Author: Barkha Roy
Internacional are ready to face Independiente Medellín in the final group game of the 2023 Copa Libertadores. The match will take place at the Beira-Rio stadium, and both teams have a lot at stake.
Independiente Medellín are currently top of the group with 10 points, thanks to their 1-0 away win against Metropolitanos. They are one point ahead of Internacional, who drew 1-1 with Nacional in their previous match. A win in this game would guarantee Independiente Medellín’s place in the last 16.
Internacional, on the other hand, have been missing opportunities to secure their place in the knockout phase. The team wasted four points from winning positions in the second half of their matches. They are currently just one point above Nacional, who are in third place. For Internacional to secure their place in the last 16, they need to win this crucial match.
Internacional have a history of qualifying for the knockout phase in recent years. The team has reached the last 16 in each of its Libertadores appearances over the last 12 years, narrowly securing its place by a single point in 2020 and 2021.
Meanwhile, Club Libertad and Atlético Mineiro are set to meet in a crucial Copa Libertadores clash at the Estadio Tigo La Huerta on Tuesday. Libertad are currently three points behind Atlético Mineiro in Group G, and the match is of great importance for both teams, who are fighting for a place in the next round.
Atletico Mineiro, under the leadership of legendary coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, will be aiming to inflict more pain on Libertad in the Copa Libertadores. If they secure maximum points, their winning streak could be extended to four games. Scolari took over from Eduardo Coudet a week ago, but has yet to record a win in the two games he has managed.
A win for Atlético Mineiro and a failure for Athletico Paranaense, who are top of the table, would see Scolari’s team finish top of Group G. Such an outcome remains a realistic possibility. However, a heavy defeat against Libertad could see the team drop to third place, missing out on a place in the Copa Sudamericana instead of progressing to the knockout rounds of the Copa Libertadores.
In addition, Fluminense and Sporting Cristal face each other in the last game of the Copa Libertadores group stage, and the result of that match will have significant implications for both teams.
Fluminense are currently top of Group D and have the advantage going into the match. However, the group is very tight and a defeat in this game could see the team drop to third place, resulting in their elimination from the Copa Libertadores and qualification for the Copa Sudamericana.
The result of this game will determine whether Fluminense can maintain their position at the top of Group D or drop to third place. The team will need to be consistent and determined to secure a favorable result and ensure their qualification for the next round of the Copa Libertadores.
On the other hand, Athletico Paranaense will host Alianza Lima at the Arena da Baixada on Tuesday, in the last round of the Copa Libertadores group stage. Athletico want to secure first place in Group G, while Alianza Lima want to avoid total elimination from the continental competition.
Athletico Paranaense have already booked their place in the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Libertad on the penultimate matchday. The team is currently top of Group G with maximum points. However, they could be overtaken if they don’t match Atlético Mineiro’s result in the final game.
Atlético Mineiro are just one point behind Athletico Paranaense in the standings, and their nine points put them in a position to potentially clinch first place in the group. The recent change in coaching, with Wesley Carvalho taking over as interim coach after Paulo Turra’s departure, adds an element of uncertainty to Athletico Paranaense’s performance in this crucial match.
Although Athletico Paranaense have had mixed results away from home in the Copa Libertadores, with one win, one draw and one defeat, the team have been impeccable at the Arena da Baixada, securing two wins from two matches. That home advantage makes them favorites for Tuesday’s game.
Corinthians will be looking for a better result after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Atlético PR in their previous Serie A match. Liverpool FC come into this game on the back of a 3-0 win against Nacional de Football in the Intermediate Round. The last time the two teams met was on June 4, 2023 in the Copa Libertadores, when Corinthians won 3-0.
Flamengo, buoyed by their recent success, will be looking to repeat their form following their 3-2 win against Santos in Serie A. Aucas, on the other hand, drew 0-0 with Nublense in the Copa Libertadores. The last time these clubs met was on April 5, 2023, in the Copa Libertadores, when Aucas beat Flamengo 2-1.
Palmeiras will be eager for a better result after their 0-1 defeat in their last Serie A match against Botafogo. Bolívar go into this game with confidence after securing a 2-0 win against Cerro Porteño in the Copa Libertadores. In their previous six matches, Bolívar have scored a total of 13 goals, conceding 6 in return. The last time these teams met in the league was on April 6, 2023, in the Copa Libertadores, when Bolívar beat Palmeiras 3-1.
Key players
Paulinho was the competition’s top scorer with seven goals. He was also the player who contributed most in the match with four assists. However, the 22-year-old has yet to score against Libertad in the ongoing competition. So if he can do that and lead the team to a draw in the game, the Brazilians will go through to the next round.
German Cano is the tournament’s third top scorer with five goals. He has been instrumental for Fluminense and will try to do the same when the Tricolor play Cristal in their next match.
Forecasts
Palmeiras will win the game and record a clean sheet. It is very likely that Bolívar will face significant difficulties in scoring against Palmeiras, considering the latter’s ability to dominate every aspect of the game. So we expect the Brazilians to win the game easily and not concede a single goal.
The Brazilian team can take solace in the fact that this match will be played at home, where they are more willing and precise. On the other hand, Independiente Medellín’s recent performances have been inconsistent and, considering that their opponents have had success in similar situations, we’re inclined to favor the home side to secure the win.