An Intense Week In The Libertadores: Ten exciting Games To Decide The Future Of America's Most Coveted Title.
Time is running out faster and faster for those candidates that have wasted the opportunity to secure their ticket to the knockouts in the first four games.
Out of the 20 squads playing this week, only Bolivian Jorge Wilstermann has been eliminated from the tournament. Independiente, Fluminense, Santos and LDU Quito must secure the full scoring to remain competitive in their respective groups.
Junior Barranquilla wants to keep its perfect record as the Colombian squad visits Brazil to lock horns with Gremio. Jaguares hosts reigning champion Internacional in a decisive group 6's six-pointer.
Follow all Copa Libertadores action and much more in LiveSoccerTV.com
Independiente and LDU Quito are occupying the last two positions in the eighth group, with four and six points respectively. Peñarol is the unexpected leader with nine points, two above Godoy Cruz.
A victory can take the Ecuadorians to the top while at the same time eliminating Independiente from the competition. A victory from the hosts will leave Liga at the bottom position with little hope to qualify to the round of sixteen.
Rojos' goalkeeper Hilario Navarro is ruled out due to injuries, making way for Fabian Assman, who showed to be in excellent form last weekend against Gimnasia La Plata for the Argentinean Clausura.
Winger Julián Velázquez and defender Leandro Gracián, on the other hand, are likely to return to the starting eleven. The visitors lose Norberto Araujo, Carlos Luna and Miller Bolaños, greatly undermining their performance in all fronts.
Last week's sound victory 5-0 against Peñarol boosted the morale of Edgardo Bauza's boys to the sky.
Independiente visits Uruguay for the final match of the round while Liga host Godoy Cruz in Quito.
Nothing can stop the Brazilian squad from defending their place as the American reigning champion in the round of sixteen. With 10 points, Internacional leads the group, while Jaguares and Emelec struggle for the second place.
A victory is mandatory for the Mexican squad to keep up with Emelec's pace, who visits Bolivia to lock horns with Jorge Wilstermann, a weak rival that has only scored one goal in the Libertadores while conceding 10.
Jaguares celebrated an important victory against Mexican leader Pumas last weekend 3-1, thanks to Antonio Pedroza's excellent form. He'll be taking over Jackson Martínez, who misses this clash due to injuries.
Pablo Guiñazú and Andrés D'Alessandro will command Internacional''s offensive at the Víctor Manuel Reyna, while Celso Roth adopts an offensive 4-3-3 formation with young Oscar joining Zé Roberto and Leandro Damião in the attack.
An interesting clash that will have a major impact on the development of the tournament, who'll claim the three points?
Caracas celebrated its only victory in the competition against Union Española, and they know the three points could take them to the top position as Velez Sarsfield and Universidad Catolica take on each other.
Caracas' coach Ceferino Bencomo will have to do without Nelson Barahona, ruled out due to disciplinary action. "We have to be more intelligent than our rival, never stop attacking. We must do what we've shown we can do, strong in the back and effective attacking" said Rojo's Edward Jimenez
Univerdad Española has not been able to keep up with the other Chilean squad in the group, as U Catolica is the leader with seven points. A defeat eliminates Union Española from the tournament, standing at the bottom with four points.
Caracas host Velez Sarsfield the next week, while Universidad Española stays in Chile to take on Universidad Catolica.
Cerro Porteño wants to secure its ticket to the knockouts after facing four consecutive defeats in the Paraguayan league. Jorge Luis Pintos' Deportivo Tachira rescued an important point last week in Asuncion, but it is yet to see how it all turns out in Venezuela.
Two Argentineans will be leading Cerro's attack, (Fredy Bareiro is ruled out due to injuries) Libertadores' top striker Roberto Nanni and young Juan Manuel Iturbe. César Benítez, Jorge Nuñez and Luis Cáceres won't be part of the match day squad, as team's coach Leo Astrada has not been satisfied by their performance in the last few games.
Azulgrana's captain and goalkeeper Diego Barreto is fully aware of what's at stake in this game. Deportivo Tachira has not yet celebrated a single victory in the tournament, occupying the bottom position in the group along with Santos with two points.
Deportivo's attacking duo, Julio Gutiérrez and Sergio Herrera will have a tough nut to crack this Wednesday at their own home. A victory can take them only one-point away from the top position, will they succeed?
Colo Colo is one step away from securing its ticket to the knockouts, but they'll have to deal first with Neymar's Santos, a rival that should never be taken for granted.
Elano, Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar himself (of excellent performance in the last friendly international against Scotland) will be a serious threat for the Chilean squad to advance to the next stage.
Colo Colo celebrated an important victory last week at home, claiming the top of the sixth group with six points. A victory is mandatory for Santos to recover their spirit, as they've only obtained two points after four Libertadores games and have just been defeated at the regional derby against Palmeiras for San Paulo tournament.
