Copa Sudamericana champions Independiente kick-off their 2011 edition of the Copa Libertadores tonight in Buenos Aries against Deportivo Quito. Having defeated Brazil's Goias in CONMEBOL's version of Europa League to get into the competition, the Argentine club starts their quest for an eighth continental title, already the most successful club in the history of this competition. Independiente is a long shot, however, with tonight's match the first of a two-legged tie to decide which of the clubs earns a spot in group stage.
Copa Libertadores: 2011 Competition Kicks-Off With Independiente Hosting Deportivo Quito
Five other ties will play out over the next two weeks, with Brazil's Corinthians and Gremio also having to play their way into the main part of the drew. They will Deportes Tolima (Colombia) and Liverpool (Uruguay) tomorrow, respectively, with Jaguares (Mexico) and Alizana Lima (Peru) completing Wednesday's triple-header. On Thursday, Deportivo Petare (Venezuela) will host Cerro Porteño (Paraguay) and Union Española (Chile) host Bolívar (Bolivia) to round out the week's first legs.
But before those matches, Independiente starts the quest to regain continental prominence, hoping to post a big score against Deportivo before ascending the heights of Quito. At 9,350 meters above sea level, Quito is a problematic trip for any visitor, with Depotivo and Liga (LDU Quito) combining for a 19-7-2 home record in Copa Libertadores since 2006.
Speaking to FIFA.com, Independiente midfielder Nicolas Cabrera echoed the need for a convincing home result.
“It is the first important match of the year and we are hopeful of scoring a lot of goals here because then we’ll have to play in high altitude,” Cabrera said. “We want to demonstrate on the field why we won the Copa Sudamericana. We want to win all the championships we are playing in this year.”
Lineups (courtesy Buenos Aires Herald)
Independiente: Hilario Navarro; Eduardo Tuzzio, Carlos Matheu, Julián Velázquez; Nicolás Cabrera, Roberto Battión, Cristian Pellerano, Lucas Mareque; Matías Defederico; Facundo Parra, Andrés Silvera.
Deportivo Quito: Marcelo Elizaga; Pedro Esterilla, Luis Checa, Isaac Mina, Mariano Mina; Segundo Castillo, Alex Bolaños, Luis Saritama, Juan Carlos Paredes; Michael Quiñónez; Maximiliano Bevacqua.
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