Some fix this is. Traditionally, the Copa Libertadores has had an unusual tendency to pair potential title contenders in the early rounds, which many fans view as one of the inherent problems of South America’s premier tournament.
This year, CONMEBOL took some preventive measures in order to prevent that from happening. The federation gave the higher-ranked clubs priority so that the round of 16 would see the No. 1 team play No. 16, No. 2 play No. 15 and so on.
But this seems to have backfired. Intriguing matchups in the early rounds are once again the order of the day, with the clash between South American powers River Plate and Corinthians grabbing center stage.
In an encore of 2005, we’ll be treated to another Paulista derby between Palmeiras and São Paulo, as well as an all-Argentine affair between Newell’s Old Boys and Vélez Sarsfield. The sad thing is that half of these top clubs will be out early.
Here’s a breakdown of all eight matchups, and my picks for the clubs to advance to the quarterfinals.
Vélez Sarsfield (1) vs. Newell’s Old Boys (16)
Copa ties between Argentine clubs are always something special, and this matchup will be no different — even though the clubs secured qualification in contrasting styles. While the Fortín come into the series as the highest-ranked club, going undefeated through the group stage with five victories from six matches, the Leprosos experienced several ups and downs before sneaking into the last 16 as the lowest-ranked club. But both know this will have no significance on the outcome come match day, and the winner is likely to be a strong candidate to reach the later stages of the competition. Expect a passionate series that is likely to be won by the side that wants it most.
The pick: Vélez.
Internacional (2) vs. Nacional (15)
Internacional won its group in emphatic style and set up a meeting with three-time former champion Nacional, a club it already met in the group stage. But although the Colorado proved it is superior to its counterpart — with a 3-0 victory and a scoreless draw in their two meetings — it must be aware that things can change quickly with the stakes this high. The Uruguayans have improved as a unit as the competition has progressed, and they’ve achieved some motivating results. They are tactically aware of what Internacional has to offer, and must get a good first-leg result in Montevideo to maintain their hopes of advancing to the final eight.
The pick: Internacional.
Corinthians (3) vs. River Plate (14)
This matchup has attracted huge interest around the continent, as it brings together two title candidates in a series more fitting for the final. Daniel Passarella‘s River Plate didn’t impress in the group stage and only clinched a spot in the second round in its final group match, a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Libertad at the Monumental stadium. A disappointing 14th-position ranking meant Los Millonarios had to do battle with one of the top-ranked clubs, Corinthians, a team they would have preferred to avoid. In last year’s Copa Sudamericana, the Timão eliminated River in the knockout round with an injury-time strike from Marinho. Since then, River has strengthened its squad.
Once again, Corinthians’ star (and former Boca Juniors starlet) Carlos Tévez will face his eternal enemy and will be hoping to continue the outstanding form that has helped him score three times in the competition. The Brazilian champions are undefeated on their home turf and have demonstrated that they’re more than capable of picking up wins on the road, especially after their vital 3-2 victory at Universidad Católica. This is the most exciting tie of the final 16, and the victor is likely to stake a claim for the title.
The pick: Corinthians.
São Paulo (4) vs. Palmeiras (13)
Defending Libertadores champs São Paulo edged Chivas for the top spot in their group with a 2-0 victory over Caracas last Thursday. But this may have played to their disadvantage, as it means a meeting with crosstown rival Palmeiras in the last 16. Still, São Paulo comes into the matchup as the firm favorite, especially due to Palmeiras’ poor form in the Brasileirão, including a 6-1 humiliation at Figueirense last Saturday that led to the firing of manager Émerson Leão.
But history proves that league form is often irrelevant when it comes to the Copa — although Palmeiras is low on morale, it will do whatever it takes to inflict defeat on its bitter rivals. The Tricolor, who overpowered the Verdão 3-0 on aggregate in the same round of the competition last year, will hope to take advantage of the fact that interim manager Marcelo Vilar will be unable to count on three men for the tie – Douglas, Alceu and Enílton, all of whom are suspended for four matches after participating in a violent brawl during their final group game against Cerro Porteño.
The pick: São Paulo.
Goiás (5) vs. Estudiantes de La Plata (12)
Estudiantes scraped into the last 16 with an injury-time strike from Mariano Pavone for a 2-1 victory over Bolivar in their final group game. Although they are Argentina’s weakest team in the competition, they have proven they are capable of anything, having also spectacularly turned around a 3-0 halftime deficit to record a heroic 4-3 victory over Sporting Cristal.
What may reduce Estudiantes’ chances of progressing to the final eight is their poor away record, especially since they’re up against stiff opposition in Goiás. The Brazilians are particularly strong at home, having already eased past Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys 3-0 in the group stage. Although Goiás was unable to record a victory in its last three games, it seems to have the upper hand in what is likely to be an evenly matched contest.
The pick: Goiás.
Libertad (6) vs. Tigres de UANL (11)
Carlos Ramirez‘s final-minute strike sent Tigres into the last 16 at the expense of a strong Universidad Católica side. The satisfaction of advancing from what was deemed the group of death can only be a further motivation as Tigres look to advance further in the competition.
Libertad may not be a traditional South American power, but it has improved enormously in recent editions of the competition. The Paraguayans have become a solid side who pride themselves on work ethic and a no-nonsense approach to the game. After an impressive first-round showing, including a comfortable 2-0 victory over River Plate, they have proven they are capable of mixing it with the best and have a good possibility of advancing. But first they must be aware of the Mexican threat, particularly Argentine playmaker Walter Gaitán, a player who won the Copa with Boca back in 2000 and has been instrumental in Tigres’ success.
The pick: Libertad.
Atlético Nacional (7) vs. LDU Quito (10)
Both clubs have demonstrated that they are worthy of a spot in the last 16 after impressing in the group stage. Liga, a team that features more than half a dozen Ecuador internationals in its starting lineup, is experienced at this level and has outlined its strength in the attack by scoring 11 goals in its last three games. But other than Vélez, it has faced relatively weak sides in Rocha FC and Universitario.
On the other hand, Atlético Nacional topped one of the toughest groups of the competition and caught the attention of the press with its fine away record, including important victories at Cerro Porteño and Palmeiras. A big blow for the Colombians will be the absence of leading scorer Víctor Aristi
zábal, who was dismissed in the club’s final group match against Rosario Central.
The pick: Atlético Nacional.
Independiente Santa Fe (8) vs. Chivas de Guadalajara (9)
Chivas shocked the continent with two straight victories over São Paulo in the group stage, but could only afford a scoreless draw in their final group game against Cienciano last Thursday and ended up placing second to the Tricolor. This may work to their advantage, however, as they avoided Palmeiras and set up a meeting with Colombian club Independiente Santa Fe. But Santa Fe is no pushover and outlined its strength by topping what turned out to be the most highly contested group in the competition. This is likely to be an evenly matched series. Although Chivas come into the tie as favorites (mainly because of their experienced squad), Santa Fe may well be the dark horse of the tournament.
The pick: Chivas.
Gregory Sica
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