With two weeks and for every group but Group 5, one round remaining in Copa Libertadores, the competition is still relatively wide open. Only six spots in the knockout stages have been sealed, with ten still up for grabs. At least three of those remaining ten will be settled this week, as the unsettled Group 4 and Group 8 end play.
Copa Libertadores Preview: Ten Knockout Stage Spots Still Up For Grabs
LDU Quito vs. Godoy Cruz
Tuesday, 6:15 pm ET
With Peñarol already through and Independiente already out unless this game is a draw and they win by eight goals, the match between LDU Quito and Godoy Cruz is a playoff for a knockout place. Either team advances with a win, while LDU Quito would advance on goal differential with a draw.
If the first match between the two is any indication, this one should be a cracker. Godoy Cruz won a back and forth game 2-1 at home on the first match day of the tournament, but LDU Quito has almost certainly improved since then. They've only lost to Peñarol on the road, a loss which they avenged with a 5-0 home victory. They're in second place in their domestic league, but with the best goal differential and a goal in hand on the leaders. Godoy Cruz are performing up to an acceptable level in this competition and in Argentina, but there are cracks in their armor for sure.
While LDU Quito’s goal scoring record both in this competition and in Ecuador is great, Godoy Cruz’s defensive record both domestically and on the continent is reasonably poor. With the game taking place in Ecuador, LDU Quito look good to get the result they need at home.
Estudiantes La Plata vs. Cruzeiro
Wednesday, 8:50 pm ET
The last time these two teams met, it was an embarrassment for the ages. Cruzeiro stomped all over a lifeless Estudiantes team, defeating them 5-0. Despite their slight slip in domestic form over the last two weeks, Estudiantes have improved considerably since that drubbing, and will likely be out for revenge.
Cruzerio’s wide forward Wallyson and playmaker Roger are the two men to watch for A Raposa, while Enzo Perez, the roving playmaker for Estudiantes, rarely fails to impress. This game has no significance on the standings, as the teams are locked into their places in the group, but it could be a potential preview of a future knockout stage matchup.
Cerro Porteño vs. Santos FC
Thursday, 7:30 pm ET
Assuming the Brazilian big boys are heavy favorites? Not so fast. Cerro Porteño have been absolutely brilliant in the group stages, and Santos will be without some big stars. Neymar, Ze Eduardo, and Elano are all suspended after getting sent off in the last match against Colo-Colo, meaning Santos will have to lean heavily on Paulo Henrique Ganso, Rodrigo Possebon, Keirrison, and a suspect defense.
Keirrison and Rodrigo Possebon are both once-promising young stars who are attempting to re-establish themselves in their home country after failing in their first attempts at European club football, and great performances in this match would go a long way towards doing that. It’s obvious that they have top-level talent, not it’s time for them to make the most of it.
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