Sao Paulo through to Libertadores semis after shoot-out

Defending champions Sao Paulo scraped into the semi-finals of the Libertadores Cup on Wednesday by beating Argentina's Estudiantes on penalties.

They were joined by fellow Brazilians Internacional who overcame Ecuador's LDU 2-0 in their quarter-final second leg for a 2-1 aggregate win. Internacional will face Paraguay's Libertad in the semi-finals.

Sao Paulo won 4-3 in the shoot-out after their 1-0 home win at the Morumbi stadium levelled the aggregate score at 1-1.

The game ended in ugly scenes as dozens of Sao Paulo fans ran onto the field to celebrate, forcing the players to rush to the changing rooms.

Estudiantes had won by the same score in the first game played in early May before the World Cup. They had changed coaches since with former Argentina captain Diego Simeone replacing Jorge Burruchaga.

Flamengo drew first blood in the Copa Brasil final by beating arch-rivals Vasco da Gama 2-0 in the first leg at the Maracana stadium on Wednesday. Substitute Obina opened the scoring in the 59th minute when he volleyed home from just inside the penalty area. Former Brazil striker Luizao headed the second three minutes later. The winners of the Copa Brasil qualify for next year's Libertadores Cup.