Copa Libertadores: Quarterfinal Round Set As Inter, La U, And Libertad Advance

Three comebacks in Thursday’s Libertadores matches see Brazil’s Internacional, Universidad de Chile, and Paraguay’s Libertad into the the tournament’s quarterfinals, with the first legs of the round of eight to kick-off next week.

Two defensive breakdowns from the Argentines reversed a brilliant first leg result and saw El Taladro eliminated from the competition on away goals - Kléber’s goal in Banfield (eight minutes before his dismissal) sending Inter through.

Flamengo had rain strip the advantages of the Maracanã, the first leg of their Round of 16 tie with Corinthians that ended 1-0, a second half penalty leading to their only goal. By halftime of yesterday’s reverse in São Paulo, Flamengo was trailing by a 2-1 aggregate and on the verge of becoming the first of the pre-tournament favorites to exit the competition. Ronaldo had put the Timão ahead after a Fla own goal, the hosts looking poised to defy the criticism that their number one seed was build on the back of an easy group.

But in a battle of teams star-studded with recent, high-profile acquisitions, it was the most recent of the big signings that had the last word. Vagner Love, whose move to Palmeiras in the middle of the 2009 Brasileirão helped derail the Verdão’s championship (and Copa Lib) hopes, scored four minutes into the second half, finishing a sublime build-up that saw three quick, one-touch balls angle the Flamengo striker behind the defense for an easy finish past goalkeeper Felipe.

Two of the tournament’s favorites slogged through their tie’s first leg amidst standing water at the Maracanã, won by a Flamengo team that overcame an early yellow card and the rain’s neutralization of their home pitch advantage to beat Corinthians, 1-0.

Flamengo midfielder Michael’s second yellow card in the 37th minute almost derailed Fla’s hopes, but a poor challenge by Moacir on Juan gave a spot kick to the reigning champions of Brazil. Adriano stepped-up and, in the 66th minute, gave Flamengo their 1-0 victory.

São Paulo were surprisingly impotent against Universitario, while Chivas took full advantage of their three goal lead over Vélez. Regardless, both teams are through the the 2010 Copa Libertadores’ quarterfinals, with the Peruvian and Argentine clubs eliminated from the competition.

Brazilians São Paulo, the second seed coming out of the tournaments’ group stage, was expected to ease past Universitario, being so bold as to keep veteran striker Washington on the bench despite the 0-0 score at kickoff. After a goalless first half, Ricardo Gomes brought his leading scorer on, but the match would end scoreless and go to penalty kicks.

The second leg of Copa Libertadores’ Round of 16 ties kick-off Tuesday night with two of the tournament’s favorites at home, trying to advance to the quarterfinals.

Brazilians São Paulo are on-track to advance past Univeristario of Peru, while Argentines Vélez Sarsfield’s lopsided result last week in Guadalajara has last year’s Clausua champions on the brink of elimination.