Colombians crowned, leaders topple

Colombians crowned, leaders topple
(FIFA.com) Monday 29 June 2009
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On a weekend dominated by an incident-packed finale to the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, there was also plenty of domestic action to enjoy around the globe. In Colombia, fans of Once Caldas celebrated winning the Apertura title, while there was less to savour for the leaders in Brazil, United States and Paraguay, who all failed to pick up three points. This was in contrast to the Japanese top tier, where leaders Kashima Antlers are looking ever more assured. FIFA.com brings you the pick of what went on in Planet Football.

Brasileirao: Leaders lose out
A hat-trick from Ecuador's Luis Bolanos helped Porto Alegre outfit Internacional back onto the victory trail with a 3-0 home win over Coritiba. The three points took them level with leaders Atletico MG, who remain ahead only on goal difference after their defeat against Barueri. Vitoria eased to a 4-1 win over Santo Andre to move into third spot, while the matchday's Paulista derby between Palmeiras and Santos ended 1-1.

Big game: Competition revelations Barueri continued their fine start with an impressive 4-2 victory over high-flying Atletico MG. Having thrown away a two-goal lead in the space of just four minutes, Barueri showed great character to fire two late goals and clinch the win.
Headline-grabber: Though there was atmosphere aplenty for the Flamengo-Fluminense derby, with the duel between former Brazil front-men Adriano and Fred adding extra spice, goals and good football were both in lacking in a 0-0 stalemate. Making his farewell appearance for Flu was Thiago Nieves, who leaves the Carioca club for a Middle-Eastern adventure.

American Major League Soccer: Swings and roundabouts
Toronto FC wasted a great opportunity to move top of the Eastern Conference when falling to a 3-0 defeat at Real Salt Lake, a situation which reigning champions Columbus Crew took full advantage of. Crew, who beat New York Red Bulls in last year's MLS final, defeated the Red Bulls 1-0 to move into second spot in the East, behind DC United but ahead of Toronto on goal difference.

Big game: Los Angeles Galaxy bounced back from two consecutive defeats to beat Western Conference leaders Houston Dynamo 1-0 and breathe life into their hopes of reaching the MLS Cup. Todd Dunivant scored the only goal of the game.
Headline-grabber: Seattle Sounders ended Colorado Rapids eight-game unbeaten run with a 3-0 home win to keep them in third place in the West and just three points behind Dynamo.

Japanese J-League: Antlers in cruise control
Kashima Antlers continued their steady drive towards the title when picking up their sixth successive win away to bottom side Oita Trinita. Though closest pursuers Albirex Niigata and Urawa Red Diamonds also won, Antlers' 2-1 success keeps them seven points clear at the top.

Big game: An 89-minute goal from Chong Tese, his seventh of the season, earned Kawasaki Frontale a 1-0 win at Montedio Yamagata and keeps them in fourth spot, eight points behind Antlers.
Headline-grabber: Gamba Osaka battled back from a run of three league games without scoring and their dramatic midweek elimination from the AFC Champions League with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Yokohama F Marinos. The three points takes them into fifth place.

Ghanaian Premier League: Under pressure
Reigning champions Asante Kotoko eked out a 1-0 win over bottom-placed Saint Mirren and, with four rounds to play, are provisionally just one point behind leaders Hearts of Oak, whose game against All Stars was postponed due to inclement weather. Heart of Lions, for their part, moved within two points of top spot with a 1-0 victory over AshantiGold SC.

Big game: King Faisal Babes dropped two important points when they were held 1-1 at home by Berekum Arsenal, though the visitors' effort was only the third goal the Babes have conceded at their Golden City Park stadium all season.
Headline-grabber: Asante Kotoko forward Alex Asamoah remains atop the scorers' standings after firing the winner against St Mirren: his 14th goal in 24 appearances so far this campaign.

Elsewhere
Once Caldas, winners of the Copa Libertadores in 2004, claimed their third Colombian league crown when completing a 5-2 aggregate win over Junior in the Apertura 2009. Holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg at home, the Manizales outfit won 3-1 in the return in Barranquilla thanks to goals from Alexis Henriquez, Alex Sinisterra and Dayron Perez. Haider Palacio it was who scored for the home side. The team coached by former Colombia coach Javier Alvarez will now take part in the 2010 edition of the Libertadores.

Over in Paraguay, Cerro Porteno were denied the opportunity to clinch the title with a match to spare when going down 3-0 at home against closest challengers Libertad. El Ciclón still have their fate in their hands, however, as they hold a two-point lead over Los Gumarelos going into the final matchday.

And finally to China, where leaders Beijing Guo'an and second-placed Shandong Luneng were held to 1-1 draws by Guangzhou Yiyao and Changsha Ginde respectively. Henan Jianye were the biggest beneficiaries, with their away win over Qingdao Jonoon taking them within two points of top spot.