• Benfica and Porto share the spoils in a feisty affair at the Estádio do Dragão
  

  In what was a tight affair on Friday night, two of the most successful sides in Portugal locked horns as Porto hosted Benfica at the Estádio do Dragão. However, both sides could only play out to a draw in a result that was perhaps befitting with the rivalry that comes with the fixture.

  The game started out in decent fashion with both sides making their intent to win known from the onset. Both teams already had their chances within the first ten minutes but it was Benfica who would go on to draw first blood.

  A brilliant assist from Seferovic found Grimaldo who made no mistake and scored in the 17th minute.

  As one would expect, it didn’t take long for Porto to find the equalizer. Corona controlled a perfect through ball from Diaz and set up Taremi who fired home his seventh league goal of the season.

  The game brought its fair moment of drama with lots of intensity and tackles flying around from both ends. Pizze bringing Pepe down in a ‘heated’ fashion was one of the highlights of the match. It’s no surprises there were eight yellow cards given out in total.

  It was looking likely and it was inevitable a red card would be shown in the game. Taremi, who scored for Porto, made a needless challenge on Otamendi with his studs and was shown his marching orders in the 73rd minute.

  With the result, both teams failed to close the gap on current leaders Sporting. Porto and Benfica remain in second and third place respectively and level on 32 points.

  O conteúdo Benfica and Porto share the spoils in a feisty affair at the Estádio do Dragão aparece primeiro em Sambafoot.

• Late Diego Souza goal denies Palmeiras home victory against Grêmio
  

  The match between Palmeiras and Grêmio ended in a 1-1 stalemate on Friday night.

  It was a game of two halves as Palmeiras dominated the first half and scored in the 33rd minute through Veiga’s effort. However, Grêmio took charge of the second 45 minutes of the game and left it late with a strike from Souza to level matters.

  Palmeiras started the game on the upper foot, and almost got on the mark seconds into the game. Vanderlei stood firm to prevent Grêmio from an early deficit.

  However, after several opportunities missed, Palmeiras finally broke the deadlock. The move started with Willian’s tackle and ended with Raphael Veiga slotting past Vanderlei to put his side ahead.

  Grêmio had a very poor first half but came back after the break a better side. They started becoming more clinical in front of goal and created more threats and chances at the opposition’s goal. Tricolor had several chances to draw level at the start of the second half. However, luck wasn’t on their side just yet.

  Following consistent pressure, Grêmio eventually got their well-deserved equalizer. Diego Souza got to the end of substitute Morais’ deflected cross in the 88th minute to draw his side level and salvage home a crucial point.

  With the result, Grêmio now sits in the top four and are level on points with Atletico in third place. On the other hand, Palmeiras remains in 6th place and two points away from the top four. However, Verdão has a game in hand.

  For their next outing, Palmeiras will take on Corinthians at the Allianz Parque on Monday while Grêmio will host Atlético-MG in a fierce battle for the third place next Wednesday.

  O conteúdo Late Diego Souza goal denies Palmeiras home victory against Grêmio aparece primeiro em Sambafoot.

• Neymar scores winner as PSG beat Marseille to win the French Super Cup
  

  Neymar was back in the goals for PSG as he made his return from injury. Les Parisiens beat Marseille 2-1 to lift the French Super Cup in Lens on Wednesday. The victory made it nine consecutive cup trophies for the French giants.

  The Brazilian forward has been on the sidelines with an ankle injury since mid-December and his return couldn’t have come at a better time for his side.

  Mauro Icardi has seen recent struggles for goals but he made no mistake in the 39th minute from a rebound after his first effort was sent back into his path by Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.

  To the delight of PSG fans, Neymar was then introduced into the game in the 65th minute as a substitute for Angel di Maria. That marked his first appearance for the club in 2021.

  Aside from just recovering from a bad injury, Neymar put in a wonderful display and caused problems for the opponent on the flank.

  He eventually got his reward through the penalty spot in the 85th minute after Icardi was brought down in the 18-yard box by Yohann Pele. It was Neymar’s 10th goal for PSG this season across 13 appearances in all competitions.

