Campeonato Paulista wrap: Big names progress

Sao Paulo and Palmeiras both booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Campeonato Paulista after victories on Sunday.

The two Brazilian giants will join Santos and Corinthians in the last four of the tournament, with Palmeiras claiming their spot thanks to a 2-1 home win against Mirassol.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side took the lead after just 10 minutes when Chilean Jorge Valdivia – the only player on the pitch that was not Brazilian – hit the back of the net.

Mirassol made a change after just 32 minutes, and manager Ivan Baitello’s decision to introduce Marcelinho in place of the carded Esley looked like a masterstroke after the former scored five minutes before half-time.

But Palmeiras have only lost one match all season at home and were not about to be overran by the visitors, with Marcio Araujo restoring their lead with his 56th-minute strike.

Xuxa was sent off for a second yellow card for the visitors shortly after Araujo’s goal, 10-man Mirassol could not muster another comeback.

In Sunday’s other match, Sao Paulo had a more routine win as they cruised to a 2-0 triumph against Portuguesa.

Ilsinho’s goal after 41 minutes gave Sao Paulo the lead and although the contest was not put beyond doubt until the final stages, striker Dagoberto’s goal with 10 minutes remaining sealed their progression.