Libertadores Quarter-Finals Are A Melting Pot: Seven Nations Struggle For The American Glory
Peñarol defeated Libertadores' reigning champion Internacional last week in Porto Alegre and gained their presence in the quarter-finals.
The highly experienced Uruguayan Squad hosts Univerdad Catolica at the Centenario this Wednesday.
Only one Argentinean squad made it this far in the Libertadores. Ricardo Gareca's Velez Sarsfield will be taking on Libertad, this Tuesday in Liniers.
Cerro Porteño's Roberto Nanni became Libertadores' top-scorer last week, along with Cruzeiro's Wallyson. The Argentinean striker played a major role in Cerro's victory over Atletico Junior in Barranquilla, and will be the main referent of the attack against Jaguares.
Only the fittest four will make it into the semi-finals. Who'll survive Libertadores' endless struggle?
Los Carboneros prepares for a decisive clash this Tuesday in Uruguay. Peñarol lost the Uruguayan Clasico last weekend against Nacional, losing the top position only four games away from the end.
Universidad Catolica misses central defender David Henriquez, struggling with injuries.
Peñarol's coach Diego Aguirre will have to do without Carlos Valdes, ruled out with a muscular fatigue.
The Uruguayans want to lift their sixth Libertadores title, while the Chileans are confident they can reach the grand finale for the second time in their history, and this time claim the title. Eighteen years ago, Santos stopped Universidad Catolica from lifting their first Libertadores title.
Both Universidad and Peñarol eliminated Brazilian powerhouses to advance to the quarter finals: Universidad defeated Gremio, while Peñarol defied the champion in Porto Alegre to claim its ticket to this round.
An exciting clash between two dangerous American rivals, who deserves the victory?
Velez Sarsfield host Libertad this Thursday at the Bombonera. The only Argentinean survivor must secure a positive result if they're truly meant to reach Libertadores' semi-finals.
Ricardo Gareca recovers Juan Manuel Martinez and Victor Zapata for this clash, and Maxi Moralez appears to be fully fit to return to the starting squad. Velez's top striker Santiago Silva is set to miss this game as he struggles with a leg injury.
"Every game is different. I know Velez is a dangerous rival, but we have our own, we have faith. We'll do what we do best, we'll offer the football we like to play" said Libertad's coach Gregorio Perez from Asuncion.
Libertad eliminated Fluminense in the Round of Sixteen to claim its place among America's Best Eight. Velez Sarsfield eliminated LDU in Quito, where the Ecuadorians had won the previous seven games.
Velez Sarsfield is leading the Argentinean Clausura with 27 points after 13 games. As long as Libertad rescues at least one point in Argentina, the Paraguayans can dream with a final between two Guarani squads.
Can Libertad stop Velez from securing the victory?
Leonardo Astrada's Cerro travel to Mexico to lock horns with Jaguares. Four victories and one tied game is the enviable record of the Mexicans at the Victor Manuel Reyna stadium.
Cerro Porteño, on the other hand, has kept a favorable record playing away, with two victories and three draws. Leo Astrada trusts Libertadores' top striker Roberto Nanni to lead the attack. 17-years old Juan Manuel Iturbe could return to the starting eleven.
"We'll do our best to win. We know Jaguares will be a tough nut to crack, they play excellent football, they advanced to the quarter-finals at the last minute, playing away. But we are in excellent form ourselves" said Cerro's striker Roberto Nanni.
Jaguares' coach Jose Guadalupe Cruz will most likely opt for Fabian Villaseñor to guard the posts. Cruz will have to do without Jackson Martinez, ruled out due to disciplinary action, and he has not yet confirmed whether Antonio Pedroza or Julio Frías will join the attack against Cerro.
"Playing the Libertadores Cup is important, especially for a team that's starting its history as Jaguares. We have to enjoy our opportunity to join the best eight" said Jaguares' Uruguayan midfielder Jorge Rodriguez.
Jaguares was born in 2002 and in less than 9 years they've made it further than any other Mexican squad in the Libertadores. A vital clash for the American glory, who will be successful?
Once Caldas and Santos struggle for a place in the semi-finals. The Colombians eliminated Cruzeiro in the round of sixteen, and reach this game at the top of the Colombian league after defeating Atletico Huila 2-1 last weekend. Santos is going through an excellent moment, and could be crowned Torneo Paulista's champions this weekend if Muricy Ramalho's boys defeat Corinthians.
Santos' striker Neymar is one of the main reasons why the Brazilians have made it this far in the Libertadores. "He is one of the best players in the world, we need at least two players in order to gain his back" said Once Caldas' midfielder Harrison Henao.
"He's a complete player, he knows how to maneuver the ball, he is an excellent shooter, and is versatile enough to lead the attack towards any direction" added Once Caldas' coach Juan Carlos Osorio prior to this game.
Once Caldos and Santos faced each other seven years ago in the quarter-finals. Both teams shared points in Brazil, but Arnulfo Valentierra granted Once Caldas the victory in Manizales back in 2004.
Once Caldas has not been able to celebrate a single victory in Manizales so far in this year's edition of the Copa Libertadores.
Santos' coach misses playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso and Arouca. Brazilian international Elano will replace Ganso in the creativity department, while Rodrigo Possebon could join the starting eleven instead of Arouca. Once Caldas' boss misses Carlos Carbonero (sent off last week against Cruzeiro) and Elkin Calle.
