Santos and Santo André edge towards a place in the semis of the Paulista

Robinho, Neymar and co celebrate the first against São Paulo

Santos came out 3-2 winners against São Paulo in a pulsating game in the estádio Morumbi.  The boys from the Vila seemed overawed in the opening exchanges but took the lead after Júnior César put the ball into his own net on the 26^th minute. More bad luck for São Paulo followed when Marlos went for picking up a second yellow on the 32^ndminute mark. São Paulo then went two down after a piece of brilliance from Neymar. The teenager appeared to have had his options closed down by two defenders but somehow managed to squeeze a pass forward to André Ribeiro who fired home.

São Paulo made changes at half-time bringing on Cicinho for Washington. The switch seemed to work as the Tricolor took the game to Santos. The homeside were rewarded with a fine goal by Hernanes who picked up the ball in midfield, outfoxed the Santos defence before hitting a low drive that gave Felipe no chance.

A plucky São Paulo then drew level after Dagoberto headed home Cincinho’s perfectly weighted cross.

But a late sting in the tail came with just a minute in the match remaining. Rogério Ceni failed to cut out Madson’s cross and centreback Durval struck his first goal of the season.

The victory means that Santos need only to avoid a defeat by two goals or more in the Vila Belmiro next Sunday to go through to the finals. See the highlights in Portuguese or in English with yours truly here

In the other semi in the estádio Eduardo José Farah in Presidente Prudente

Grêmio Prudente lost 2-1 to Santo André. Diego had given the home side the lead before goals from Branquinho and Rodriguinho put Santo André in the driving seat for the second leg. See the highlights

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