Early in the day, it was the turn of Minas Gerais giants Cruzeiro to seal their place in the knockout rounds with a 6-1 victory over América Rio Preto. Goals for midfielders Cristian and Alisson, strikers Pedro Paulo and Emerson, as well as a brace for João Paulo were enough for the Raposa as they secured a third consecutive victory. At 4-0 down, América had managed to pull one back through Caique, but it proved to be futile.
Internacional kicked-off at the same time and to similar effect, as the Gaúcho side secured a 7-1 victory over Lemense. Having fallen to a disappointing defeat against eventual group winners Santo André, the Colorado must now wait on other results to see if they can bag one of the best runners-up spots in the last-32. Two goals apiece for Pedro Victor, Nathan and Diogo, plus a seventh from Anderson were easily enough for Inter, whilst Gui pulled one back for Lemense. The Gaúcho giants have probably done enough, but will have to wait until Tuesday for confirmation.
Palmeiras on the other hand eased into the last-32 with a 2-0 victory over Ferroviária. The goals came courtesy of familiar supects, with classy defender Luiz Gustavo heading in from a corner, before one of the stars of the tournament, Diego, completed the scoring by converting a 1-on-1 with aplomb. The goal was the fourth of the tournament for Diego, or Diego Souza as he is also known. Convincing progress from the Verdãozinho.
News on Flamengo’s progress can be found here
Star Performers: Luiz Gustavo, Diego (Palmeiras), Diogo (Internacional), João Pedro (Cruzeiro)
