Santos storm into second final of season
Reuters - Thursday 20 May 2010, 04:41
RIO DE JANEIRO - Robinho's Santos reached
their second final of the season when they beat Gremio 3-1 at
home on Wednesday for a 6-5 aggregate victory in an exciting
Copa Brasil semi-final tie.
Santos' opener six minutes into the second half, a superb
goal by 20-year-old Ganso from outside the box into the top
corner of Victor's net, calmed their anxious fans at the Vila
Belmiro by putting them level 4-4 on aggregate.
Robinho scored the second with a fine lob over Victor 20
minutes from time and after defender Rafael Marques pulled one
back, midfielder Wesley secured victory by dribbling past the
keeper to score the third five minutes from time.
In the dying minutes both teams were left with 10 men when
Santos defender Edu Dracena and Gremio striker Jonas were sent
off for fighting. Gremio then had Marques dismissed for a
second booking after a violent foul on substitute Marcel.
Santos, who won the Paulista (Sao Paulo) state championship
earlier this month, will meet Vitoria in the Copa Brasil final.
Vitoria beat Atletico Goianiense 4-0 at home on Wednesday and
4-1 on aggregate.
The final, with a Libertadores Cup berth at stake, will be
played after the World Cup, the first leg on July 28. The
second leg on Aug. 4 is the final day of Robinho's loan from
Manchester City.
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