Colo Colo's most aggressive attackers, Esteban Paredes and Rodrigo Millar won't be able to perform as they struggle with injuries. Team's coach Americo Gallego has chosen Ezequiel Miralles and Daud Gazale as the attack leaders.
Only he fittest will make it to the round of sixteen.. Who'll claim this week's six-pointer?
Standing at the bottom position with four points, three points is all that separates Nacional from Argentinos Juniors, leader of the group. Fluminense is third with five points, but everything can change after this week's matches.
Uruguayan coach Juan Carrasco introduces a few modifications in his scheme to sharpen his attack. Winger Jackson Vieira and young midfielder Mauricio Pereira will take over Alejandro Lembo's and Bruno Fornaroli's place respectively.
The Brazilian squad is going through a difficult time, both in the Libertadores and in their domestic league. A goalless draw is the main precedent as Nacional visited Rio de Janeiro a few weeks ago.
A game that's worth much more than three points for both squads, who'll bag the victory?
Pedro Troglio's Bichitos Colorados want to prolong their leadership of the group as they visit the Azteca stadium on Wednesday's night. The Argentinean squad, unbeaten in the Clausura after eight games, might have to do without Santiago Salcedo and Sebastian Torren, both in physical distress after weekend's suffered victory against Banfield.
"A victory gives us the qualification. America chances its arm at the Azteca stadium, and we cannot speculate, we must secure the victory from the first minute on. A draw will be another favorable result, it'll be an open game with lots of room to create" said Argentinos' coach from Mexico days ago.
Aprill will be a busy month for America, as los Cremas lock horns with their antagonist Guadalajara next weekend. "it could become a difficult game if we don't focus, if we're thinking about the next game, when we must face this one first, of capital importance for the qualification" said America's midfielder Vicente Sanchez.
The Mexicans entertained the crowds last week with a delightful and sound victory over Puebla 5-4, becoming the most prolific team in the league with 25 goals after 13 games.
The winner takes all, who'll claim the full scoring?
Gremio looks forward to break Junior Barranquilla's perfect scoring as los Tiburones visit the Olimpico Monumental in Porto Alegre. "We must improve our defense playing, both in the midfield and the back line. We must identify the main playmakers and stop them from reaching our goal" said Gremio's defender Rafael Marques.
Renato Gaucho misses Carlos Alberto for the next two games, while winger Gilson is likely to make way for Bruno in the back line. Argentinean midfielder Damian Escudero is likely to replace Alberto leading the play.
Junior celebrated an important victory during the weekend against Real Cartagena, thanks to Juan Valencia's and Carlos Bacca's superb form. The victory at the local derby boosted the morale of the Colombian squad, who might have to do without Sherman Cárdenas, John Viáfara, Luis Páez and Jossymar Gómez.
The Brazilians need to secure at least one point to secure their ticket to the next stage, as Leon Huanuco is still eligible for qualification, occupying the third position with four points.
A vital clash for the future of America's most coveted title, who'll claim the three points?
Unable to obtain a single point after four Libertadores games, Jorge Wilstermann looks forward to stop Emelec from claiming its place among America's best sixteen. The Ecuadorians miss Eduardo Morante, Marcelo Fleitas, Javier Klimowicz and Edison Méndez, as according to Emelec's coach Omar Asad "Are not fully fit to perform, and I believe it's better not to risk him them needlessly.
Jorge Wilstermann's coach Marcelo Neveleff is likely to modify his scheme, looking forward to enjoy at least one American victory. Defenders Sergio Garzón and Diego Bengolea could play their debut match this week in Cochabamba.
Five times had Jorge Wilstermann and Emelec lock horns with each other, with three victories for Asad's Emelec and two for the Bolivian squad, back in 1996 and 1999. The hosts should be extremely careful to stop Cristian Menéndez and Walter Iza from wreaking havoc in Cochabamba.
Emelec chances its arm in Bolivian ground, would they manage to bag the full scoring?
Velez Sarsfield takes on group leader Universidad Catolica in a decisive six-pointer in the last part of the group stage. El Fortin recovers key offensive players such as Santiago Silva and Maxi Moralez, while the hosts modify their scheme, boosting their defense to stop the Argentinean squad from leapfrogging them and claim the top position.
Chilean striker Roberto Gutierrez will be making way for midfielder Felipe Gutierrez, who joins former Boca Juniors' Marcelo Cañete as leaders of the attack. Lucas Pratto will have to lead the attack on his own.
Velez showed strong signs of improvement last week in Bahia Blanca, defeating Olimpo 2-1. Ricardo Gareca adopts a clasic 4-3-1-2 formation to take full advantage of Juan Manuel Martinez's and Santiago Silva's offensive synergy.
