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Copa Libertadores: Ronaldinho sends Flamengo into the group stage alongside Internacional

The former Barcelona and AC Milan playmaker had an impressive game to help overturn his side's first leg deficit while a draw was enough to see the Colorado through in Colombia

Feb 2, 2012 2:00:00 AM

By Tom Webber

More On : Flamengo, Internacional, Once Caldas, Real Potosí

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André Portugal/VIPCOMM

Flamengo

2-0

Real Potosi

Flamengo win 3-2 on aggregate

The Rubro-Negro scraped through against their Bolivian opposition, looking less than impressive as they overturned a 2-1 deficit from the first leg.

Knowing they needed to score to progress, the hosts went about their task with gusto. However, despite the creation of multiple chances, they were extremely wasteful in their search for an opener. They eventually achieved the breakthrough when Leo Moura nodded in from Ronaldinho's dead-ball delivery.

The second half again saw no shortage of chances for the Brazilians but they stilled oozed of nonchalance. They continued to misfire and Real Potosi came close but Edgardo Brittes headed their best chance wide.

With just over ten minutes remaining Claudio Centurion saw red for the visitors and their hopes of a fightback were extinguished. Ronaldinho capped an impressive display with a somewhat superficial stoppage time winner with Leo Moura returning the favour for his team mate's earlier assist.

The win keeps Wanderlei Luxemburgo's job safe for a little bit longer and earns Flamengo a spot in the tricky Group 2 alongside Emelec, Lanus and Olimpia.

Once Caldas

2-2

Internacional

Internacional win 3-2 on aggregate

In an exciting, open game, the Colorado came out on top to ensure safe passage to the group stage, though they could have done so by a much bigger margin.

Both teams performed admirably, given everything in their search for South America's ultimate prize. The tie was level within three minutes of kick off when Jorge Nunez converted a soft penalty for the hosts. Another penalty soon evened up the scores when Andres D'Alessandro kept a cool head to score from the spot just nine minutes later.

The tie looked dead when Inter took the lead through a beautifully worked goal, finished off by ex-Borussia Dortmund midfielder Tinga in the 22nd minute, but just three minutes later the game was level once again. Mario Gonzalez finished off a slick team move with a deflected shot that beat Muriel at his near post.

Inter could have extended their lead but were far too lackadaisical in attack. Oscar, Leandro Damiao and D'Alessandro among others all spurned chances that could have finished the game off. Once had a goal ruled out for a marginal, but correct, offside decision and that sapped the life from them for much of the second half.

Group 1 awaits the Colorado where they will face reigning champions - and compatriots - Santos, Juan Aurich and The Strongest.

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Copa Libertadores: Ronaldinho sends Flamengo into the group stage alongside Internacional

The former Barcelona and AC Milan playmaker had an impressive game to help overturn his side's first leg deficit while a draw was enough to see the Colorado through in Colombia

Feb 2, 2012 2:00:00 AM

By Tom Webber

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Flamengo - Internacional

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