4-30-07 - Brazilian State Championship Results

The state championship finals began this Sunday and there were more than a few surprises.

Paulista Championship

Second division São Caetano shocked favorite Santos 2-0 in the first leg of the Paulista Championship finals, played at Morumbi Stadium. The “Big Blue”, who eliminated São Paulo in the semifinals, can now lose the return leg by one goal and still take home the trophy. Santos must win by two or more if it hopes to retain its title.

Carioca Championship

Game 1 of the Carioca Championship ended in a 2-2 tie. Botafogo took a 2-0 lead into halftime against undermanned Flamengo who had a player sent off early in the match. The Gávea heroically fought back, however, to leave things equal going into the second leg.

Gaúcho Championship

A Grêmio goal in stoppage time capped a well played and entertaining 3-3 tie with Juventude in Caxias do Sul. Since the competition uses away goals as tiebreaking criteria, the Tricolor has the advantage of being able to tie the return leg at home as long as the final score does not exceed 2-2.

Mineiro Championship

Atlético-MG practically clinched the Mineiro Championship with a 4-0 rout of rivals Cruzeiro. The title would end a seven year drought for the Roosters, who have not won the Mineiro League since 2000.