"At this stage, anyone can beat anyone. There are excellent teams, all of them equally eligible for the Libertadores title" added Osorio.
The highly experienced Uruguayan Squad hosts Univerdad Catolica at the Centenario this Wednesday.
Only one Argentinean squad made it this far in the Libertadores. Ricardo Gareca's Velez Sarsfield will be taking on Libertad, this Tuesday in Liniers.
Cerro Porteño's Roberto Nanni became Libertadores' top-scorer last week, along with Cruzeiro's Wallyson. The Argentinean striker played a major role in Cerro's victory over Atletico Junior in Barranquilla, and will be the main referent of the attack against Jaguares.
Only the fittest four will make it into the semi-finals. Who'll survive Libertadores' endless struggle?
Los Carboneros prepares for a decisive clash this Tuesday in Uruguay. Peñarol lost the Uruguayan Clasico last weekend against Nacional, losing the top position only four games away from the end.
Universidad Catolica misses central defender David Henriquez, struggling with injuries.
Peñarol's coach Diego Aguirre will have to do without Carlos Valdes, ruled out with a muscular fatigue.
The Uruguayans want to lift their sixth Libertadores title, while the Chileans are confident they can reach the grand finale for the second time in their history, and this time claim the title. Eighteen years ago, Santos stopped Universidad Catolica from lifting their first Libertadores title.
Both Universidad and Peñarol eliminated Brazilian powerhouses to advance to the quarter finals: Universidad defeated Gremio, while Peñarol defied the champion in Porto Alegre to claim its ticket to this round.
An exciting clash between two dangerous American rivals, who deserves the victory?
Velez Sarsfield host Libertad this Thursday at the Bombonera. The only Argentinean survivor must secure a positive result if they're truly meant to reach Libertadores' semi-finals.
Ricardo Gareca recovers Juan Manuel Martinez and Victor Zapata for this clash, and Maxi Moralez appears to be fully fit to return to the starting squad. Velez's top striker Santiago Silva is set to miss this game as he struggles with a leg injury.
"Every game is different. I know Velez is a dangerous rival, but we have our own, we have faith. We'll do what we do best, we'll offer the football we like to play" said Libertad's coach Gregorio Perez from Asuncion.
Libertad eliminated Fluminense in the Round of Sixteen to claim its place among America's Best Eight. Velez Sarsfield eliminated LDU in Quito, where the Ecuadorians had won the previous seven games.
Velez Sarsfield is leading the Argentinean Clausura with 27 points after 13 games. As long as Libertad rescues at least one point in Argentina, the Paraguayans can dream with a final between two Guarani squads.
Can Libertad stop Velez from securing the victory?
Leonardo Astrada's Cerro travel to Mexico to lock horns with Jaguares. Four victories and one tied game is the enviable record of the Mexicans at the Victor Manuel Reyna stadium.
Cerro Porteño, on the other hand, has kept a favorable record playing away, with two victories and three draws. Leo Astrada trusts Libertadores' top striker Roberto Nanni to lead the attack. 17-years old Juan Manuel Iturbe could return to the starting eleven.
"We'll do our best to win. We know Jaguares will be a tough nut to crack, they play excellent football, they advanced to the quarter-finals at the last minute, playing away. But we are in excellent form ourselves" said Cerro's striker Roberto Nanni.
Jaguares' coach Jose Guadalupe Cruz will most likely opt for Fabian Villaseñor to guard the posts. Cruz will have to do without Jackson Martinez, ruled out due to disciplinary action, and he has not yet confirmed whether Antonio Pedroza or Julio Frías will join the attack against Cerro.
"Playing the Libertadores Cup is important, especially for a team that's starting its history as Jaguares. We have to enjoy our opportunity to join the best eight" said Jaguares' Uruguayan midfielder Jorge Rodriguez.
Jaguares was born in 2002 and in less than 9 years they've made it further than any other Mexican squad in the Libertadores. A vital clash for the American glory, who will be successful?
Once Caldas and Santos struggle for a place in the semi-finals. The Colombians eliminated Cruzeiro in the round of sixteen, and reach this game at the top of the Colombian league after defeating Atletico Huila 2-1 last weekend. Santos is going through an excellent moment, and could be crowned Torneo Paulista's champions this weekend if Muricy Ramalho's boys defeat Corinthians.
Santos' striker Neymar is one of the main reasons why the Brazilians have made it this far in the Libertadores. "He is one of the best players in the world, we need at least two players in order to gain his back" said Once Caldas' midfielder Harrison Henao.
"He's a complete player, he knows how to maneuver the ball, he is an excellent shooter, and is versatile enough to lead the attack towards any direction" added Once Caldas' coach Juan Carlos Osorio prior to this game.
Once Caldos and Santos faced each other seven years ago in the quarter-finals. Both teams shared points in Brazil, but Arnulfo Valentierra granted Once Caldas the victory in Manizales back in 2004.
Once Caldas has not been able to celebrate a single victory in Manizales so far in this year's edition of the Copa Libertadores.
Santos' coach misses playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso and Arouca. Brazilian international Elano will replace Ganso in the creativity department, while Rodrigo Possebon could join the starting eleven instead of Arouca. Once Caldas' boss misses Carlos Carbonero (sent off last week against Cruzeiro) and Elkin Calle.
"At this stage, anyone can beat anyone. There are excellent teams, all of them equally eligible for the Libertadores title" added Osorio.
