We’re done with qualifying action for the Copa Libertadores, and now we’re getting into the good stuff. The group stages start on February 7th, and the draw has now been finalised. 32 teams have been sorted into eight groups of four to play a double round robin that will conclude with 16 advancing to the next round in May. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.
Copa Libertadores 2012 Groups Finalized
The qualifying round of the 2012 Copa Libertadores concluded Thursday, and all eight groups are set for the upcoming group stage of the competition.
Group 1 features Brazilian powerhouses Santos and Internacional, meaning we'll see the likes of Neymar and Ganso vs. potential £20m man Leandro Damiao. In Group 4 we have both Fluminese and Boca Juniors, and Group 8 has perhaps the most interesting team of the all - Universidad de Chile, reigning Copa Sudamericana champions. Even without Eduardo Vargas, they one of the favourites to win the whole thing.
And the best news of all: Cerro Porteño didn’t make it into the tournament. Hurray!
Group 1
FC Santos
Juan Aurich
The Strongest
Internacional
Group 2
Olimpia
Emelec
Lanus
Flamengo
Group 3
Bolivar
Junior
Universidad Catolica
Union Espanola
Group 4
Boca Juniors
Zamora
Fluminese
Arsenal
Group 5
Nacional
Alianza Lima
Vasco de Gama
Libertad
Group 6
Corinthians
Deportivo Tachira
Nacional
Cruz Azul
Group 7
Velez Sarsfield
Deportivo Quito
Defensor Sporting
Chivas de Guadalajara
Group 8
Universidad de Chile
Atletico Nacional
Godoy Cruz
Penarol
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