A vital game for both squads, who'll manage to claim the full scoring?
Out of the 20 squads playing this week, only Bolivian Jorge Wilstermann has been eliminated from the tournament. Independiente, Fluminense, Santos and LDU Quito must secure the full scoring to remain competitive in their respective groups.
Junior Barranquilla wants to keep its perfect record as the Colombian squad visits Brazil to lock horns with Gremio. Jaguares hosts reigning champion Internacional in a decisive group 6's six-pointer.
Follow all Copa Libertadores action and much more in LiveSoccerTV.com
Independiente and LDU Quito are occupying the last two positions in the eighth group, with four and six points respectively. Peñarol is the unexpected leader with nine points, two above Godoy Cruz.
A victory can take the Ecuadorians to the top while at the same time eliminating Independiente from the competition. A victory from the hosts will leave Liga at the bottom position with little hope to qualify to the round of sixteen.
Rojos' goalkeeper Hilario Navarro is ruled out due to injuries, making way for Fabian Assman, who showed to be in excellent form last weekend against Gimnasia La Plata for the Argentinean Clausura.
Winger Julián Velázquez and defender Leandro Gracián, on the other hand, are likely to return to the starting eleven. The visitors lose Norberto Araujo, Carlos Luna and Miller Bolaños, greatly undermining their performance in all fronts.
Last week's sound victory 5-0 against Peñarol boosted the morale of Edgardo Bauza's boys to the sky.
Independiente visits Uruguay for the final match of the round while Liga host Godoy Cruz in Quito.
Nothing can stop the Brazilian squad from defending their place as the American reigning champion in the round of sixteen. With 10 points, Internacional leads the group, while Jaguares and Emelec struggle for the second place.
A victory is mandatory for the Mexican squad to keep up with Emelec's pace, who visits Bolivia to lock horns with Jorge Wilstermann, a weak rival that has only scored one goal in the Libertadores while conceding 10.
Jaguares celebrated an important victory against Mexican leader Pumas last weekend 3-1, thanks to Antonio Pedroza's excellent form. He'll be taking over Jackson Martínez, who misses this clash due to injuries.
Pablo Guiñazú and Andrés D'Alessandro will command Internacional''s offensive at the Víctor Manuel Reyna, while Celso Roth adopts an offensive 4-3-3 formation with young Oscar joining Zé Roberto and Leandro Damião in the attack.
An interesting clash that will have a major impact on the development of the tournament, who'll claim the three points?
Caracas celebrated its only victory in the competition against Union Española, and they know the three points could take them to the top position as Velez Sarsfield and Universidad Catolica take on each other.
Caracas' coach Ceferino Bencomo will have to do without Nelson Barahona, ruled out due to disciplinary action. "We have to be more intelligent than our rival, never stop attacking. We must do what we've shown we can do, strong in the back and effective attacking" said Rojo's Edward Jimenez
Univerdad Española has not been able to keep up with the other Chilean squad in the group, as U Catolica is the leader with seven points. A defeat eliminates Union Española from the tournament, standing at the bottom with four points.
Caracas host Velez Sarsfield the next week, while Universidad Española stays in Chile to take on Universidad Catolica.
Cerro Porteño wants to secure its ticket to the knockouts after facing four consecutive defeats in the Paraguayan league. Jorge Luis Pintos' Deportivo Tachira rescued an important point last week in Asuncion, but it is yet to see how it all turns out in Venezuela.
Two Argentineans will be leading Cerro's attack, (Fredy Bareiro is ruled out due to injuries) Libertadores' top striker Roberto Nanni and young Juan Manuel Iturbe. César Benítez, Jorge Nuñez and Luis Cáceres won't be part of the match day squad, as team's coach Leo Astrada has not been satisfied by their performance in the last few games.
Azulgrana's captain and goalkeeper Diego Barreto is fully aware of what's at stake in this game. Deportivo Tachira has not yet celebrated a single victory in the tournament, occupying the bottom position in the group along with Santos with two points.
Deportivo's attacking duo, Julio Gutiérrez and Sergio Herrera will have a tough nut to crack this Wednesday at their own home. A victory can take them only one-point away from the top position, will they succeed?
Colo Colo is one step away from securing its ticket to the knockouts, but they'll have to deal first with Neymar's Santos, a rival that should never be taken for granted.
Elano, Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar himself (of excellent performance in the last friendly international against Scotland) will be a serious threat for the Chilean squad to advance to the next stage.
Colo Colo celebrated an important victory last week at home, claiming the top of the sixth group with six points. A victory is mandatory for Santos to recover their spirit, as they've only obtained two points after four Libertadores games and have just been defeated at the regional derby against Palmeiras for San Paulo tournament.
