Internacional makes Copa Libertadores final

Internacional makes Copa Libertadores final

Published Aug. 6, 2010 5:07 a.m. ET

Brazilian club Internacional reached the final of Latin America's top club competition despite losing 2-1 at Sao Paulo in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores on Thursday.

Alecsandro equalized for Inter in the 52nd minute after Alex Silva had given Sao Paulo a 31st minute lead. Ricardo Oliveira put Sao Paulo back in front in the 54th, but Internacional progressed on away goals after a 1-0 win in the first leg.

Internacional will play Mexican club Guadalajara in the finals.

The win also guarantees Internacional a place in the Club World Cup to be played in December against the other continental champions. Mexican clubs are part of the north and central American confederation and cannot represent South America in the Club World Cup.

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Sao Paulo, aiming to overturn the one-goal deficit from the first leg, dominated the early exchanges in front of more than 60,000 fans at the Morumbi stadium.

Hernanes had the first opportunity, dragging a long-range shot wide of the post in the 16th minute.

Internacional responded with a low shot from Taison from outside the area that forced a diving save from Sao Paulo goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni in the 23rd minute.

Silva almost connected with a free kick from Hernanes to the back post a minute later, before Sao Paulo opened the scoring from another set piece.

Hernanes floated a deep free kick into the box which goalkeeper Renan fumbled under no pressure, allowing Silva to head over the line from a tight angle.

Inter drew level when Alecsandro diverted Andres D'Alessandro's free kick into the net with his heel in the second half for a crucial away goal.

Oliveira collected a pass in the box and turned to beat Renan with a low shot two minutes later, but the away goal meant Sao Paulo still needed to score again to make the final.

Tinga had a chance to secure it for Inter, but his shot from six yards (meters) was blocked by Jean in the 64th minute.

Hernanes and Marlos both shot just over the crossbar in the final 15 minutes, but Inter held on for the aggregate win despite midfielder Tinga receiving a red card in the 79th minute.

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Lineups: Sao Paulo: Rogerio Ceni, Cleber Santana (Marlos 72), Miranda, Alex Silva, Junior Cesar, Rodrigo Souto (Marcelinho 87), Jean, Hernanes, Fernandao, Dagoberto (Fernando 80), Ricardo Oliveira.

Internacional: Renan, Nei, Bolivar, Indio, Kleber, Sandro, Pablo Guinazu, Andres D'Alessandro (Giuliano 78), Tinga, Taison (Wilson Mathias 89), Alecsandro.

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