Barça and Lokomotive do not slow down

Boca Juniors is the first eliminated team. Santos and Sporting will battle tomorrow not to be the second ones…

Sporting cannot stop Lokomotiv despite amazing comeback

Sporting Clube de Portugal could not stop the Russian triumphant trajectory in this fourth matchday in the Mundialito de Clubes. The Portuguese team had to overcome two of their most determinant players, Madjer and Belchior, to be sidelined due to injury and punishment, respectively, to face the highly competitive Muscovite side. Despite a brilliant comeback when things seemed almost impossible, Shaykov clinched the victory for his side.

Both contenders perfectly knew how dangerous the team they had in front was, and both sides played carefully, leaving a first period of measuring forces, and waiting to see the rival’s reactions. When time was almost over in that first 12 minutes, though, Shaykov volleyed a lost ball in for the 1-0. That was the beginning of the Russian moment, since three new goals in the second period made things really uphill for the Portuguese.

But, despite lacking their two lighthouses up front, Sporting achieved what many would think impossible. Sagan shortened the distance with just one minute to go before the second break, and Fernando DDI, Leghissa and Alan followed his footsteps to raise the 4-4 in the score. It was only one step left for Bilro’s lads, but they could not make it. Instead, it was Shaykov who killed the Portuguese expectation with a late winner. Whereas Lokomtiv is already in the quarterfinals stage, Sporting will have their last chance tomorrow, against Santos.

Goals: 1-0: Shaykov, min. 0 (1); 2-0: Gorchinskiy, min. 6 (2); 3-0: Daniel, min. 5 (2); 4-0: Daniel, min. 2 (2); 4-1: Sagan, min. 1 (2); 4-2: Fernando DDI, min. 10 (3); 4-3: Leghissa, min. 9 (3); 4-4: Alan, min. 5 (3); 5-4: Shaykov, min. 3 (3).

Barcelona heads for the top of Group A after their victory over AC Milan (6-3)

FC Barcelona did not decrease a bit their pace in their third match in this Mundialito de Clubes. The azulgrana beat this time AC Milan to secure the first place in Group B, having earned nine points out of nine. Russian soldier Shishin was again the key player in the Catalan side, with four goals that ended any chance by the rossoneri.

Things could not begin in a better mood for FC Barcelona. Not even in the third minute, Fred, after lifting the ball ready with a soft header, invented a wonderful overhead kick that went straight into Zanini’s goal. But the azulgrana were not about being content with that advantage, and three new lashes almost finished the match before first break. Only Meier, who put the team on his back, tried to change the course of the river. The Swiss achieved both the 4-1 and the 4-2, giving some fresh air and hope to the rossoneri. But there came Shishin again to remind them who was in the lead.

François headed a corner kick in to let the Italian dream again about a late comeback, but the only thing they could see in their dreams was the tireless Russian, who ruined them with the definitive 6-3.

Goals:  1-0: Fred, min. 10 (1); 2-0: Shishin, min. 8 (1); 3-0: Nico, min. 5 (1); 4-0: Shishin, min. 2 (1); 4-1: Meier, min. 6 (2); 4-2: Meier, min. 10 (3); 5-2: Shishin, min. 2 (3); 5-3: François, min. 1 (3); 6-3: Shishin, min. 0 (3)

Mena gives Santos the points in the very last minute

Seattle Sounders have experienced today one situation they are getting familiar with… The one of getting two goals ahead, playing a good match, and being snatched the points by their opponent. Marcelo Mendes’ side unbalanced things during an excellent first quarter, thanks to an amazing overhead kick by Morales and a good shot by Ali Karim. The North American side could keep this distance in the score until the last minute of the second period, when Ricardo raised the 1-2.

After that hit, the Brazilian side managed to turn the score around thanks to the contribution by Kuman and Mena, but Frank counteracted for Seattle to send the game into extra time. Although trying, none of the teams seemed able to drill their opponent’s net once again, and the match seemed destined to be decided from the penalty spot. But, just 12 seconds before the horn, Mena prevented it from happening and gave the paulista side their first two points.

Good news for the North American side are that, despite having not been able to win today, the fact that Santo’s victory came in the extra time (two points instead of three) automatically have put them into quarterfinals. Sporting and Santos will fight for the remaining slot tomorrow.

Goals: 0-1: Morales, min. 6 (1); 0-2: Karim, min. 4 (1); 1-2: Ricardo, min. 0 (2); 2-2: Kuman, min. 10 (3); 3-2: Mena, min. 9 (3); 3-3: Frank, min. 5 (3); 4-3: Mena, min. 0 (et)

André’s powder destroys Boca’s resistance

Boca Juniors will finally farewell this Mundialito de Clubes with an undeserved blank in their points records. Unfortunately for the Argentinean side, one of the best players in the world, Andre, cut cross their way today. And he did so in a really inspired mood. Five goals by the Flamengo’s number nine crushed the boquense defense and sent them home with almost no chance to reply.

Boca knew it was their last chance to get into quarterfinals. It could be read in their faces. The first Andre’s hits today caused them little harm, since their determination, and Bruno’s aim equalized the game four minutes afterwards. But the carioca star had not had his last say. The worst of the Argentinean’s nightmares today unbalanced the score again and left it 3-1by mid second period, and immediately after López brought some light for Boca, Andre switch it off again, with his fourth goal.

Clock began heavily ticking down for Boca Juniors, and Flamengo began feeling more and more comfortable with their advantage. Things became even more favourable for ‘Fla’ when Longa took advantage of a new brilliant move by André for the 5-2. The Rio Grande do Norte-born forward would close such a flashing performance with his fifth hit, raising the 6-2 on the score after unbelievably chipping the ball over his defender’s head and crossing it straight to Del Mestre’s left post.

Goals: 1-0: André, min. 9 (1); 1-1: Bruno, min. 5 (1) ; 2-1: André, min. 2 (1); 3-1 : André, min. 7 (2) ; 4-1 : André, min. 1 (2) ; 4-2 : López, min. 1 (2) ; 5-2 : Longa, min. 6 (3) ; 6-2 : André, min. 4 (3)

Today’s results:

Tue, March 22nd

13h – Lokomotiv Moscow 5-4 Sporting Portugal
14h15 – FC Barcelona 6-3 AC Milan
15h30 – Santos 4-3 Seattle Sounders
16h45 – Flamengo x Boca Juniors

Matches for tomorrow:

Wed, March 23rd

13h – Vasco da Gama x AC Milan
14h15 – Santos x Sporting Portugal
15h30 – Lokomotiv Moscow x Corinthians
16h45 – Flamengo x FC Barcelona

Competition Standings :

Group A

Group B