While footballing action on several continents has already ground to a halt for the festive break, leagues throughout South and Central America continue to throw up exciting climaxes to their championship races. FIFA.com brings you the best of another weekend packed with goals, excitement and silverware.

South America: Big boys take centre stage
In the final of the Chilean Clausura 2008, Colo Colo won their second leg with Palestino 3-1 to claim the 28th title of their illustrious history. Lucas Barrios, Daud Gazale and Rodrigo Millar scored for El Cacique, who thus overcame the disappointment of losing the Apertura 2008 final against Everton. Barrios's goal was his 37th of the calendar year, equalling the record set by Luis Hernan Alvarez in 1963. The victory marked Colo Colo's first silverware under Argentinian coach and club icon, Marcelo Barticciotto.

In Colombia, meanwhile, America de Cali ended a six-year title drought by chalking up another win over Deportivo Independiente Medellin and taking the Clausura 2008 title. After going a goal down early on, Diego Umana's charges eventually ran out 3-1 winners thanks to a strike from Adrian Ramos, a James Ramos own-goal and an effort from Jaime Cordoba. The win ensured Los Diablos Rojos celebrated their 13th championship success, going level with Bogota club Millonarios as Colombia's most successful club.

The big game: In the three-team mini-league for the Apertura title in Argentina, Boca Juniors beat San Lorenzo 3-1 to move one step away from winning their first league crown since mid-2006. Lucas Viatri, Rodrigo Palacio and Cristian Chavez all scored for Los Xeneizes, with former Real Madrid and Inter Milan winger Santiago Solari replying for El Ciclón. This result means Boca can even afford to lose by a one-goal margin in Tuesday's match against Tigre and still take the honours. Tigre must beat Boca by two goals to secure their first league success, while San Lorenzo are now out of the running.

Headline-grabbers: The final round of matches in the Apertura tournament in Uruguay was suspended for security reasons. The four teams still in the race for the championship, which will not resume until 2009, are Danubio, Nacional (29 points each), Racing and Defensor Sporting (both on 27).

Central America: Oft-repeated celebrations
Deportivo Saprissa won their fifth successive Costa Rican title on Saturday, with a 3-0 second-leg victory over arch-rivals Alajuelense in the final of the Invierno (Winter) tournament. El Monstruo Morado went into the match two goals down from the first leg, but levelled the tie within 13 minutes via goals from Alejandro Alpizar and Armando Alonso. Jairo Arrieta's late goal, which came seven minutes from full time, clinched the win and Saprissa's 28th league title.

Over in Guatemala, a late headed goal from Costa Rican star Rolando Fonseca earned Comunicaciones a 1-1 second-leg draw against Municipal, thus snatching the Apertura crown from their fierce rivals' grasp. Los Cremas, who now have 22 titles to their name, had won the first leg 2-1. They remain four behind Los Rojos, who are the country's record champions.

The big match: Isidro Metapan were crowned champions of the El Salvadorian Apertura on Sunday after beating Chalatenango 4-3 on penalties, after the sides had drawn 3-3 following extra time. Hero of the final was goalkeeper Dagoberto Portillo, who saved two spot-kicks in the shootout. Metapan won their second title in their third final appearance since their foundation in 2000.

Headline-grabbers: Costa Rican football followers have had to wait 60 years to see a team crowned champions after losing the first leg of the final. Prior to Saprissa's success this year, the last side to do so were Herediano in 1947, who edged out La Libertad over three matches.

South African Premiership: Ajax back on top
Ajax Cape Town, who have a game in hand, took full advantage of leaders SuperSport United's 1-0 away defeat by Santos to take top spot in South Africa with a 1-0 home win over Mamelodi Sundowns. Golden Arrows, who had been in third place, were beaten 2-1 at home by Bay United.

The big match: Kaizer Chiefs led 2-0 against Platinum Stars and appeared all set to end a run of three games without a win, only for the Stars to grab a draw with two goals in the last seven minutes.

Headline-grabbers: Surprise package Bidvest Wits University continued their march up the table with a 1-0 away win over Moroka Swallows and now lie third, three points behind the leaders.

Elsewhere
Fresh from taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008, Waitakere United had few problems in overcoming Young Heart Manawatu 3-0 to move into second place in New Zealand's top flight, and with two games in hand. Waikato FC remain in first place, however, after a routine 2-0 success over Team Wellington. Three teams, Auckland City, Hawkes Bay United and Young Heart Manawatu, have a share of third spot.