The Copa Libertadores is a fierce, rugged competition where Latin American elite clubs face each other. The format is the same as the well-known Champions League; the top teams from each League qualify, and heading into this competitions Round of 16. These are my Top 5 candidates to win it all this year.
1- Boca Juniors, Argentina
Key players: Cristian Pavón, Wilmar Barrios
Strengths: Offensive power, depth
Weaknesses: Uncertainty at goalkeeper, defense
I may be a little bit biased, as I am huge Boca fan, but it is impossible to deny the talent that the Xeneizes’ squad boasts. They already had a really solid team, with “Superliga Argentina” MVP and World Cup player, Cristian Pavon being the best player on the roster. The squad features internationally known players such as colombian Wilmar Barrios and Nahitan Nandez from Uruguay, not to mention Carlos “El Apache” Tevez, who, even though having regressed from his days at Juventus, can still play at a high level.
As if that were not enough, Boca went out and made several splashes in this transfer window, bringing in elite players such as striker Mauro Zarate and defender Carlos Izquierdoz. They also acquired depth in the form of young promises such as left back Lucas Olaza and winger Sebastian Villa. Boca also covered a glaring hole in the squad by getting Esteban Andrada, Lanus’ goalkeeper. Furthermore, Boca will be getting back two top players from injuries, midfielder Fernando Gago and striker Dario Benedetto. With an accesible opponent in the Round of 16 (Libertad), lookout for Boca to continue advancing in this Libertadores.
Round of 16 Opponent: Libertad, Paraguay
2- River Plate, Argentina
Key Players: Franco Armani, Enzo Pérez
Strengths: Chemistry, shutdown goalkeeper
Weaknesses: Aging squad, left back, depth
Bocas’ longtime rival River Plate also looks like a strong contender to make a run in this Copa Libertadores. Surprisingly, los Millonarios made no moves at all this window despite selling starting left back Marcelo Saracchi. Still, with Marcelo Gallardo, who has already won the Copa Libertadores at the helm, River has a strong squad. Veteran players with experience, and the best goalkeeper in Latinamerica, Franco Armani. It will be rather tough for any team to beat them.
Round of 16 Opponent: Racing Club, Argentina
3- Gremio , Brazil
Key Players: Luan Vieira, Everton
Strengths: Reigning champions, squad with experience in Libertadores
Weaknesses: None, probably best team in America
Brazilian teams are always a tough draw in the Copa Libertadores and last edition’s champions, Gremio, are no exception. The team plays exceptionally well despite losing star Arthur to Barcelona. The rest of the champions from last season are still on the team, and the chemistry between them really shows come game-time. Something to keep an eye on, unlike the Champions League, the Libertadores has not had a team win two editions in a row since 2001, when Boca did it.
Round of 16 Opponent: Estudiantes LP, Argentina
4- Palmeiras, Brazil
Key Players: Dudu, Miguel Borja
Strengths: Tough, organized team
Weaknesses: Pressure from fans and media, defense
Yet another Brazilian team, Palmeiras cruised through a group that also featured fellow contender Boca Juniors. In fact, it was thanks to Palmeiras beating Junior that Boca was lucky enough to move on. The team, led by Miguel Borja and Keno (Now in Pyramid FC), though not flashy, were solid and got the job done in the Group Stage, finishing first.. In the fierceness of the Libertadores, where the team that plays better might not always win, teams with such characteristics often achieve good results.
Round of 16 Opponent: Cerro Porteño, Paraguay
5- Atletico Nacional, Colombia
Key Players: Dayro Moreno, Fernando Monetti
Strengths: Best home field advantage, solid defense
Weaknesses: Erratic form, lack of high-caliber players
Los Verdolagas won the competition two years ago, and have established themselves as an elite club ever since. Featuring the best colombian players, Atletico plays with blazing speed and are very composed and organized. The atmosphere and the heat of Colombia also makes it nearly impossible to beat them when they play at home.
Round of 16 Opponent: Atletico Tucuman, Argentina
Honorable Mentions: Independiente, Argentina; Corinthians, Brazil
This years’ edition looks to be one of the toughest Libertadores of all time, as all the “big” clubs moved on to the Round of 16 with no surprises or meaningful Cinderella stories. Some matchups to look for in the Round of 16 are River Vs. Racing, both from Argentina, and Flamengo Vs. Cruzeiro, both from Brazil.
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