Recapping The 2019 Copa Libertadores Group Draw

With the Libertadores 2018 now in the history books, the stage is set for next years’ edition. Hopefully, it’ll have much less drama and controversy, and plainly, just more football.

Definida la fase previa y los grupos de la Copa Libertadores 2019 pic.twitter.com/oP9Syb3492

— Jaime F. Macias (@Jaimefmacias) December 18, 2018

Toughest Group

Group A: River Plate (ARG), Alianza Lima (PER), Internacional (BRA), G4 (Potentially Sao Paulo or Talleres)

The draw was not kind to current champions River Plate. Internacional is an American powerhouse and is always a tough out. There’s also the possibility of having two Brazilian teams in the same group if Sao Paulo advances through the qualifiers. Alianza Lima is also a solid team that complicates this already deadly group. If Talleres moves on, the group doesn’t get any easier, as the Argentinean outfit has progressed tremendously over the last couple seasons, going from the Second Division to the Libertadores, and playing a characteristic style of football in the progress. This group will definitely be one to keep an eye on.

Easiest Group

Group C: Godoy Cruz (ARG), Olimpia (PAR), Sporting Cristal (PER), Universidad de Concepcion (CHI)

Even though there are no easy groups in the Libertadores, Group C is definitely the weakest. I’m going to be bold here, but my prediction is that neither of the qualifiers from this group will make it past the round of 16. Godoy Cruz is just a small team with no depth or quality to succeed. Olimpia is perhaps the toughest, but the giant has been on the decline lately and hasn’t made any impact in past Libertadores. Sporting Cristal and Universidad de Concepcion aren’t relevant enough to be considered threats. This group is just full of “meh”.

Best Matchups

River Plate (ARG) Vs. Internacional (BRA)

The big headline of this matchup will be Andres D’Alessandro’s return to the club where he was born. Otherwise, this will be an entertaining match-up to watch between Brazilian and Argentinean powerhouses. With a tough group, when both teams go face-to-face it could decide who gets in the Round of 16 and who’s left behind.

Flamengo (BRA) Vs. Peñarol (URU)

Uruguayan teams are always a pleasure to watch, as they play football with their hearts instead of their brains. Flamengo was a big letdown last year, so they’ll look to rebound in this years’ Libertadores. 

Palmeiras (BRA) Vs. Junior (COL)

This is a rematch from last year’s group stage. Palmeiras eliminated Junior in the last game, beating them 3-1 and giving Boca (the team that ultimately eliminated them) a hand. Junior will want to get revenge for the humiliation.

Boca Juniors (ARG) Vs. Atletico Paranaense (BRA)

The winner of the Copa Sudamericana will face off against the runner-up of this year’s Libertadores in what promises to be an enticing match-up. Boca will most likely play their arse off next year, as they try to erase the humiliation of their eternal rivals celebrating the Libertadores in their face.

My Predictions

River Plate, Internacional – Group A

Cruzeiro, Emelec – Group B

Olimpia, Godoy Cruz – Group C

Flamengo, Peñarol – Group D

Cerro Porteño, Nacional – Group E

San Lorenzo, Palmeiras – Group F

Boca Juniors, Atl. Paranaense – Group G

Gremio, Rosario Central – Group H

@CasioPerSources