Sao Paulo vs. Nacional (Thursday, 11.00pm)
© Reuters
A place in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores is at stake Thursday when Sao Paulo host Nacional in the second leg of that tie at Estadio de Morumbi.
The first match between them in Montevideo produced a 0-0 result, only the second time that each side had failed to find the back of the net at the tournament this year.
We say: Sao Paulo 1-0 Nacional
For as sharp as Nacional were defensively in the opening leg, we have difficulty believing they can replicate that against a side in Sao Paulo who are equally strong on the back end at home and have plenty of experience to draw upon in these must-win games.
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Bolivar vs. Flamengo (Friday, 1.30am)
© Reuters
Bolivar need at least a two-goal victory on Thursday to prolong their stay in the Copa Libertadores as they welcome Flamengo to Estadio Hernando Siles for the second leg of that round of 16 tie.
The three-time winners of this tournament head into this engagement with a 2-0 cushion, scoring in each half back in Brazil last week.
We say: Bolivar 1-0 Flamengo (Flamengo advances 2-1 on aggregate)
With a two-goal cushion, the Brazilians may put an extra emphasis on maintaining that advantage, and we believe they will do just enough to hang on against a desperate Bolivar side.
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Devesh Jaganath
