The Strongest vs. Penarol (Wednesday, 11.00pm)
© Reuters
Faced with a massive deficit to try to overcome, The Strongest will host Penarol in the second leg of their Copa Libertadores round-of-16 tie on Wednesday at Estadio Ernesto Siles in La Paz.
Last week, the Uruguayans came away with a comprehensive 4-0 victory, putting them in a strong position to make the quarter-finals for the first time since 2011.
We say: The Strongest 1-0 Penarol (Penarol advances 4-1 on aggregate)
No one expects much from the Bolivians after what happened in the opening leg, and with little pressure on their shoulders, we expect them to be a lot more compact defensively and perhaps exit the competition on a positive note.
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River Plate vs. Talleres (Thursday, 1.30am)
© Imago
River Plate can avoid another early exit from the knockout stage of the Copa Libertadores when they host Talleres on Wednesday in the second leg of their round-of-16 tie at Estadio Mas Monumental.
In the opening leg last week, La Banda finally broke Talleres' resolve, scoring with four minutes remaining to claim a 1-0 triumph.
We say: River Plate 1-1 Talleres (River Plate advances 2-0 on aggregate)
Talleres showed tremendous poise and discipline in the opening leg of this tie, but they will have to open up and play to win at some point.
River Plate are more than capable of handling the pressure Cordoba may throw at them and hitting them with a goal on the counter.
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Palmeiras vs. Botafogo (Thursday, 1.30am)
© Reuters
Needing a victory to have any hope of a seventh successive appearance in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores, Palmeiras welcome Botafogo to Allianz Parque on Wednesday in the second leg of that tie.
The current Brasileiro Serie A leaders won the opening leg of this round-of-16 tie, 2-1 at home, putting them in position to end their seven-year exile from the quarter-finals.
We say: Palmeiras 1-0 Botafogo (Palmeiras advance on penalties)
Given the stakes, we expect the desperation and experience of Palmeiras will be just enough to advance them into the next round, in what promises to be a tense affair on Wednesday.
