had more in common than the blue of both clubs. Both have 2 titles of Copa Libertadores. Both are specialists in competitions with knock-out stages. Both coaches are connected to a title of Copa Libertadores from the other side. And the first-half of this first leg made it clear that this was no small event.
At the same time Cruzeiro threw itself into the attack full of appetite, Gremio started to get the best chances. With 15 minutes, Gremio had missed 3 chances, 2 as part of the poor performance of Alex Mineiro. Cruzeiro had just only one chance, which goalie Marcelo denied Jonathan.
And at the same time Marquinhos Parana was a great option in the left for Cruzeiro,he left too many spaces in the defense. But football has that old saying: that who does not score ends up conceiving. With 37 minutes, Kleber, a player made to play Copa Libertadores, crossed the ball and Wellington Paulista opened the score board. Mineirao exploded in a mix of happiness, relief and excitement. Minutes later, Souza tried to tie through a long range, but Fabio denied the number 8 with a beautiful save.
When the second-half started, Cruzeiro was lucky. Wagner went for a long range, the ball deflected on Souza and visited the net. The 2-0 was hit Gremio harshly. Alex Mineiro and Tcheco were like ghosts. Cruzeiro took total control of the match. The third goal was a matter of time. The way it happened, however, was what annoyed Gremio fans the most. Another ball crossed. Another header. Fabinho, free of any defenders, scored.
With the 3-0, the fans went crazy. The ticket for the final was granted. Gremio seemed dead.
Cruzeiro, however, stopped playing. Instead of scoring more goals and get even more comfortable. Cruzeiro relaxed way too son. With 34 minutes, Gremio had a free-kick. Souza took it and beautifully scored a goal that can make the difference in Porto Alegre. Even though ia hard task, a 2-0 victory for Gremio is not impossible. Specially if the club turns all the chances it creates into goals.
Next week, Cruzeiro plays for a draw or even for a 1-0 loss. If history follows the usual course, Cruzeiro will eliminate Gremio, like it did in the 93 Copa do Brasil and 97 Libertadores. But a lot it is still to happen.
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