Inter eliminated Estudiantes
Despite losing on Thursday night, Internacional of Brazil and Universidad de Chile advanced to the Copa Libertadores’ semifinals, South America’s premier club championship. The campaign, which returns following the 2010 World Cup, saw them join Chivas de Guadalajara and Sao Paulo in the final four.
Even though they were defeated 2-1 by the reigning champions Estudiantes de La Plata, Giuliano’s goal in the 89th minute ensured Internacional qualifying via the away goals rule. After goals from Leandro Gonzalez and Enzo Perez gave them a two-goal lead, Estudiantes appeared to be headed for the semifinals, but Giuliano’s late dream ultimately eliminated them.
After the game, players from both sides engaged in violent altercations, with Internacional goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri of Argentina seeming to receive a headbutt from Estudiantes defender Leandro Desabato.
In the second quarterfinal on Thursday, Universidad de Chile fell to Flamengo 2-1 but advanced based on away goals after triumphing 3-2 in Rio de Janeiro the week prior.
Right before halftime, Vagner Love gave Flamengo the lead with a beautiful header after an overhead kick from Adriano, and the Brazilians continued their attack after the intermission.
But in the 73rd minute, Argentine player Walter Montillo equalized for Universidad de Chile with a beautiful lob from the edge of the box.
Five minutes later, after meeting an outstanding Leonardo Moura back-heel, former Inter Milan striker Adriano gave Flamengo the advantage once more.
Flamengo attempted to score a third goal that would have sent them over the finish line, but they ran out of time despite applying intense pressure on the Chilean goal.
Internacional and Sao Paulo will face off in a rematch of the 2006 Copa Libertadores final, which Inter won, when the semi-finals get off after the World Cup, while Universidad de Chile and Chivas de Guadalajara will square off.
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