3-28-07 - Inter Held by Vélez

Defending champions Internacional find themselves in desire straights after being held to a scoreless draw at Beira-Rio Stadium by Group 4 leaders Vélez Sarsfield. Inter (4 pts) could not overcome the loss of Christian, red-carded in the 26th, and must now win its last two games to have any hopes of advancing in the Libertadores Cup. The Colorados are currently third and trail Vélez (8 pts) by 4 points. Nacional (4 pts) is in second but have played one game less. They host Emelec (3 pts) next Tuesday.

Internacional have struggled to find the form that led them to the world club title in 2006. The Colorados are also in a delicate situation in the Gaúcho Championship where they are currently fourth in their group with two games left to play. Only the top three advance to the playoffs. With that being the case, Inter must win its next four games (2 Libertadores, 2 Gaúcho Championship) in order to stay alive in the two competitions. Otherwise, Abel Braga may earn the distinction of being fired just four months after winning a world championship.