Fluminense Finalista

In a somewhat surprising result, Brazilian team Fluminense eliminated Boca Jrs. From the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday, june 4 2008. Palermo scored for Boca. Riquelme seemed slow at times, perhaps due to his stomach ailment that kept him on the bench last weekend against Arsenal in league play.

Does Carlos Ischia keep his job? He promised one title this semester or else he would leave. He was never the leading candidate for Miguel Angel Russo’s former job. Only Carlos “The Viceroy” Bianchi’s recommendation solidified his place at the helm of Boca. Maradona was staunchly against the Ishia hire, threatening to watch games from his house rather than his usual box seat perch. Ramon Diaz may become the first coach to lead San Lorenzo, Boca, and River to a league championship.

With no Argentine teams playing in the Copa Libertadores final, one week is left in the 2008 Clausura with River Plate and Estudiantes tied for the lead.

Looking ahead to the Apertura and Copa Sudamericana season: The brightest story of this past league tournament is Argentinos Jrs. “Los Bichos Colorados de La Paternal” have won 14 straight home games. Their Wrigleyesque stadium does not seat enough fans to host CONMEBOL games, and their overall average barely lets them escape having to play to defend their spot in the Primera division in the brutal Promocion (relegation playoffs).