Copa Libertadores Preview: All Eight Of This Week’s Matches Matter

The final week of the Copa Libertadores group stages is a huge one, with four more groups being decided this week. Only two teams out of the 16 playing over the next two days have been eliminated, while only one has already sealed qualification for the knockout stages.

Internacional Vs. Emelec

Tuesday, 7:15 pm ET

The defending champions Internacional only need a draw at home to qualify for the next round, but based on their play so far in this tournament, they’ll be looking for a win at home. Despite losing some key players from last year’s team, Internacional look like a contender once again after replacing their key players well. Emelec need a big away win to advance in all likelihood, as Jaguares are unlikely to lose to Jorge Wilstermann.

Jorge Wilstermann Vs. Jaguares de Chiapas

Tuesday, 7:15 pm ET

Well, this is a bizarre game. Jorge Wilstermann are a poor team who have only managed one point so far in this group (way to screw that one up, Emelec), but they’re not guaranteed to lose against Jaguares. The formerly relegation-threatened Mexican side played a full strength team on the weekend and will only be taking 15 (mostly backup) players to Bolivia. Jaguares will go through with a win, and based on goal differential, they will likely go through despite their result if Emelec does not win.

Libertad Vs. San Luis

Tuesday, 9:30 pm ET

Nothing but a win will do for Mexican side San Luis, who sit in third place in Group 1. Libertad are top of the group, and a win in Paraguay will be a tall order for San Luis, especially considering that Libertad beat them in Mexico. However, since then, Libertad’s domestic form has been very average, and they barely snatched a home draw against Once Caldas in the last round of this competition.

Universidad San Martin Vs. Once Caldas

Tuesday, 9:30 pm ET

Though the average viewer might not be too familiar with these two teams, the average viewer is very lucky that they get to see this game tonight on Fox Deportes or FoxSoccer.tv. Both teams are solid, though rather unknown, and could provide a scare in the second round to one of the high seeds. Once Caldas were destroyed in the first game of the group stages at home against San Martin, but they’ve improved since then and they will not make it easy for the hosts in Peru.

Colo Colo Vs. Cerro Porteño

Wednesday, 6:30 pm ET

With three of Santos FC’s stars suspended, Cerro Porteño had every opportunity to seal qualification last week. Instead, they lost at home, and they’re not fighting for their life in Chile. The Paraguayan side dropped five goals on their hosts the first time they met in Paraguay, but the match in Chile should be an entirely different animal. Cristobal Jorquera and Andres Scotti, who received straight red cards against Santos two matches ago, remain suspended.

Santos FC Vs. Deportivo Tachira

Wednesday, 6:30 pm ET

With Neymar and Elano returning from suspension, Santos should have this in the bag, along with qualification to the next round of the competition. If they lose, Neymar will probably kick someone in the groin and then throw a hissy fit after he gets a red card.

Argentinos Juniors Vs. Fluminense

Wednesday, 8:50 pm ET

Fluminense, despite having two of the best playmakers in the competition in Deco and Dario Conca, sit in last place in the group of death, Group 3. Maybe they should have put a defense behind those guys and some finishers in front of them? Deco will miss this game and Flu have a big Rio state championship game coming up, so signs point to a positive result for the home team, whose defense is spectacular, despite that 2-2 draw against Flu in Brazil.

Nacional Vs. Club America

Wednesday, 8:50 pm ET

Is this a case of the best getting saved for last? Nacional are a super entertaining side, lead by their 20 year old striker Santiago Garcia, who is absolutely on fire right now. Club America’s defense is poor, but their attack has been great under Carlos Reinoso, so we could be in for a seriously high scoring affair. If you watch one Copa game this week, make it this one.