The highly anticipated fixture between Santos and Boca Juniors is upon us as both sides battle to secure themselves a spot in Copa Libertadores final. A win from either side will see the winner face Palmeiras in the finals on January 30, at Maracanã.
Santos would have come into the second leg with a goal advantage if the referee had awarded them a penalty after Izquierdoz’s foul on Marinho in the second half of the first leg. However, going into the tie with a clean slate on the score line makes the match open for both sides.
Boca Juniors seems to have the upper hand coming into this contest based on form. They have not seen defeat in six consecutive games, winning three and drawing the remaining.
Santos, however, comes into the game fully rested as they played their reserve squad against São Paulo during the weekend fixture and were able to get the win against the league leaders.
Aside that, Santos had it tough in the first leg and playing at home against Boca Juniors in the second leg might prove to be a much sterner test.
A goal away from home counts and that means Santos must be wary of a draw with goals, as that would see Boca advance to the finals. Another goalless draw takes the game to penalties but Santos would be more focused on a straight victory in regular time.
Should they win this tie, Boca Juniors will be entering their 12th finals of the Copa Libertadores and will be hoping to win their seventh, and become the joint most successful side in the competition alongside Independiente.
Santos can make their fifth finals if they can beat Boca Juniors in their away game on Tuesday night. They will be aiming to go one step closer to their fourth crown of the Copa Libertadores when they go head-to-head against Palmeiras in the finals.
