With the first leg of the Libertadores’ quarterfinals now over, it is time to dissect everything that it left behind. From goalkeeper duels, to VAR controversies (yet again), the Libertadores does not disappoint.
Independiente (ARG) 0-0 River Plate (ARG)
If there is one conclusion to take out of this game is that Franco Armani and Martin Campaña are the best goalkeepers in Latin America. Both cleared absolutely everything that got sent their way with Armani making what could be the save of the competition.
GOOOOO….. ARMANI !!!! pic.twitter.com/ld34lE7HLD
— El tuit es de RIVER (@chechoking) September 20, 2018
The game between Independiente and River, despite ending up goalless, was an entertaining one, with plenty of goal-scoring opportunities and attacking football. Both clubs feature some of the best players in Argentina like the aforementioned goalkeepers, Alan Franco, Maxi Meza for Independiente and Gonzalo Martinez, Juanfer Quintero for River Plate, so the second leg is definitely a must watch.
The second leg will be played in the Monumental so I expect River to end up making it to the semifinals, despite facing plenty of opposition from always tough Independiente.
Second Leg Prediction: River Plate 2-0 Independiente (Agg. River 2-0 Independiente)
Atletico Tucuman (ARG) 0-2 Gremio (BRA)
As expected, Gremio made easy work of Atletico Tucuman. Still, the highlight of the game was the absolute madness in the stands of Atl. Tucumans’ stadium in the club’s debut in the Libertadores quarterfinals and also the use of VAR on a red card for Gervasio Nuñez for stomping on a Gremio player.
Solo se que te vengo a alentar ⚽️ #CopaLibertadores #atleticotucuman pic.twitter.com/HH3H3CF13H
— FuiLaSeleccion 🇦🇷⚽️🏆 (@juampi1095) September 19, 2018
Gremio’s central defenders showed why they are the best in all America by a mile. Geromel and Kannemann were impenetrable, shutting down Atletico’s attack without any complications.
With a rock solid defense and electric players like Luan and Everton attacking, Gremio is, in my opinion, the favorite to win the Libertadores.
Second Leg Prediction: Gremio 3-0 Atletico Tucuman (Agg. Gremio 5-0 Atl. Tucuman)
Colo-Colo (CHI) 0-2 Palmeiras (BRA)
Palmeiras got the easiest opponent heading into the quarterfinals and it showed. Playing in Chile, the Brazilian team that are also favorites to win the Libertadores had no trouble with Colo-Colo. In fact, the Chileans recorded only one shot on goal.
Brazil international #Dudu scored as #Palmeiras beat Colo Colo 2-0 in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores 1/4 final phase. https://t.co/rnfGfdNg1b
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStat) September 21, 2018
This is the least entertaining matchup, as the second leg will most likely not feature any surprises. Against my prediction, Colo-Colo will surely be eliminated.
Second Leg Prediction: Palmeiras 2-1 Colo-Colo (Agg. Palmeiras 4-1 Colo-Colo)
Boca Juniors (ARG) 2-0 Cruzeiro (BRA)
In La Bombonera, Boca is quite difficult to beat. This time, the Xeneizes defeated Cruzeiro 2-0 without any major complications. The only controversy of the night was a red card show to Dede because of excessive use of force.
La jugada de la expulsión de Dedé. El árbitro utilizó el VAR y erróneamente le sacó la tarjeta roja al defensor de #Cruzeiro. pic.twitter.com/CjacqP1y07
— Viva El Futbol (@VivaElFutbolAM) September 20, 2018
The play resulted in Boca’s goalkeeper Andrade breaking his jaw, and he will need at least 2 months to fully recover, essentially sidelining him for the rest of the Libertadores. He had been rock solid for Boca, who will now have to turn to the much questioned Agustin Rossi.
Cruzeiro will have Giorgian de Arrascaeta back for the second leg, so we can expect Cruzeiro to play a more direct, attacking football, and Boca will be without a true goalkeeper. This second leg promises to be the most entertaining.
Second Leg Prediction: Cruzeiro 2-1 Boca (Agg. Cruzeiro 2-3 Boca)
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Twitter: @casiopersources