  Some couple of minutes after going two goals down, Dimitri Payet pulled one back for Marseille as he got to the end Florian Thauvin‘s cross and put the ball beyond Keylor Navas’ reach.

  The defending champions did just enough to hold on to their lead and claim yet another trophy. It was further delight Mauricio Pochettino who oversaw his second win in three games and a title already to his name.

  O conteúdo Neymar scores winner as PSG beat Marseille to win the French Super Cup aparece primeiro em Sambafoot.

• Santos beat Boca Juniors 3-0 to set up all-Brazilian Libertadores final with Palmeiras
  

  Santos booked a spot in the Libertadores finals as they beat Boca Juniors 3-0 at the Vila Belmiro. The stage is set for an all-Brazilian final as they will face Palmeiras to decide who lift the crown.

  Diego Pituca put Peixe ahead in the first half while Soteldo and Lucas Braga added to the goal tally in the second half to secure the victory. Elsewhere, Fabra got sent off for Boca Juniors after a bad foul on Marinho.

  Santos put up a bright performance from the onset. They showed the drive and hunger they wanted to win the match. Marinho hit the cross-bar seconds into the first half before Kaio Jorge also came close just few minutes after.

  Pituca finally opened the scoring for Santos in the 16th minute. The midfielder got the loose ball into the back of the net following a Soteldo shot that -deflected off Lisandro Lopez’s arm in the 18-yard box.

  Russo made two changes for the Argentine side after the break. He brought on Capaldo and Buffarini but the introduction of both players didn’t change the dynamics of the game. Soteldo extended the host’s lead four minutes into the second half before Lucas Braga made it 3-0 barely two minutes later.

  Boca Juniors’ nightmare continued that evening as Fabra lost his cool and stomped Marinho. It got him sent off and crowned what was a poor outing for the Argentine side.

  This will be the third time an all-Brazilian Libertadores final will take place. It will also be Santos’ fifth final appearance, having won three out of their previous four. They will be hoping to lift their fourth crown of the competition when they go head-to-head with Palmeiras.

  The finals will be a one-legged tie and will take place on Saturday 30th of January.

  O conteúdo Santos beat Boca Juniors 3-0 to set up all-Brazilian Libertadores final with Palmeiras aparece primeiro em Sambafoot.

• Palmeiras lose at home to River Plate but still progress to the Libertadores final
  

  Palmeiras were on a verge of losing a spot in the Libertadores final despite their 3-0 victory in the first leg. They lost 2-0 at home to River Plate on Tuesday night but moved one step from the title regardless.

  Marcelo Gallardo’s team dominated from start to finish, had two goals in the first 45 minutes and got one more cancelled by VAR in the second.

  Rojas opened up the scoring before receiving his second yellow card and was sent off in the second period. Borre was on the score-sheet as he doubled the visitor’s advantage.

  It turned out to be a very difficult match for Palmeiras. After winning the first leg 3-0, it seemed like the game would be more comfortable at home. However, it wasn’t the case. River Plate were all over the pitch, kept all the ball possession and created many chances. They got their opening goal in the 29th minute of the game.

  Rojas rose higher to meet De La Cruz’s cross following a comer kick to draw first blood. Not long after, Borre headed in Suarez’s misplaced shot to double the away side’s advantage before the break.

  The home side didn’t threaten to score as they got no shot-on target throughout the entire game. It almost got worse for Palmeiras in the 52nd minute in the second half when Montiel struck in at close range for Rivers Plate but was flagged offside after a check from VAR.

  Rojas was then sent off in the 73rd minute after the defender received his second yellow card for a bad foul. The home side suffered throughout the game and even had a penalty not given when Suarez was fouled in the second half. Regardless, Palmeiras were able to finish the game, ending with an aggregate score of 3-2 to make it to the finals.

  O conteúdo Palmeiras lose at home to River Plate but still progress to the Libertadores final aparece primeiro em Sambafoot.

• Santos and Boca Juniors to battle it out for Libertadores final spot against Palmeiras
  

  The highly anticipated fixture between Santos and Boca Juniors is upon us as both sides battle to secure themselves a spot in Copa Libertadores final. A win from either side will see the winner face Palmeiras in the finals on January 30, at Maracanã.

