Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana, eyes on Demichelis’ River Plate, at risk of elimination: news and predictions
The group stage is winding down in the Copa Libertadores, and last night the first verdicts came in. Boca Juniors, for example, beat Colo-Colo and advanced to the round of 16. Twenty-four hours later, it was the turn of the other big name of Argentine football, which risks a resounding elimination. We are talking about River Plate, last in Group D with two rounds to go. Martin Demichelis’ Millonarios did not go beyond a draw on the last day against Peruvians Sporting Cristal and now have to win at all costs.
River, coached since last November by the former Bayern Munich defender, have no other result at their disposal against Fluminense, who only need a win in their last two games to be certain of snatching a pass to the round of 16. And pass as first, as it looks down on everyone thanks to the nine points won out of 15 available. One can therefore bet a token on the red and whites, who are more motivated and, above all, driven by the incessant cheering of the Monumental. The situation of Palmeiras, second in Group C behind the surprising Bolivar, who yesterday secured first place by virtue of their success against Cerro Porteno, is decidedly quieter. Prior to the scintillating direct clash scheduled for the final day, the São Paulo green-and-whites go in search of three points in the match against Barcelona SC. The realistic goal for the Ecuadoreans, who were already comprehensively beaten in the first leg, is to finish third and guarantee themselves relegation to the Copa Sudamericana at the expense of Cerro Porteno.
River Plate and Corinthians risk elimination
Another interesting match on the night’s agenda is between Ecuadorians Independiente del Valle and Corinthians. In the first leg, Timao were caught out at home (1-2) and now, should they fail to win in Ecuador, they run the risk of having to settle for third place.
Artur del Palmeiras
The hosts are likely to avoid defeat against a talented but so far too inconsistent line-up. Bolivians The Strongest are also likely to get a positive result, as they host Peruvians Sporting Cristal, both in the same group as River Plate. There should be no shortage of goals in the challenge between Argentinos Juniors, first with eight points in Group E, and Uruguayans Liverpool. A very balanced match between Nacional and Internacional is on the horizon. Three matches of the Copa Sudamericana, the second most important competition, are also played during the night. We expect a comfortable victory for Chile’s Audax, who will be up against bottom-of-the-table Blooming, which is anchored in last place with zero points. Three points are also on the way for the Argentinians from Estudiantes, while Emelec-Guaranì should be a prolific contest.
