Copa Sudamericana 2023 group stage: The exciting group stage comes to an end as the qualifiers for the Round of 16 are revealed

Author: Vishwajit Sawant

The group stage of the 2023 Copa Sudamericana has come to an end. With the exception of Santos, who finished third and were eliminated from the tournament, the Brazilian clubs performed well. Bragantino, São Paulo, Goiás and Fortaleza won their groups and advanced directly to the round of 16. Also present were LDU Quito, Guarani, Newell’s Old Boys and Defensa y Justicia.

América MG and Botafogo finished in second place and will now play in the round of 16 against the clubs that “fell” from the Copa Libertadores to this tournament, where they finished in third place. Among these teams is Corinthians.

1/16 (July 12-14. Return matches July 19-21)

Colo Colo (Chil) – América MG (Bra)

Patronato (Arg) – Botafogo (Bra)

Corinthians (Bra) – Universitario (Per)

Barcelona Guayaquil (Eq) – Estudiantes (Arg)

Libertad (Par) – Tigre (Arg)

Medellin (Colombia) – San Lorenzo (Arg)

Nublense (Chile) – Audax Italiano (Chile)

Sporting Cristal (Per) – Emelek (Eq.)

Group A

LDU Quito impressed throughout the group stage, showing their strength and consistency. With 3 wins and 3 draws in 6 games, the team remained unbeaten and took top spot with 12 points. The Ecuadorian team demonstrated their attacking prowess and solid defense, earning a well-deserved place in the Round of 16. Their clinical performances have put them in a favorable position for the knockout rounds. Brazilian team Botafogo finished second with 10 points and will have to go through the play-off round to advance. Magallanes and Cesar Vallejo were eliminated.

Group B

Guaraní finished top of Group B with a commendable performance. With 3 wins, 2 draws and just 1 defeat in 6 games, the Paraguayan club has shown its resilience and determination. Their attacking flair and tactical discipline were key to their 11-point haul, guaranteeing direct qualification for the last 16. Guaraní will be a team to watch in the next knockout phase. Emelec, from Ecuador, are runners-up with 9 points and have qualified for the play-offs, while Danubio and Huracán failed to reach the end of their journeys.

Group C

Red Bull Bragantino dominated Group C with a perfect record, winning all six of their matches and collecting an impressive 14 points. The Brazilian team showed a mixture of skillful attacking and organized defending, setting themselves up as strong contenders for the Copa Sudamericana title. Qualifying in first place guarantees a place in the Round of 16 and the team will be eager to keep up the winning momentum in the knockout rounds. Argentinian team Estudiantes de La Plata were a little unlucky as they also finished on 14 points, but will now have to play in the play-off round. Tacuary and Oriente, meanwhile, will have to come back and try to progress next year.

Group D

São Paulo showed their class and experience throughout Group D, remaining unbeaten with 5 wins and 1 draw, collecting 16 points. The Brazilian giants displayed a host of talents, both in defense and attack, making them a formidable force in the competition. São Paulo’s dominant display in the group stage earned them direct qualification for the Round of 16 and their aim is to continue their impressive run in the last 16. Another Argentinian side, Tigre, crossed the line with 10 points and will compete against one of the eight Copa Libertadores teams. Tolima and Puerto Cabello were eliminated.

Group E

In Group E of the 2023 Copa Sudamericana, Newell’s Old Boys emerged as the dominant force, leading the group with an exceptional performance. They won five of their six matches and drew one, collecting a total of 16 points. Consistent form and a strong display ensured direct qualification for the last 16. Audax Italiano confirmed second place with 11 points, earning them a place in the knockout round play-offs. Santos had a disappointing campaign, coming away with five points and being eliminated, while Blooming finished bottom of the table with just one point, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.

Group F

Defensa y Justicia emerged as the dominant force in Group F of the 2023 Copa Sudamericana, winning five of their six matches and suffering just one defeat. His consistent performance earned him first place with 15 points, guaranteeing direct qualification for the Round of 16. América Mineiro secured second place with 10 points thanks to their three wins, one draw and two defeats. They will now enter the play-offs in the knockout round. Millonarios had a competitive campaign, but finished in last place with 10 points, while Peñarol had a disappointing campaign, failing to win a single match and finishing bottom of the group.

Group G

Group G of the 2023 Copa Sudamericana was full of intense battles and very tight matches. Goiás emerged as group leaders with an impressive unbeaten record, winning three games and drawing three, amassing 12 points. They secured direct qualification for the Round of 16. Universitario secured second place with 10 points thanks to their three wins, one draw and two defeats. Santa Fe had a good campaign with seven points, but failed to advance, while Gimnasia y Esgrima struggled and finished bottom of the group with four points, which resulted in their elimination from the tournament.

Group H

Group H of the 2023 Copa Sudamericana witnessed fierce competition between four teams: Fortaleza, San Lorenzo, Palestino and Estudiantes de Mérida. Fortaleza put in an exceptional performance, securing five wins from six games and amassing an impressive 15 points to clinch top spot in the group. San Lorenzo finished in second place with two wins, two draws and two defeats, picking up 8 points and securing their place in the knockout round play-offs. Palestino fought valiantly but came up short, finishing in third place with the same 8 points, but with an inferior goal difference. Estudiantes de Mérida struggled throughout the group stage, managing just one win and finishing bottom.