River Plate and Brazilian Giants Clash in Copa Libertadores Quarter-Finals – Brazilian Serie A River Plate and Brazilian Giants Clash in Copa Libertadores Quarter-Finals – Brazilian Serie A
River Plate and Brazilian Giants Clash in Copa Libertadores Quarter-Finals – Brazilian Serie A

September 16, 2024

River Plate and Brazilian Giants Clash in Copa Libertadores Quarter-Finals – Brazilian Serie A

Credits to Brazilian Serie A Image Gallery

This week, South America’s most prestigious football tournament returns with a series of thrilling matchups. The Copa Libertadores is intensifying as only eight teams remain in the competition. Not surprisingly, five of these teams hail from Brazil, but River Plate of Argentina is still vying for a place in the final, hoping to secure a victory on home soil. Meanwhile, Peñarol from Uruguay and Colo-Colo from Chile are the two underdogs looking to defy the odds and make a deep run in the tournament.

Fluminense vs. Atlético Mineiro

Although Fluminense celebrated their first-ever Copa Libertadores title last season, their performance in the domestic league this year has yet to be stellar. This past weekend, they suffered their twelfth defeat of the league campaign, leaving them just two points above the relegation zone. Despite these struggles, they find themselves among the final eight teams in the Copa Libertadores.

Fluminense secured a narrow victory over Grêmio in their previous round, setting the stage for a challenging encounter with another Brazilian opponent: Atlético Mineiro. Mineiro sits in the middle of the league table, a position that falls short of their aspirations for a title challenge this season. However, they remain competitive in the continental tournament and the domestic cup.

Key players such as Hulk, Paulinho, and Gustavo Scarpa have been instrumental for Mineiro this season, showcasing their talent and experience. Nevertheless, Fluminense is well aware of the challenge ahead and can draw on their experience from last year’s triumph in the tournament. Both teams feature a wealth of talented players, and while Mineiro had been in good form, their recent 3-0 defeat to Bahia has raised questions. The first leg of this matchup will likely be a tense and cautious affair as both teams aim to maintain their chances heading into the second leg.

Credits to Brazilian Serie A Image Gallery

Colo-Colo vs. River Plate

Colo-Colo will enter this monumental clash with River Plate after enjoying a 10-day break. This respite comes on the heels of a cup loss to Magallanes, but before that, the Chilean team had gone an impressive 14 matches without defeat. They also dispatched Colombian side Junior with relative ease in the last round of the Copa Libertadores.

Meanwhile, River Plate is focused on revitalizing its season as it aims for a spot in the Copa Libertadores final at its home stadium. Although Colo-Colo presents a formidable challenge, the Argentine side is certainly favored to win. Under the guidance of its new coach, Marcelo Gallardo, River Plate has remained unbeaten in its last nine matches and celebrated a resounding 4-1 victory at home this past weekend.

At the Estadio Monumental, River Plate has consistently been one of the strongest teams in the Copa Libertadores. So, Colo-Colo must establish a considerable advantage at home in the first leg if they hope to advance further in the tournament.

Credits to Brazilian Serie A Image Gallery

Botafogo vs. São Paulo

Botafogo has been on the cusp of success for a few years; could this finally be their moment to shine? The Rio de Janeiro club has been unbeaten in their last six matches, including a victory over fierce rivals Flamengo and a decisive elimination of Palmeiras from the Copa Libertadores. This weekend, they secured a win against Corinthians in the league, pushing them three points at the top of the table. However, last season, they experienced a similarly promising start that ended in a disappointing finish.

São Paulo, last year’s Brazilian Cup winners, currently sit fifth, just nine points behind Botafogo. When the two teams met in the league two months ago, they played to a 2-2 draw, with nothing separating them.

Now, Botafogo is on a roll, while São Paulo, despite their significant tournament experience, has only managed to win one of its last four matches. The Rio side’s attacking prowess should prove overwhelming over the two-legged tie, and it would not be surprising to see them dominate in the first leg at home this week.

Credits to Brazilian Serie A Image Gallery

Flamengo vs. Peñarol

Five-time Copa Libertadores champions Peñarol proudly represent Uruguay after their city rivals, Nacional, were eliminated in the previous round of the tournament. They are set to face a Brazilian powerhouse, Flamengo, who have claimed the title three times. Notably, two of Flamengo’s victories came within the last five years, while Peñarol has not lifted the trophy since 1987. The dominance of the Brazilian league is increasingly overshadowing the historical glories of other clubs.

However, Flamengo experienced a shock this weekend when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by city rivals Vasco, courtesy of a late goal from Philippe Coutinho. This result leaves Flamengo in fourth place in the league, having secured just one win in their last five matches. Nonetheless, they undoubtedly possess the quality to overcome Peñarol in the Copa Libertadores.

Both teams faced Bolivian opponents in the last round, but while Flamengo struggled, Peñarol delivered a commanding performance against their rivals. Additionally, Peñarol’s home form during the group stage was impressive. If they can remain competitive after the first leg in Brazil, Montevideo is sure to be alive with excitement for what could be a thrilling second-leg encounter. Keep a close watch on this matchup.

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author
Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.