Players of Atletico Nacional lift the trophy after a second leg final match between Atletico … [+]
16 teams remain in the race for the Copa Libertadores; the biggest football competition in South America. From River Plate of Argentina to Flamengo of Brazil, the most important clubs on the continent are fighting for one of the greatest prizes in world football.
This week the knockout stages begin and each team has their possible path to the final mapped out. In the Copa Libertadores the tournament bracket is set in a single draw and teams know their possible opponents from the last 16 all the way through to the final.
More than just legendary status and a trophy is at stake though. These teams are fighting for what CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez has claimed to be “the highest-paid (soccer final) in the world,” with an extra $23 million going to the winning team.
Unlike in Europe’s Champions League there is no rule that prohibits teams from the same country meeting in the last 16. This means that ties from Brazil as tantalising as Botafogo versus Palmeiras and Grêmio against reigning champions Fluminense get underway this midweek.
Nino of Fluminense and teammates lift the trophy after winning the final match of Copa CONMEBOL … [+]
Talleres Córdoba and River Plate will also go head-to-head in an all-Argentinian clash. Whilst San Lorenzo of Argentina take on Atlético Mineiro of Brazil in a last 16 line-up that is much dominated by teams from those respective nations.
Flamengo, who are amongst the favourites to lift the trophy, take on Bolívar of Bolivia and Sāo Paulo, one of seven Brazilian sides still alive in the competition, take on Nacional of Uruguay.
Peñarol of Uruguay take on The Strongest of Bolivia. Both nations, impressively, have two clubs representing them in the last 16 of this competition. In the remaining tie Colombia and Chile both have one club each flying their respective flags as Colo Colo take on Junior of Barranquilla.
Nacional and Peñarol of Uruguay are historic clubs with eight Libertadores titles between them, but neither has been Champions this century. Brazilian teams have won the last five titles in a row, and with a whopping seven representatives left fighting it out you wouldn’t bet against that becoming six.
Another exciting story yet to unravel in this tournament is how well River Plate will manage under the guidance of Marcelo Gallardo, who has previously coached them to two Libertadores titles and has now returned in search of his third at the helm. The Millonarios are fighting for the chance to play in a home final in Buenos Aires. Much like Fluminense had in Rio de Janeiro last year, when they beat Boca Juniors to win their first ever title.
Botafogo versus Palmeiras is the pick of the bunch this week though, they are two of Brazil’s in-form sides and two of the strongest squads in South America. Both will be looking to make it through to the next round and put a dent in their oppositions entire season whilst they are at it.
Copa Libertadores first leg ties will be played on the week commencing August 12th, with the return fixtures to take place just seven days later.
ose Manuel Lopez of Palmeiras competes for the ball with Damian Suarez of Botafogo during the match … [+]
