Deco makes dramatic Libertadores entrance
Reuters - Thursday 24 March 2011, 08:21
BUENOS AIRES - Former Portugal playmaker
Deco made a dramatic Libertadores entrance, coming off the bench
after a two-month injury layoff to score a late winner as
Fluminense beat America 3-2.
Deco, making his first appearance in the South American
equivalent of the Champions League, also set up the equaliser as
the Brazilian champions twice came from behind in the Group
Three game on Wednesday.
"I feel alive again," the former Barcelona, Porto and
Chelsea player told reporters. "Those two months took away my
happiness. They were two very difficult months.
"To do what I enjoy again makes me very happy... It was one
of the most important goals of my life, because of what I've
been through."
Fluminense's win in Rio de Janeiro pulled them right back
into contention and kept the group wide open with two games each
to play.
Argentinos Juniors lead with seven points followed by
America (6), Fluminense (5) and Uruguay's Nacional (4).
Uruguayan striker Vicente Sanchez headed America in front in
the 14th minute and Gum levelled for 'Flu' six minutes later.
Deco, out of action since late January with a thigh injury,
came on shortly after the break but saw former Schalke 04
forward Sanchez put the Mexican visitors back in front in the
73rd minute.
Brazil-born Deco, who joined Fluminense last August, then
sprang into action, setting up a 79th minute equaliser for
Araujo and lobbing the ball over goalkeeper Armando Navarrete to
score an 87th minute winner.
Modest Godoy Cruz went top of Group Eight as they drew 1-1
at home to seven-times champions Independiente in an
all-Argentine clash.
Matias Defederico fired the visitors in front with a
long-range shot after less than a minute. Ruben Ramirez headed
Godoy Cruz level shortly after the half-hour.
After four games each, Godoy Cruz have seven points, one
more than Uruguayans Penarol and Ecuador's LDU while
Independiente trail with four.