Santos, São Paulo held to draws in Paulista semis

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -- Favorites Santos and Sao Paulo were both held to draws in the first leg of the Paulista championship semi-finals at the weekend.

Santos, who won 15 out of 18 matches in the qualifying stage, drew 0-0 with Bragantino as coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo faced the club where he began his career.

Santos could not find a way past Bragantino's heavily-guarded defence, even after the underdogs had defender Luis Henrique sent off for a second bookable offence in the 62nd minute.

Luxemburgo led unfashionable Bragantino to the Paulista title in 1990 and has since gone on to coach Corinthians, Palmeiras, Brazil and Real Madrid, among others.

Brazilian champions Sao Paulo had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Sao Caetano.

Striker Hugo gave Sao Paulo a first-half lead but Sao Caetano levelled in the 55th minute when midfielder Richarlyson headed into his own goal.

Botafogo were held to a 2-2 drew by rank outsiders Cabofriense in the first leg of the final which decides the second stage of the Carioca championship in Rio de Janeiro.

Dodo gave Botafogo an early lead with a bicycle kick but, despite being penned into their own half for nearly the entire game, Cabofriense took the lead as Marcao and Marcelinho scored either side of halftime.

Botafogo hit the crossbar three times before Lucio Flavio salvaged a draw in the 73rd minute at the Maracana.

The eventual winners face Flamengo, who won the first stage, in the final of the competition.

Outsiders Caxias pulled off the weekend's biggest upset as they hammered Gremio 3-0 in the first leg of their semi-final in the Gaucho championship.

Juninho and Heverton scored with headers in the first 26 minutes and a Thiago Machado penalty completed the scoring in the second half.

Juventude beat Veranopolis 2-0 in the other tie. World club champions Internacional failed to qualify.

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