Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana, tonight there are several matches scheduled for matchday five: news and predictions.
The group stage of South America’s two main footballing events, the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, is drawing to a close. In the premier competition, six matches are being played tonight (Italian time) on matchday five: the first two in each group go through, while the third – as in the Champions League – relegates to the less important and prestigious cup.
A lot of eyes are on group F, where Jorge Almiron’s Boca Juniors have been drawn. The Xeneizes, fresh from their league defeat against Arsenal Sarandí, have the opportunity to qualify for the knockout phase with one round to spare by beating Chilean side Colo-Colo, currently third, but who, in the event of victory in Buenos Aires, would be in with a chance of at least second place. The first leg ended 2-0 to the Argentinians. And this time, too, Benedetto and his team-mates, urged on by the warmth of the ‘Bombonera’ crowd, should bring home the three points, turning the page immediately after the false step in the Liga Profesional: the total number of goals could be at least three. Athletico Paranaense, who are facing Libertad in front of their home crowd, are on the hunt for a crucial success. The Brazilians lead the Group G standings, but Athletico Mineiro and the Paraguayans are one point behind, so anything is still possible.
A Athletico Paranaense are favourably placed but, in the same vein as the first leg, which ended 2-1 to the Rossoneri, it will be a close contest. The surprising Bolivar, first in its group along with the emblazoned Palmeiras, should have an easy time with the tail-end Cerro Porteno. The Colombian side Deportivo Pereira, who have won four of their last five matches and have the opportunity to secure their place in the group against last-place Monagas, are also favourites. Goals in sight, finally, in Melgar-Patronato and Alianza Lima-Atletico Mineiro.
In the Copa Sudamericana it’s the turn of Retegui’s Tigre
In the Copa Sudamericana it is the turn of Mateo Retegui’s Tigre, a striker recently called up with the national team by Roberto Mancini thanks to his Italian origins.
Retegui (in red and blue shirt) against Sao Paulo
The red and blues are second in the round behind Sao Paulo and are expected to deliver another goleada to Puerto Cabello, still on 0 points after five matches and already overwhelmed 3-0 in the first leg. In tonight’s other matches, LDU Quito and Santos are expected to make the most of their home turf against Botafogo and Newell’s Old Boys, while the America Mineiro-Millonarios clash is difficult to pinpoint.
