体坛英语新闻：Santos beats Sao Paulo 3-2 in semifinals of state tournament

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 11 (Xinhua) -- In the first leg of their semifinals match, Santos defeated Sao Paulo at the Morumbi stadium on Sunday by the score of 3-2.

The win gives the team an edge in their return leg and the hopes of advancing to the Sao Paulo state finals.

Santos jumped out to a two goal lead in the first half. Leo took a shot on goal at a tough angle that ended up being deflected by Sao Paulo's Junior Cesar, entering the goal in the 26th minute. Santos’Andre redirected a crossed ball from Neymar in the 40th minute, reaching the ball before the defense of Junior Cesar and sending the ball past Sao Paulo's goalie Rogerio Ceni.

Sao Paulo responded by scoring two consecutive goals. The first came in the 53rd minute when Hernanes drove through the defense, sending the ball on an angle past the Santos goalkeeper Felipe. Again in the 67th minute, Sao Paulo score and tied the match at 2-2. Cicinho crossed the ball, finding Dagoberto who headed the ball past Felipe.

However, Santos pulled off a last minute goal in the 90th minute, giving them the win. Off a stopped ball, Madson centered the ball, finding Durval at the far goalpost. All alone, Durval headed the ball into the Sao Paulo net.

The result on the road gives Santos the advantage of being able to lose at home next Sunday by a one goal differential. For Sao Paulo, the team will need to win by two goals or more in order to advance into the state finals.