DOHA: Sao Paulo Football Club of Brazil and Club Atlético River Plate of Argentina registered contrasting wins in the Al Kass International Cup.
The Brazilians snatched a dramatic injury time win over Atletico Madrid to ensure the Spaniards will finish bottom of Group D. In the other match, Franco Lopez was the undisputed star of the show as a classy River Plate line-up made light work of Juventus.
In the Group D match, Atletico had come into the game hoping for a victory to prevent an early exit from the tournament. Sao Paulo, meanwhile, were making their first appearance at Al Kass, and quickly slipped into gear.
With five minutes on the clock, striker Paulo Da Silva controlled well, evading the challenge of Miguel Mateos before firing just over the Atletico bar.
Sao Paulo’s their positive approach brought reward in the 21st minute when the lively Gustavo Dos Santos sprinted clear down the right, his low cross evading the desperate lunge of Atletico’s Alejandro Diaz, allowing Paulo Da Silva to stroke home first time at the far post.
Despite falling a goal behind there was no danger of Atletico capitulating, and in the 34th minute they were level. Gallego swung in a free kick 30 yards out on the left, and tall striker Pablo Romero climbed highest to power a well-directed header into the top left corner. Sao Paulo found a way to win with practically the last action of the game, when Lucas De Oliviera crossed for Dos Santos to slide home from close range. Sao Paulo’s 2-1 victory condemns Atletico to last place in Group D, with the Brazilians set to battle for top spot against the widely fancied PSG on Sunday.
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