Corinthians were the first of the giants in action, dispatching Juventus 3-0 with a fine second-half performance. Goals from left full-back Denner, Anderson and Douglas were enough for the Timãozinho as they marched onwards with a third consecutive victory and emerge from the group stage as one of the favourites for the title.
Next it was the turn of Desportivo Brasil, who took on Atlético Mineiro in a winner takes all encounter. It was the São Paulo academy side who would ultimately take all the plaudits with second-half goals for Chico and Luiz Phelype, to send Galo home with their tails between their legs. Another major shock, following the exit of Flamengo yesterday.
Botafogo did ensure of their progression, but were forced to do it the hard way, when they dropped 2-0 down to São José in the opening ten minutes, with goals from São Bento and Alan. However, the Carioca side showed impressive resilience to respond, with two goals from lively forward Sassá enough to draw level at the break. The second-half was a more one-sided affair, as Bota’s quality shone through. Wellington and Octávio added goals to give the scoreline a not altogether deserved comfort for the Alvinegro.
The final game of the day saw São Paulo take on Grêmio Barueri, with the Paulista giants in need of a victory to progress. Barueri continued their strong form from earlier games and took a first-half lead through Carlos Diogo. São Paulo pushed and pushed in response, but the Grêmio midfield, marshalled by Bruno caused great difficulties for the Tricolor. Eventually, with ten minutes to play, the equaliser came, as Lucas Farias struck a wonderful 25-yard effort past the keeper to give São Paulo hope of the win they required. But, as they pushed ever harder, Barueri sprung on the counter and striker Mateus Lima beat his marker to the through-ball to slot past the helpless keeper. The stadium erupted as the stars of the São Paulo team were eliminated by the local side, who now progress to the Second Round.
Star Performers: Bruno, Carlos Diogo (Grêmio Barueri), Dedé, Sassá (Botafogo)
