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Copa Libertadores: Cruzeiro Set-Up Historical Final With Estudiantes After Gremio Draw
A Raposa advanced to the final of South America's biggest club competition after a 2-2 draw with Gremio...
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Jul 3, 2009 4:52:16 AM
Gremio needed to score twice and concede no goals to force a penalty shootout, while Cruzeiro knew that they needed to maintain their composure in order to hold onto their 3-1 advantage from the first leg.
Backed by more than 55,000 fans at the Olimpico stadium, Gremio pushed forward looking for an early goal almost straight from the kick off.
The two-time Copa Libertadores champions piled heavy pressure on the Cruzeiro goal and almost went ahead with a German Herrera effort that was deflected over the crossbar.
Minutes later his Argentine strike partner, Maxi Lopez, came close to scoring but his effort was also saved.
Gremio continued to pepper the Cruzeiro goal, but they couldn't find a way past an inspired Fabio who made a number of fine saves.
The Porto Alegre outfit also had a penalty claim turned down when Herrera seemed to be impeded in the area by a Cruzeiro defender.
To the surprise of the home crowd, on an isolated attack Cruzeiro went ahead when Wellington Paulista tapped the ball home after meeting a superb ball from Kleber.
Two minutes later Wellington Paulista doubled Cruzeiro's lead when he met a Jonathan cross with a superb diving header.
Gremio entered the second half knowing that they needed to score five times to progress to the final. In reality this seemed to be an impossible task for the side.
A relaxed Cruzeiro dominated the early moments of the second half, to the frustration of Gremio who couldn't find their feet.
Even if Gremio struggled to make an impact, they almost pulled a goal back when a powerful Herrera shot was blocked by Fabio.
However, in the 55th minute Rever found the back of the net to give Gremio a lifeline.
Still it was always going to be difficult, especially when Gremio were reduced to ten men when Adilson brought down Wagner with a violent lunge.
Gremio continued to pressure the Cruzeiro goal and came close to scoring from corner-kicks.
In the 70th minute Wellington Paulista, the hero of the night, was replaced by Thiago after being on the wrong end of a violent tackle.
Four minutes later Souza drew Gremio level when he beat Fabio with a spectacular swerving shot from outside of the area.
Cruzeiro will meet Estudiantes de La Plata in the final of the Copa Libertadores. The first leg of the final will be staged at the Cuidad de La Plata stadium next week.
Gregory Sica, Goal.com
Backed by more than 55,000 fans at the Olimpico stadium, Gremio pushed forward looking for an early goal almost straight from the kick off.
The two-time Copa Libertadores champions piled heavy pressure on the Cruzeiro goal and almost went ahead with a German Herrera effort that was deflected over the crossbar.
Minutes later his Argentine strike partner, Maxi Lopez, came close to scoring but his effort was also saved.
Gremio continued to pepper the Cruzeiro goal, but they couldn't find a way past an inspired Fabio who made a number of fine saves.
The Porto Alegre outfit also had a penalty claim turned down when Herrera seemed to be impeded in the area by a Cruzeiro defender.
To the surprise of the home crowd, on an isolated attack Cruzeiro went ahead when Wellington Paulista tapped the ball home after meeting a superb ball from Kleber.
Two minutes later Wellington Paulista doubled Cruzeiro's lead when he met a Jonathan cross with a superb diving header.
Gremio entered the second half knowing that they needed to score five times to progress to the final. In reality this seemed to be an impossible task for the side.
A relaxed Cruzeiro dominated the early moments of the second half, to the frustration of Gremio who couldn't find their feet.
Even if Gremio struggled to make an impact, they almost pulled a goal back when a powerful Herrera shot was blocked by Fabio.
However, in the 55th minute Rever found the back of the net to give Gremio a lifeline.
Still it was always going to be difficult, especially when Gremio were reduced to ten men when Adilson brought down Wagner with a violent lunge.
Gremio continued to pressure the Cruzeiro goal and came close to scoring from corner-kicks.
In the 70th minute Wellington Paulista, the hero of the night, was replaced by Thiago after being on the wrong end of a violent tackle.
Four minutes later Souza drew Gremio level when he beat Fabio with a spectacular swerving shot from outside of the area.
Cruzeiro will meet Estudiantes de La Plata in the final of the Copa Libertadores. The first leg of the final will be staged at the Cuidad de La Plata stadium next week.
Gregory Sica, Goal.com
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