Corinthians defeated as fans riot

Written by , 06.05 12h27

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Corinthians supporters forced the Copa do Libertadores match between Brazilian champions Corinthians and Argentina's River Plate to be abandoned on Thursday. River Plate won 3-1 but fighting broke out in the 83rd minute after Corinthians fans broke down a gate and fought with riot police. The riot lasted for around 10 minutes before police, who were vastly outnumbered , brought the situation under control.
River had won the first leg in Buenos Aires 3-2 and will almost certainly by awarded the second leg. Striker Nilmar had put Corinthians ahead with a header in the 38th minute, completing a
perfect free-kick cross by midfielder Ricardinho. River Plate equalised in the 55th with an own-goal by Corinthians defender Coelho, who headed the ball in his own net. River Plate substitute Gonzalo Higuain scored two second-half goals to send River Plate to the next round 6-3 on aggregate.
It was the second consecutive time Corinthians have lost to River Plate in the Copa do Libertadores. The Argentines advanced 4-2 on aggregate in 2003, the last time Corinthians played in the competition.
A spectator at the game was Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, fuelling speculation of a Chelsea bid for the Argentinean star Carlos Tevez.
But Corinthians Director Kia Joorabchian once again rejected the suggestion that Tevez could leave. "Mourinho is on holiday and can do
what he wants," Joorabchian told Brazilian media. "This visit has nothing to do with our player." Corinthians, the Brazilian champions,
signed the Argentina forward from Boca Juniors in 2004 for a South American record fee of $18 million. Mourinho refused to make any comment, saying only that he was in Brazil just to watch the game.

Copa do Libertadores Results:

International - Nacional M. 0-0 (0-0)
Sao Paulo - Palmeiras 2-1 (1-0)
1-0 13' Aloisio
1-1 57' Washington
2-1 86' Ceni [pen]
RED CARD 68' Leonardo
RED CARD 90' Thiago
RED CARD 90' Guerreiro

Goias - Estudiantes LP 3-1 (0-0)
1-0 51' Vitor
2-0 66' Nonato
2-1 75' Calderon
3-1 90' Juliano

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