Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana, the last matches of the fifth day are played. Flamengo also on the pitch: news and predictions
Among the challenges that close the programme of the fifth day of the Copa Libertadores 2023 group stage is that of defending champions Flamengo, who with two matches still to play are not yet sure of qualification for the round of 16. The team coached by Argentine Jorge Sampaoli, which last year became South American champions for the third time in its history, has only five points in Group A.
But for the Rossoneri nothing is lost. They are level on points with Nublense, who have just failed to overtake them by drawing with a blank goal against Aucas. In the match against Racing Club, first in the standings with 10 points and already certain of the passage to the round, Flamengo therefore has the chance to definitively detach the Chileans and mortgage the qualification. The Mengao is on the upswing – the Sampaoli cure is working – and comes from eight consecutive useful results. Avellaneda’s club, on the other hand, is only shining in the cup and does not seem to be able to come out of the Maracana with any points in their pockets: in the championship they are seventeenth, far from the top positions, and only returned to winning ways at the weekend.
Also likely to win is Independente Medellin, who in Group B can overtake Nacional Montevideo by beating the disastrous Metropolitanos, who have lost four out of four. Finally, Olimpia Asuncion and Atletico Nacional, respectively second and first in Group H, both gained passes to the round of 16. Two nights ago, Melgar beat Patronato, giving the Paraguayans and Colombians arithmetic qualification. With no pressure, they should make for an eventful contest, with a goal on each side.
San Lorenzo back to the wall
In the Copa Sudamericana there is great balance in Group B, with four teams bunched within just four points. After last night’s draw between Emelec and Guaraní, Danubio have the opportunity to climb two places and hoist themselves into second place. The Uruguayans, although inconsistent, should avoid defeat against Argentinians Huracan.
San Lorenzo’s Vombergar in match against Palestino
In Group D, Sao Paulo, already qualified, against Tolima can score their fourth victory and consolidate their lead. San Lorenzo, on the other hand, will have to beat Palestino to avoid a resounding elimination. Head-to-head in Group G, where the surprising Goias is favourite against Gimnasia, last in the standings and almost hopeless. The round of 16 will remain a mirage, finally, for Cesar Vallejo and Magallanes, who can no longer reach Botafogo and LDU Quito: there should be no shortage of goals.
Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana: the possible winners
- Flamengo (in Flamengo-Racing Club, Libertadores 2:00)
- Independiente Medellin (in Metropolitanos-Ind. Medellin, Libertadores 0:00)
- San Paolo (in São Paulo-Tolima, Sudamericana 0:00)
- San Lorenzo (in San Lorenzo-Palestino, Sudamericana 2:00)
- Danubio or draw (in Danubio-Huracan, South American 0:00)
- Goias (in Goias-Gimnasia, South American 0:00)
