After several months of anticipation, the moment that South American football fans have been waiting for has finally arrived: this week, the Round of 16 in the CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana kicks off. As usual, there are several Brazilian representatives in both competitions.
Grêmio, Fluminense, Atlético Mineiro, Botafogo, Palmeiras, São Paulo, and Flamengo continue their pursuit of Eternal Glory. Meanwhile, Red Bull Bragantino, Corinthians, Fortaleza, Athletico Paranaense, and Cruzeiro are looking for the Great Conquest.
Even though numerous Brazilian teams are still standing, some of them will face off against each other. Here’s a preview of each matchup involving these teams.
READ MORE
++ Pelé, Neymar, Ronaldinho and other Brazilian legends who won the Libertadores
++ Which are the Brazilian clubs with the most Copa Libertadores titles?
++ AI simulates the next 100 years of the Libertadores: Which Brazilian clubs will lift the trophy again?
Brazilians in the Libertadores
Grêmio vs. Fluminense: The defending champions against a rising team
A few weeks ago, both teams were flirting with the relegation zone in the Brasileirão. However, the Tricolor Gaúcho have managed to distance themselves from the lower area of the table with a string of good results. The Tricolor Carioca, meanwhile, are still near the bottom but are starting to rise, having won their last four league matches.
Fluminense, however, head into this clash with the confidence of being the defending Libertadores champions. Grêmio had a rough start but finished the group stage strongly, and with several renowned players in their squad, they promise to put up a fight. On paper, this looks like an evenly matched duel.
📌🏆 The CONMEBOL #Libertadores is back this week with Round of 1⃣6⃣ action! 🔥
📺🇺🇸 In the US, you can catch the action on @beINSPORTSUSA! pic.twitter.com/TlGifdgoTT
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@TheLibertadores) August 12, 2024
Atlético Mineiro vs. San Lorenzo: Will the Galo live up to the favorite tag?
Gabriel Milito’s men enter this clash as heavy favorites. Galo were unstoppable in their group and added even more firepower to an already star-studded squad. Their opponents are in the midst of a deep football and institutional crisis ahead of the first leg, but history shows that Argentine teams can never be underestimated against Brazilian opposition.
Botafogo vs. Palmeiras: A clash between Brasileirão contenders
The teams that were the main contenders in last year’s Brasileirão and are once again challenging for the title this year will now face off to stay alive on the continental stage. Fogão lead the league standings and have landed more players, but Verdão won their group and know what it’s like to play in these phases. Will experience prevail over current form?
Nacional vs. São Paulo: Tricolor Paulista must prove why they are favorites
São Paulo enter this series as the clear favorite on paper. However, Nacional have reasons to be confident, drawing on their Copa Libertadores mystique and the characteristic fighting spirit of Uruguayan teams. Luis Zubeldía’s side will need to play their best football and match the expected intensity of their opponents.
Flamengo vs. Bolívar: The favorite versus their nemesis
While Mengão boast one of the best, if not the best, squads in the tournament, they face a familiar foe. Bolívar defeated Flamengo in La Paz during the group stage, though they lost by four goals at the Maracanã. Tite’s men have reason to dream of winning it all, but they must first overcome an opponent that has already caused them trouble in the past.
Brazilians in the Sudamericana
Red Bull Bragantino vs. Corinthians
One of the most evenly matched ties in the Sudamericana. Bragantino finished second in their group behind Racing Club, while Timão won Group F without much difficulty. Both are experiencing inconsistent form in the Brazilian league, so small details could determine the winner.
📌🏆 It's time for the Round of 1⃣6⃣! 🔥
📺🇺🇸 In the US, you can catch the action on @beINSPORTSUSA! pic.twitter.com/x64ZWeGpQu
— CONMEBOL Sudamericana (@TheSudamericana) August 12, 2024
Rosario Central vs. Fortaleza
Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s side made a statement in the group stage by finishing atop their group above Boca Juniors, whom they comfortably defeated at home. Fortaleza’s current form in the Brasileirão also makes them favorites, as they’re just behind leaders Botafogo. However, their next opponent comes from pulling off a major upset in Brazil, having eliminated Internacional in the playoff after playing in the Libertadores group stage. Will there be another Argentine victory, or will Fortaleza live up to the expectations?
Athletico Paranaense vs. Belgrano
Furacão advanced to this stage by eliminating Cerro Porteño after surprisingly finishing behind Sportivo Ameliano in their group. Belgrano, on the other hand, topped their group ahead of Inter. In this case, the Brazilian team may not be clear favorites.
Boca Juniors vs. Cruzeiro
In terms of names and history, this is the most thrilling matchup in this round. It’s a clash that seems more like a Libertadores fixture than a Sudamericana one. Raposa are enjoying in 2024 after several years of frustration, but this will be a significant challenge for the Belo Horizonte outfit. Boca had to face Independiente del Valle in the Round of 16 playoff, which they won thanks to a hard-fought victory at La Bombonera, and their current form in the Argentine league is poor. However, international competition always lits a fire beneath the Xeneize.