  Santos would have come into the second leg with a goal advantage if the referee had awarded them a penalty after Izquierdoz’s foul on Marinho in the second half of the first leg. However, going into the tie with a clean slate on the score line makes the match open for both sides.

  Boca Juniors seems to have the upper hand coming into this contest based on form. They have not seen defeat in six consecutive games, winning three and drawing the remaining.

  Santos, however, comes into the game fully rested as they played their reserve squad against São Paulo during the weekend fixture and were able to get the win against the league leaders.

  Aside that, Santos had it tough in the first leg and playing at home against Boca Juniors in the second leg might prove to be a much sterner test.

  A goal away from home counts and that means Santos must be wary of a draw with goals, as that would see Boca advance to the finals. Another goalless draw takes the game to penalties but Santos would be more focused on a straight victory in regular time.
  Should they win this tie, Boca Juniors will be entering their 12th finals of the Copa Libertadores and will be hoping to win their seventh, and become the joint most successful side in the competition alongside Independiente.

  Santos can make their fifth finals if they can beat Boca Juniors in their away game on Tuesday night. They will be aiming to go one step closer to their fourth crown of the Copa Libertadores when they go head-to-head against Palmeiras in the finals.

  O conteúdo Santos and Boca Juniors to battle it out for Libertadores final spot against Palmeiras aparece primeiro em Sambafoot.

• Bragantino denied home win against Atlético-MG after last minute controversial penalty from Hyoran
  

  In what was an entertaining game, Bragantino drew 2-2 at home to Atlético-MG on Monday night. Ricardo opened up the scoring at the stroke of half time before goals from Savarino, Edimar and Hyoran in the second half saw the scores end level after 90 minutes.

  Atlético-MG started out the game with greater intensity than the home side and saw some couple of chances in the opening few seconds. Chilean forward Vargas hit the crossbar before Allan then forced a great save from Bragantino’s goalkeeper minutes later.

  The home side soon got their momentum back in the game and gained most of the ball possession in the first half. They finally got their reward at extra time before the break through Ricardo.

  The midfielder got past Guga and Réver after Helio Junio‘s cross to head the ball in the back of the net and put his side at the break.

  Atlético equalized 10 minutes after the break when Savarino met the Vargas’s cross. The rooster didn’t back down and kept pressing, looking to get the winner and close the game. Edimar put his side back in the lead in the 67th minute after he rose higher than Junior Alonso following a corner kick situation to head his side into the lead once again.

  The game was looking over with the home side in the lead but Atlético-MG were awarded a controversial penalty by VAR late in stoppage time when Arana was knocked down in the goal area. Hyoran took the spot kick and levelled matters for his side, finishing the game 2-2.

  The draw leaves Atlético in third place, three points behind second placed Internacional and a point ahead of Flamengo. Bragantino remain in 13th place but can be pleased at taking a point at home against a stronger opponent on paper.

  O conteúdo Bragantino denied home win against Atlético-MG after last minute controversial penalty from Hyoran aparece primeiro em Sambafoot.

• Atlético-MG announce details of their sponsorship deal with betting company Betano
  

  Atlético-MG announced they a new shirt sponsorship deal last Friday. Betting company Betano would be the new name to occupy the most lucrative slot on the club’s jersey. As per reports, the deal will last for a year.

  However, there was a certain twist to the whole situation.

  It is being claimed that Banco BMG, the current shirt sponsor was not informed of the agreement made with Betano ahead.

  With that in mind, they still remained as the sponsors for the match against RB Bragantino which ended in a 2-2 stalemate on Monday night.

  Following an official announcement made by the club, they stated that negotiations for an agreement between the two parties is being made and decision will be put in place for Banco BMG to be put at the upper back of the shirt.

  “The club confirms deals with the Greek company Betano and also with BMG, in order to envision new possibilities of sponsorship, which will be absolutely positive for all and which, as soon as they are confirmed, will be announced to the market”.

