The Copa Libertadores Is Coming Back With A Bang

This week the Copa Libertadores returns. South America’s grandest stage is set, the groups have been drawn and some of the finest young talents on the planet are ready to shine.

Brazilian powerhouses Flamengo and Palmeiras are undoubtedly tournament favourites, but last year’s Champions Fluminense will want to have a say this year too. The other Brazilian sides are all in with a chance too, and amongst the tournament top dogs are River Plate who will be flying the flag for Argentina.

Independiente del Valle of Ecuador are the first team from outside Brazil or Argentina on the bookmakers favourites list, but the two-time Copa Sudamericana Champions are still a very outside bet.

The group stage action starts this week so let’s take a look at some of the most exciting match-ups to keep your eyes on:

Millonarios (Colombia) V Flamengo (Brazil)

Flamengo had an underwhelming season last time out in both the league and Copa Libertadores, especially by the high standards they have been setting lately. They won the Brazilian Série A title in 2019 and 2020, and the Copa Libertadores itself in 2019 and 2022. They are looking to avenge last year’s failure, not least because their fierce rivals Fluminense went on to lift the continental trophy.

Millonarios are traditionally one of Colombia’s biggest clubs and they did win a league title last year. However they have started this season slowly, with just five wins in 15 league matches. Thankfully, they have won their last two games, including a big derby victory over Bogotá rivals Santa Fe. They will be hoping that home advantage can help to shock cup candidates Flamengo.

The Strongest (Bolivia) V Grêmio (Brazil)

The Strongest have little to no chance of winning the Copa Libertadores, and yet they are the favourites every time they play at home, no matter the visitors. Thanks to the altitude advantage they have in La Paz, even the greatest of opponents often fall to defeat here. Last year the Strongest didn’t get out of the group, but they still defeated River Plate and eventual tournament winners Fluminense at home. The year before they smashed Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense 5-0 too.

Grêmio made a late surge for the Brazilian title last season, and at one stage looked like they were going to sneak over the line. This was during their first year back in the top flight too. However last year they also had Luis Suárez, one of the greatest players of this generation, who has now moved on to Inter Miami. Grêmio have invested in the likes of Diego Costa and Yeferson Soteldo to try and replace some of the magic of the Uruguayan, but whether they can win the cup this year, or manage the altitude in Bolivia, is yet to be revealed.

Deportivo Táchira (Venezuela) V River Plate (Argentina)

This fixture is a typical Copa Libertadores group stage banana skin. Deportivo Táchira are the Champions of Venezuela, and for them inviting River Plate to town will be the biggest occasion of their season, you might even say it is their Libertadores Final. That’s why blood, sweat and tears will be going into pulling a result out of the bag here. For the home supporters too it will be a huge event and no doubt they will create a raucous and unnerving atmosphere for their guests.

Meanwhile, River Plate have been off the boil recently, especially away from home. Last year they won the title in Argentina, but in truth they didn’t have any great competition. Their spectacular home form saved what was a poor away record. River failed to win in all 4 away Libertadores matches last year and they are on a run of just two wins in eight league matches at the moment. Perhaps they are there for the taking in Venezuela.

San Lorenzo (Argentina) V Palmeiras (Brazil)

San Lorenzo are returning to the Copa Libertadores for the first time since 2017 and they will not be put off by a weekend defeat away to Boca Juniors in the league. The ‘Cyclone’ are famous for their home atmosphere and what a way to return to the continental stage; a home tie with Brazilian giants Palmeiras.

Palmeiras roll into town as Champions of Brazil and recent Libertadores Champions, not to mention, their attack is spearheaded by the man, or boy, of the moment; 17 year old striking sensation Endrick. The teenager scored three goals, in three games, over two continents last week, including strikes against Spain and England. What better motivation for San Lorenzo to pull out a famous victory?

Rosario Central (Argentina) V Peñarol (Uruguay)

Montevideo, Uruguay to Rosario, Argentina is just over a seven-hour drive. Quite incredibly that is a short trip in the context of Copa Libertadores away days; and you better believe that the Uruguayan giants and five-time Copa Libertadores winners Peñarol will bring an army of supporters across the border for this encounter. With competition as fearsome as Atlético Mineiro of Brazil also in this group, both sides will be looking to get points on the board early.

Peñarol have made a rapid start to their domestic season. They are top of the league in Uruguay with five wins and a draw in six games; conceding just two goals during that run. On the other hand, since a big derby win over Newell’s in February Rosario Central have lost four out of five games in the league. Their supporteres will make sure to welcome Peñarol with a hostile atmosphere in what is their first Copa Libertadores match since 2019, hoping their bad run of form can be flipped on its head.