Author: Soorya G
The quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana will be played over the next few days, with a series of exciting clashes. So far, the competition has been dominated by Brazilian teams, a not uncommon occurrence. Five teams from Brazil will be mentioned in the quarter-finals, with three of them facing clubs from other countries, while two teams from the country will compete against each other. The first of these games will be the clash between Brazilian giants Corinthians and Argentinian side Estudiantes. However, the match will take place against the backdrop of the tragic accident that took the lives of at least seven Corinthians fans on their way back from the game against Cruzeiro. Despite this, a series of thrilling matches is expected as the teams try to gain an advantage from the first leg.
All eyes are on Corinthians, who face Estudiantes, who are in mid-table
Corinthians have a crucial home game at the Arena Neo Química in São Paulo against Argentinian side Estudiantes. The hosts are currently in an uncomfortable situation in terms of recent results, having won just one of their last five games. It’s interesting to note that, before the drop, the team had been unbeaten for eleven games, although some unsatisfactory draws appeared towards the end of the run. Among other things, a week ago they were eliminated from the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil and are currently in 13th place in the league after 20 games.
Estudiantes, on the other hand, are on a much better run of form, having won six of their last seven games in all competitions. Despite what the results seem to suggest, the Corinthians are favorites to come away with a victory and will be even more determined to do so in the midst of the tragic accident. The prediction for the match between Corinthians and Estudiantes is 2-0.
Botafogo are strong favorites to advance against impressive Defensa y Justicia
Botafogo face the challenge of Defence and Justice, from Argentina, in their quarter-final match in the fight for the continental title in a spectacular season so far. A team that wasn’t even playing in Brazil’s top flight just two years ago has made remarkable progress this season, building on last year’s extraordinary 11th place finish to take top spot in the Brazilian Serie A.
With the support of the prolific Tiquinho Soares, Botafogo established an 11-point lead at the top. It’s true that the club’s top scorer won’t be able to help the team right now – he’s recovering from an injury. Both teams reached the quarter-finals quite easily and, although the Argentinians are doing very well, they are no match for Botafogo’s high standards. As such, the leaders of the Brazilian league are expected to win, and the score prediction for the match is 3-1.
América Mineiro wants to surprise Fortaleza to save their horror season
América Mineiro have been in terrible form this season, picking up just two wins in 19 games. Only promoted to the top flight in 2021, América did very well in the following two seasons, before enduring an incredibly difficult campaign this time around. The team is currently in last place in the league. However, having made it this far in the Sudamericana, the team will want to advance.
Meanwhile, Brazilian side Fortaleza are going through a similar campaign to last season, where they performed well, but only in phases. However, Fortaleza are in a much better position than their opponents, having won eight of their 20 Serie A games. They have now climbed to eighth place in the Brazilian league. The club will be hoping for a satisfactory performance in the first leg away to América Mineiro, given their superior form. The expected score for the first leg is 1-0 in favor of Fortaleza.
The strengthened São Paulo want to advance while LDU Quito are waiting
São Paulo have made some important signings in recent weeks, such as Colombian James Rodrigues. The former Real Madrid player has undoubtedly strengthened the team, as has the return of Lucas Moura, who concluded a long stay at Tottenham Hotspur. Recently, São Paulo also surprised the giant
Corinthians in the Copa do Brasil with a 2-0 victory (having reached the final of the Copa do Brasil)
and are approaching the quarter-finals after an excellent comeback win against San Lorenzo in the previous round.
The team first travels to Ecuador to face LDU Quito in the first leg, who have been a consistent force on the Ecuadorian soccer scene. Having just started their league campaign, LDU Quito want to make life difficult for the Brazilians in the first leg, but they know that a positive result will be an incredibly difficult task. Likewise, São Paulo know they are the big favorites, and the score prediction for the first leg against LDU Quito is 2-0.