2011 Copa Libertadores Quarterfinals, Second Legs: All Just A Little Bit Of History Repeating?

Strangely enough, three of the four ties in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals looks exactly like a previous Round of 16 tie. Universidad Catolica and Peñarol might spice things up with something you’ve never seen before, but the other ties are giving off quite the aura of deja vu. Once Caldas looks dead in the water against another Brazilian team, Jaguares disappointed with a home draw and looks to be in trouble and Velez Sarsfield is absolutely rolling.

Could Copa actually turn the unpredictable into the entirely predictable? In the case of Once Caldas, no one gave them a chance when they fell behind to Cruzeiro. They were not taken seriously in the second leg and as a result, put together another comeback victory. In the quarterfinals, they have fallen behind to Santos and no one gives them a chance in the second leg. Where have I heard that one before?

Jaguares de Chiapas were also given little chance after drawing Atletico Junior 1-1 in Chiapas, but they drew 3-3 in Colombia to advance as part of one of the craziest games the world has ever seen. Jackson Martinez was suspended in the first game, and his return for the second game should be a massive boost to a Jaguares team who look like they might get another score draw to pull off yet another upset.

It’s also the same old stuff for Velez Sarsfield, but unlike Once Caldas and Jaguares, they’re dealing with much less adversity. After thrashing LDU Quito 5-0 on aggregate and doing similar damage to Libertad in the first leg of the quarterfinals with a 3-0 win, Velez are quickly asserting themselves as the best team in this tournament.

That pesky fourth tie is interesting, though. There’s certainly no recent historical precedent that makes predicting that tie easy. Peñarol were impressive in their 2-0 win at home, but UC will be serious favorites back in Chile.

Schedule

Libertad Vs. Velez Sarsfield - Wednesday, 6:30 pm ET

Santos FC Vs. Once Caldas - Wednesday, 8:50 pm ET

Universidad Chile Vs. Peñarol - Thursday, 7 pm ET

Cerro Porteño Vs. Jaguares de Chiapas - Thursday, 9:15 pm ET