  Alô @Atletico, alô massa! Chegamos oficialmente no clube mais popular de Minas Gerais. Seguimos juntos para fazer história? #OJogoÉAgora pic.twitter.com/VHq528YFZB

  — Betano Brasil (@Betano_BR) January 8, 2021

  On Saturday, the details of the confusion were published, with Banco BMG claiming not to be informed that their brand will be moved from its current position on the shirt. Regardless, they did confirm that there was a scenario of conciliation in place and all parties were coming to a unified conclusion on the matter.

  The Banco BMG company was established by Ricardo Guimarães‘s family, who also happens to be the former Atlético’s President.

  Atlético-MG will now be hopeful the situation can be completely solved before their next clash against Atlético Goianiense on Sunday.

  O conteúdo Atlético-MG announce details of their sponsorship deal with betting company Betano aparece primeiro em Sambafoot.

• Internacional beat Goiás and close the gap to within three points of leaders São Paulo
  

  In a pretty much expected result, Internacional beat Goiás 1-0 at home on Sunday night. Praxedes scored the only goal of the game that could prove to be crucial in the title race. Inter now sits three points behind first place São Paulo, and have now gone five games without tasting defeat, winning all as well.

  Both sides were evenly matched at the start of the game.

  They both had dangerous plays at both end of the pitch but it was the hosts that drew first blood with a goal in the 43rd minute when Rodinei swung in a cross from a corner kick that gave Praxedes a good opportunity to head his side in the lead just before the break.

  Goiás decided to go wide and rely more on crosses. Esmeraldino almost got to the end of one of Shayllon’s crosses but failed to hit the target. Rafael Moura also had a goal cancelled for Goiás in the first half. He struck in a deflected ball after a save from Lomba but he was flagged for slightly being offside.

  Goiás took charge in the second half, had control of the game, kept more of the ball and create chances better than their first 45 minutes. However, they lacked the finishing touch in front of goal.

  Marcelo Lomba almost conceded an equaliser from a mistake but Rodrigo Moledo was able to spare his side’s blushes and keep them in the lead. The visitors tried all they could, but the game ended up finishing 1-0 in the favor of Inter.

  Goiás stays in the relegation battle with the loss, six points from safety. They go against Atletico-Go on Wednesday night and would fancy their chances of getting a result.

  Inter will take on Fortaleza next Sunday in Beira-Rio. They are three points behind league leaders, and will be looking to keep the momentum as they go head-to-head with São Paulo for the championship crown just after that game.

  O conteúdo Internacional beat Goiás and close the gap to within three points of leaders São Paulo aparece primeiro em Sambafoot.

• Vasco beat Botafogo 3-0 at home and gain crucial points in the battle to avoid relegation
  

  Vasco edged past Botafogo in a battle for safety in the relegation zone. Goals from Talles Magno, Andrey and a penalty goal from Pikachu saw the home side move three points away from the drop zone.

  Luxembourg’s team in his second match as the head coach didn’t give a spectacular performance. However, they were able to get into the game and get the result they wanted. Talles Magno opened the scoring in the 22nd minute of the game after a brilliant transition of play in the opposition’s goal area. The young forward was able to meet Henrique’s cross with a header and draw first blood.

  The home side first half performance was what they wanted but their second period was a little off. Even with that, they were still able to get two goals in the second period.

  Botafogo came back stronger after the break and came close to getting the equalizer. Henrique constantly made some defensive saves to keep his side in the mix and ahead with the lone goal.

  Eventually, Andrey doubled Vasco’s advantage from a well struck volley at the edge of the 18-yard box. The game was put beyond any doubt when they were awarded a penalty which was taken and scored by Pikachu right before the final whistle was blown. Botafogo were just not up to it and recorded their third successive loss.

  With the win, Vasco goes up one place and sit in 15th place behind Sport Recife with a game in hand. They are three points away from the relegation zone and they will go head-to-head at home against Coritiba in the next round on Saturday.

  Botafogo still sits in 19th place after the defeat, having lost three consecutive games. They travel to Vila Belmiro to face Santos also on Saturday.

  O conteúdo Vasco beat Botafogo 3-0 at home and gain crucial points in the battle to avoid relegation aparece primeiro em Sambafoot.

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