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Copa Libertadores Roundup Brazilian champion Santos hits five in stylish returnPosted: Thursday February 06, 2003 6:23 AMCALI, Colombia (Reuters) -- Brazilian champion Santos made a stylish return to the Libertadores Cup after 19 years away when it swept to a 5-1 away victory over America on Wednesday. Teenagers Robinho and Diego tormented the America defenders as Pele's former club, who won America's top club competition twice during the 1960s, brushed aside the Red Devils from Cali. Fullback Leo opened the scoring for Santos when he broke down the left and scored with a deflected shot in the 28th minute. Jorge Banguero headed an equaliser for America in the 35th minute but, two minutes later, Santos went back in front when defender Alex scored direct from a free kick. Santos, whose team has an average age of 23, continued the rout after halftime with two goals in three minutes. New signing Ricardo Oliveira capitalized on poor defending to score in the 67th minute, then 17-year-old midfielder Diego scored with a shot from outside the penalty area. Oliveira took advantage of slack marking to grab his second and his team's fifth two minutes from time. America has finished the competition as runners-up on four occasions but is fielding a weakened team this year after being forced to sell six of its top players because of financial difficulties. Corinthians beat Cruz Azul,1-0SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -- Liedson scored the only goal of the match in the 14th minute Wednesday as Corinthians of Brazil defeated Cruz Azul of Mexico 1-0 in Group 8 of the Copa Libertadores. Liedson -- playing only his second game for Corinthians after being acquired from Rio de Janeiro's Flamengo -- headed in a cross from defender Kleber to net the game-winning goal. The Brazilian side dominated most of the match at Pacaembu stadium, outshooting Cruz Azul 9-4. Corinthians and Cruz Azul are the favorites to advance from the group, which also includes The Strongest of Bolivia and newcomer Fenix of Uruguay. Cruz Azul -- a 2001 Copa Libertadores finalist -- played without Sebastian Abreu. The Uruguayan striker is serving a three-game Libertadores suspension for fighting two years ago, when he played for Argentina's San Lorenzo. Corinthians, one of Brazil's most traditional clubs, is seeking its first Copa Libertadores title. The team dominated nearly all championships it played in 2002, winning the Brazil Cup and the Rio-Sao Paulo tournament. 12 de Octubre beats El Nacional, 3-1ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) -- Tomas Gonzalez scored two goals Wednesday as 12 de Octubre of Paraguay beat El Nacional of Ecuador 3-1 in Group 3 of the Copa Libertadores. Freddy Bareiro also scored for 12 de Octubre, opening the scoring in the 38th minute. Gonzalez scored his goals in the 46th and 49th minutes. Carlos Grueso netted a late goal for El Nacional in the 71st. Santos of Brazil and America de Cali of Colombia are also in the group.
Both the Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. |
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