Colo Colo's most aggressive attackers, Esteban Paredes and Rodrigo Millar won't be able to perform as they struggle with injuries. Team's coach Americo Gallego has chosen Ezequiel Miralles and Daud Gazale as the attack leaders.
Only he fittest will make it to the round of sixteen.. Who'll claim this week's six-pointer?
Standing at the bottom position with four points, three points is all that separates Nacional from Argentinos Juniors, leader of the group. Fluminense is third with five points, but everything can change after this week's matches.
Uruguayan coach Juan Carrasco introduces a few modifications in his scheme to sharpen his attack. Winger Jackson Vieira and young midfielder Mauricio Pereira will take over Alejandro Lembo's and Bruno Fornaroli's place respectively.
The Brazilian squad is going through a difficult time, both in the Libertadores and in their domestic league. A goalless draw is the main precedent as Nacional visited Rio de Janeiro a few weeks ago.
A game that's worth much more than three points for both squads, who'll bag the victory?
Pedro Troglio's Bichitos Colorados want to prolong their leadership of the group as they visit the Azteca stadium on Wednesday's night. The Argentinean squad, unbeaten in the Clausura after eight games, might have to do without Santiago Salcedo and Sebastian Torren, both in physical distress after weekend's suffered victory against Banfield.
"A victory gives us the qualification. America chances its arm at the Azteca stadium, and we cannot speculate, we must secure the victory from the first minute on. A draw will be another favorable result, it'll be an open game with lots of room to create" said Argentinos' coach from Mexico days ago.
Aprill will be a busy month for America, as los Cremas lock horns with their antagonist Guadalajara next weekend. "it could become a difficult game if we don't focus, if we're thinking about the next game, when we must face this one first, of capital importance for the qualification" said America's midfielder Vicente Sanchez.
The Mexicans entertained the crowds last week with a delightful and sound victory over Puebla 5-4, becoming the most prolific team in the league with 25 goals after 13 games.
The winner takes all, who'll claim the full scoring?
Gremio looks forward to break Junior Barranquilla's perfect scoring as los Tiburones visit the Olimpico Monumental in Porto Alegre. "We must improve our defense playing, both in the midfield and the back line. We must identify the main playmakers and stop them from reaching our goal" said Gremio's defender Rafael Marques.
Renato Gaucho misses Carlos Alberto for the next two games, while winger Gilson is likely to make way for Bruno in the back line. Argentinean midfielder Damian Escudero is likely to replace Alberto leading the play.
Junior celebrated an important victory during the weekend against Real Cartagena, thanks to Juan Valencia's and Carlos Bacca's superb form. The victory at the local derby boosted the morale of the Colombian squad, who might have to do without Sherman Cárdenas, John Viáfara, Luis Páez and Jossymar Gómez.
The Brazilians need to secure at least one point to secure their ticket to the next stage, as Leon Huanuco is still eligible for qualification, occupying the third position with four points.
A vital clash for the future of America's most coveted title, who'll claim the three points?
Unable to obtain a single point after four Libertadores games, Jorge Wilstermann looks forward to stop Emelec from claiming its place among America's best sixteen. The Ecuadorians miss Eduardo Morante, Marcelo Fleitas, Javier Klimowicz and Edison Méndez, as according to Emelec's coach Omar Asad "Are not fully fit to perform, and I believe it's better not to risk him them needlessly.
Jorge Wilstermann's coach Marcelo Neveleff is likely to modify his scheme, looking forward to enjoy at least one American victory. Defenders Sergio Garzón and Diego Bengolea could play their debut match this week in Cochabamba.
Five times had Jorge Wilstermann and Emelec lock horns with each other, with three victories for Asad's Emelec and two for the Bolivian squad, back in 1996 and 1999. The hosts should be extremely careful to stop Cristian Menéndez and Walter Iza from wreaking havoc in Cochabamba.
Emelec chances its arm in Bolivian ground, would they manage to bag the full scoring?
Velez Sarsfield takes on group leader Universidad Catolica in a decisive six-pointer in the last part of the group stage. El Fortin recovers key offensive players such as Santiago Silva and Maxi Moralez, while the hosts modify their scheme, boosting their defense to stop the Argentinean squad from leapfrogging them and claim the top position.
Chilean striker Roberto Gutierrez will be making way for midfielder Felipe Gutierrez, who joins former Boca Juniors' Marcelo Cañete as leaders of the attack. Lucas Pratto will have to lead the attack on his own.
Velez showed strong signs of improvement last week in Bahia Blanca, defeating Olimpo 2-1. Ricardo Gareca adopts a clasic 4-3-1-2 formation to take full advantage of Juan Manuel Martinez's and Santiago Silva's offensive synergy.
A vital game for both squads, who'll manage to claim the full scoring?
